Together they are responsible for leading two churches in the towns of Velingrad and Rakitovo, which are situated in the beautiful Rhodope Mountain region of southern Bulgaria.
The church in Velingrad is also host to the SGA supported Mission School where Mira ably assists with translation.
Church ministry for Stefan and Mira is challenging, yet they are never ones to complain! The church in Velingrad has around 50 attending and the church in Rakitovo (a much smaller community) has around 20. Both areas are difficult for ministry with so many social issues, traditions, spiritual apathy, as well as suspicion of evangelicals! “The work is difficult,” explains Stefan, “but it is our desire to serve the Lord no matter what the obstacles are.”
As well as the weekly family services in the churches, they both visit homes to share God’s Word and encourage folk, many of whom are facing difficult issues and family problems. Mira adds, “Sometimes it is hard to see fruit from this work, but with God’s help we seek to be faithful and try to show His love.”
Another vital aspect of their ministry is their involvement in summer camps each year. This provides a wonderful opportunity to get alongside many young people; to listen, to care, to counsel, to point them to Jesus. Through this, a number of them come to church and this also opens opportunities to visit their families, too.
The work in this region is difficult, but we thank God for such faithful servants who humbly serve God with hearts filled with love and a deep desire to share their Saviour, Jesus Christ, with others.