At the beginning of the year, we completed the Alpha Course. At the final meeting, we summarized the results and gave everyone the opportunity to share personal insights and reflections they had gained during the course. During this time, the group became truly close-knit. The final topic of the course was about the church, and it was a great encouragement for me to see the openness of the participants and their sincere desire not just to attend meetings, but to be part of the church and walk this path together.
The most significant event of the month was the official opening of the Slavic Evangelical Church. This is a long-awaited and important milestone, for which we are grateful to God. It also became a confirmation that everything that had been done before was meaningful, even if it took a long time.
We ask you to pray for us:
For the further development of the church
That the Lord would raise up leaders in Lebanon—faithful and mature servants to whom the responsibility for ministry can eventually be entrusted
That new people would be established in the faith and build living, personal relationships with God
That the Lord would continue to bring those who are being saved
In December 2025, we held Christmas services in Lebanon. These days became a time of God’s presence, challenges, and powerful testimonies of how the Lord is building His Church in the Middle East.
The services took place throughout the country — from Tyre and Sidon to Tripoli near the border with Syria. During the week, several meetings were held each day. Special attention was given to ministry among Syrian and Iraqi refugees who had experienced war and loss. We witnessed hearts opening to the Gospel, and after the services many people, with tears in their eyes, thanked God, saying that the Lord had spoken to them personally.
The beginning of the mission was marked by a serious trial: before traveling to Tyre, we learned about a recent rocket attack in that area. After prayer, the entire team unanimously decided to continue the ministry, trusting in God.
The Lord honored this obedience: a new church was opened in Tyre, and the first baptism was performed.
We are grateful to everyone who supported the ministry with prayers and donations — your support has brought hope, joy, and fruit for God’s Kingdom.
We are reaching out with a request for prayerful support for the upcoming ministry. From December 6 to 14, the Kirnev family missionary team will be carrying out a Christmas evangelistic outreach among the peoples of the Middle East.
Please pray:
that the Word of God would be effective in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia;
that the light of the Gospel would penetrate places where spiritual darkness reigns.
We believe that the united prayer of the Church can change the destinies of nations, and that through this ministry many souls will hear about the birth of the Savior.
During these days, services will be held among children, youth, and adults, accompanied by the distribution of Christmas gifts, Christian literature, and personal evangelism.
The mission route will cover many populated areas—from ancient Tyre, steeped in Old Testament history, to northern Tripoli, where thousands of families are in need of the Lord.
We ask you to pray:
that the name of the Lord would be proclaimed boldly among these peoples;
that the Lord Himself would open hearts to receive the Gospel;
that doors for preaching would be opened wide.
May the name of the Lord be glorified in the Middle East!
Larisa shared that she found her calling in isolation—living with her family high in the mountains, rarely going out to see people, taking care of the household, and serving those close to her. There, far from the noise, she felt a sense of peace. But unexpectedly, she added that she had recently started smoking. I couldn’t help but smile—in my understanding, “peace” and “cigarettes” simply don’t go together. It was clear that we were facing someone who was weary and deeply lonely.
With me was a young woman who had recently accepted Christ and renounced esotericism. She told Larisa how Jesus had changed her life. We shared passages from the Bible. At first, Larisa’s expression was sad, but the more the Word of God was spoken, the softer her gaze became—until suddenly she smiled for the first time. In that moment, she opened her heart to Christ.
Together we said a prayer of repentance—simple, heartfelt words—and with all my heart I felt the heavens rejoicing. After the prayer, Larisa began asking questions about yoga and “good luck” rituals, and then said herself, “I don’t want this anymore.” Only the living Spirit of God can work in such a way.
That evening, among the mountains and the silence, another soul found the Savior. This experience once again confirmed that no isolation and no philosophy can bring true peace. Peace is in Christ!
One of the highlights of the month was a women’s breakfast, where two new participants joined us. We talked about how God is at work in our lives and why it is so important to turn specifically to Jesus. In today’s world, it’s becoming popular to seek help from “the universe,” from within oneself, or from a psychologist. But we discussed how all these paths are ultimately deceptive. Only Jesus Christ is the true Healer of souls. Only in Him do we find real peace and rest.
Many women shared personal testimonies of how God had spoken into their lives in supernatural ways. These were touching moments that showed just how close the Lord is to each of us.
Our Saturday children’s gatherings also continue. This month, we introduced a new format: after the lesson, we now read a short Bible passage together with the parents and discuss what God is saying to us through His Word. Another mother and child joined us recently, and I rejoice at how the Lord is gently leading and expanding this ministry.
We also had many personal meetings this month — times when we simply prayed for one another, giving our worries and burdens to the Lord. In such moments, it becomes so clear that “the Lord is near to all who call on Him.”
Thank you so much for your prayerful and financial support!
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.
