Third day here at "International Bible Camp" a little ways from Petrich, Bulgaria, and I already love it here. The surroundings are stunning and peaceful. Sometimes it gets just a little too hot (up to 37`C!), but relief comes in the cool evening shade.
Ivan, our contact, met us at the train station (after a 10, then a 4 hour ride!) in Petrich and drove us to the campsite. Ivan is a short, warm, and funny man. He was a chef before he became a believer, and after that he was a pastor at a church in Petrich for 7 years. After that, he felt a calling from God to bring the gospel to the surrounding unreached villages. He now pastors 4 churches in nearby villages, the largest of which is in Peruvumai ("First of May"). For several summers now, he has hosted an "International Bible Camp" for teens from the villages. This year we have 12 teens at our camp. Ivan's dream is for more and more teens to come each year, and for the camp to prepare the teens for their coming lives as young adults. The theme of this camp is "Evangelism Explosion" (E.E.), which will teach the kids how to bring the gospel to their friends and people in the community.
Meeting the teens here has been a real treat. They love to laugh and have fun, and each one of them has a real, burning heart for Christ. As they shared their testimonies, we found out that most of them came from Christian families, but fell in with the wrong crowd. Several of them heard the voice of God personally call their names and bring them back to Him. Some even were about to commit suicide when the voice of the Lord personally called them and told them He loved them. They understand what it means to not only say they believe in Jesus, but to be changed from their hearts and walking with Him every day in their lives.
It's only been a few days, but the teens are quite open and are starting to open up more to us. They teach us bulgarian, teach us the names of bulgarian foods, and invite us to play in their games, which are best when they involve water! Games, study, and quiet time take up the day, and Ivan plans interesting activities such as theatre, karaoke, or church service (held by the teens) in the evening.
Today and tomorrow, our team had the freedom to plan what we wanted with the teens. Since the topic was evangelism, we decided to speak on "Prayer", "Fellowship", "Identity", and "Gospel", all of which we felt has been important for our team as we go on this missions trip. By the power of God, we think we've been able to scatter some good seeds into the teens' hearts to grow as they continue to walk in love with the Lord and with each other.
Not only have they been growing, but we've been, too. As I heard Kaitlyn, my teammate, speak on prayer and how it brings us into intimacy with the Lord and focuses us on our identity in Him, I wonder if I spend enough time with my Lord? Do I know that He sings and rejoices over me, how much He loves me, how much He is waiting to meet with me and for me to hear His Voice? Do I get filled with Him everyday? I sure want to. Tomorrow I will wake up early with my teammate Kayla to spend time with Him…I wonder what I will hear Him say.
The newly prepared waterslide – these Bulgarians sure know how to have fun!
