Bulgaria - Day 3

Dobur den! (Good day!) It's so cool to see how God has orchestrated every part of our days thus far. Christina started us out today with a devotion about focusing on the purpose at hand. After devo, we purchased 51 chairs for one of the Gypsy churches in the community. We then went out into the town and blessed a local store owners shop, before prayer walking throughout the city of Burgas. God revealed so much to us as we prophesied and spoke LIFE over this city. We were treated to another authentic Bulgarian meal by Baba Tinka (Steffi's grandmother) who is a precious and anointed woman of God! It was delicious! Baba Tinka and her husband were some of the first to pioneer the Pentecostal movement in Bulgaria. She was such an inspiration to us! She had us all in tears as she shared stories about the persecution under communist government. We were inspired by the tenacity of this woman of God. We gathered around her and as she prayed a blessing over us there was a transference of the anointing from her upon us. Before we left, we prayed a blessing over her. After leaving Baba Tinkas, we prayer walked through the city on our way home. When we got back to the house, we prepared for the leadership meeting.  We were able to meet with the leadership from Cities for Jesus Church of God tonight. They were encouraged by Pastor Jamie to enlarge their vision. A word was given to the leaders to receive joy, to not grow weary in their labor and to be rooted deep into Gods Word. There was a time of ministry, affirmation and fellowship. Our spirits continue to grow with anticipation and expectation for the city of Burgas! The Spirit of God is stirring the hearts of these people.

Bulgaria - Day 2

Day 2: God continues to amaze us here in Bulgaria! He is doing a mighty work indeed! This morning we started out the day with a powerful devotion by Nubya. She encouraged us to speak life over situations in our lives. The team then prayed over our host church, leaders in the community and for the evening service. It was a time of prophecy and the Lord gave insight on how to be more effective in our ministry to the Bulgarian people. After prayer we were taken to an authentic Bulgarian restaurant where we were served 43 (lol) courses! Bulgarians never rush through meals but enjoy each others company over the actual 4 course meal. We were served bread, yogurt spreads (dips), traditional salad, a variety of meats and vegetables, along with some pretty haaaamazing desserts. Vesco, our resident chauffeur, shared with us the pride that the Bulgarian people have for their yogurt. It is like none other. We have found that it is very important for us to understand the Bulgarian culture and their traditions. After lunch we went back to our host home where we were able to have a brief rest before preparing for the evening service.

Pastor Jamie ministered from the book of John concerning the blind man. As it was important for the blind man to "Go", it was important for the congregants to understand, they are called to "Go" and fulfill the purpose that God has for each of their lives. Our team laid hands on many crying out for household salvation and healing. Several were saved and baptized with the Holy Spirit. We concluded our evening with a very affirming group meeting. We anxiously await for what God has in store for the remainder of our time on this trip. God is obviously up to something! Thank you for your continued prayer support! God bless!

Bulgaria - Day 1

Wow! What an adventure God has us on this week! Our first day in Bulgaria has been amazing! This morning we started with a traditional German breakfast consisting of boiled eggs, fresh baked kaiser rolls with butter, coffee and Christina has found a new love for Bulgarian pears. After breakfast Becky led us in a very powerful devotion that set the tone for the day. We had to register with the city of Burgas and then we ventured out to the Black Sea. Our driver took us for delicious Bulgarian coffee by the sea. After coffee we prayer-walked through the city to Steffi's grandmothers (Baba Binka) restaurant. After lunch Pastor Jamie met and prayed with the State Overseer of Bulgaria. This evening we had our first service at one of the Gypsy Churches in the city. It was amazing! Nubya and Christina shared with the children about the Love of God and 10 precious babies asked Jesus to come into their hearts. We were then able to give out food to the children. It was such a blessing! The adult service started with some very anointed praise and worship by the Gypsy people. Then, Jennifer shared a life changing testimony before Pastor Jamie brought the Word. Strongholds were broken and over 20 men & women dedicated theirs lives to The Lord. Slava na Boga! (Praise be to God). After service we were taken through the community and were able to pray with the sick and heavy burdened. God is doing amazing things in the city of Burgas! Please continue to pray as we speak life over this city as well as the country of Bulgaria.Leka nosht! (good night!)

Team Esther