For over 15 years, we have been faithfully serving the Lord among the Turkish diaspora in the southern part of Bulgaria, especially in the town of Gotse Delchev. Following the example of the Apostle Paul, who preached the Gospel to the Gentiles, this ministry reaches people unfamiliar with the Good News. We have held worship services and evangelistic meetings in public places, children’s and youth camps, as well as seminars for new believers. With joy and thanksgiving to the Lord, water baptisms are regularly performed for those who come to faith. The local church in the city now numbers over 80 members who have accepted Christ.`
To strengthen this young church, the mission is focused on training future leaders — ministers and deacons — through Bible seminars and mentoring. At the same time, a missionary music group has organized benefit events in the United States, with proceeds directed toward building a house of prayer in Gotse Delchev. Our main goal is to continue preaching the Gospel in a region where, in many villages, the name of Jesus Christ has yet to be heard and no local churches exist. God is calling us to be a light in these places, and we ask for your prayerful support for the spread of God’s Kingdom among the Turkish people of Bulgaria.
We’ve just returned from a trip to the village of Mondomil, located in the mountainous Jiwaka Province. The journey takes 6–8 hours from our home — depending on how badly the roads have been washed out, whether there are bandits along the way, or if the mountain pass is closed. But praise the Lord — He blessed our journey, and we were able to travel there and back safely! Over the course of three days, we were able to:
Hold 4 evangelistic services
Provide medical assistance and an eye clinic
Host children’s and youth programs
Perform skits and creative Gospel presentations
Show the classic but powerful film “Jesus”, which becomes even more impactful when the Papuans hear it in their native language. The Lord performed many miracles during this trip — but the greatest of all was the people who accepted Him into their hearts. One of our pastors, who is originally from this region, felt a strong calling from the Lord to return to Mondomil in July — this time with his wife and three children — to continue ministry there. His plan is to begin with discipleship groups and gradually work toward planting a new church in the village. May the Lord bless this new beginning!
When we are joyful, we have the strength and desire to live. This is such an important truth — especially for children who have been through trauma. This month, a new room was opened in the children’s oncology ward — a space where kids can rest and spend time with us. The head doctor of the department says she can’t imagine her work without our presence. We thank God for this favor — and we thank you, too. Your faithful support has made this ministry possible! On the day the room opened, it was Ksenia’s birthday. We bought her a big stuffed animal, dressed up in her favorite animal costumes, and threw her a celebration. Although Ksenia is in very serious condition, her mother told us she had never seen her daughter so happy.
We are praying for them, as they soon must travel for a bone marrow transplant. We would like to help raise funds — they have no way to pay for the trip or the medications. Ksenia’s mom is now actively involved in our gatherings and has even come to church. At the Artyn orphanage, we also met Sergey. He was 9 years old when we first met him — angry and always fighting. Now he’s 14. A year ago, we bought him a keyboard, and he fell in love with music. He started playing, learned a few hymns from the hymnal, and now when we visit the orphanage, he plays them for us. It’s a miracle to me. Jesus heals! Thank you for your open hearts and your help!
Each session is tailored to the specific child,” says Grigory. “We create something new every time! I always ask, ‘What would you like to make?’ or ‘How could we fix something that’s broken at home?’ This teaches children to find solutions, fosters creativity, and builds confidence.” Our children develop in many different areas: they work with wood and metal, make jewelry or toys, paint pictures, sing, and sculpt with clay. These workshops are made possible by the creative center within our Children’s Ark. Some of the clay and vocal lessons are even conducted together with parents. These become a gentle yet profound form of family rehabilitation. Mary, head of the “Clay” studio, shares her reflections: “Sometimes words aren’t needed. It’s enough to sit nearby, take the soft clay into your hands, and start sculpting.” As it is written: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
We believe that through creativity, care, and prayer, God is healing these children. Right now, we have five instructors. We are currently seeking financial support to employ them full-time so they can continue this important work wholeheartedly, without worrying about tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who supports the Children’s Ark. Here, together, we are raising children for the Kingdom of God.
In 2017, my wife and I moved to Vietnam to spread the Word of God. Before that, we had gone on several short-term mission trips and fell in love with the country and its people. Later on, the Lord opened doors for us to serve in Thailand and Laos as well. From time to time, we travel there, continuing to sow the Word of God. My wife Irina has the gift of evangelism. No matter where she is or whom she meets, she always speaks about her Lord. Even now, while in the hospital, she encourages almost every woman going into surgery with a word from God. Vietnam has a very hot climate — temperatures sometimes exceed 40°C (104°F). We have contracted dengue fever twice, a disease that sadly takes the lives of many locals. Due to it, Irina suffered a minor stroke — but the Lord showed us mercy and spared her life.
Recently, we faced yet another trial: my wife was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Over the course of five months, she underwent many tests and procedures. A surgery was performed, and now she is going through chemotherapy. Irina is afraid of chemotherapy and feeling overwhelmed. Please pray for us! This is a very difficult season of life for my beloved Irina and me. God continues to guide and sustain us through your prayers and your help. We humbly ask you to strengthen your intercession for us and support us as we walk through this valley — believing together for healing, hope, and peace.
The father of Karonna and Rohanna found another woman and left the family, leaving their mother with four children when the youngest was only six months old. The mother couldn’t find stable work because there was no one to look after the children. She worked for neighbors in the village: washing dishes, doing laundry, cleaning the house and yard — earning about 2 euros a day, which was just enough to buy some food for the children. When there was no such work, the mother would go through trash piles looking for scorched rice left at the bottom of cooking pots, so she could soak it in water and give it to the children.
Soon, the mother learned about our shelter and asked if we could take her children. We took in not only the children, but also the mother. Now she cooks and helps with household chores. Karonna is a calm, compliant child — very obedient and always willing to help when asked. She does well in school but is a bit withdrawn, likely because in her previous school she was constantly mocked and humiliated due to her low social status — something that plays a significant role in Cambodia. Rohanna is still very attached to her mother — constantly seeking attention and love. She is cheerful, active, joyful, and curious. These and many other children need your prayers and monthly support!
