Volume 41      Number 2                                                                                  October 1998

Bulgaria is seven time zones away from Kirksville, Missouri. Despite the distance, Bulgarians comprise the largest international presence on the Truman State University campus. Out of some 200 foreign students, Bulgarians number 50. Six of these students are simple, nondenominational Christians. Five of these were converted in Bulgaria and one here in Kirksville. Studies have been conducted with other Bulgarian students as the church here has become convinced that a door of opportunity has been opened. During the summer, the church sent me and George Kojarev, one of our students, on a two-week trip. The church in Kirksville provided the funds for travel, expenses, and benevolence to help the needy saints in a country where $50 is the average monthly income.

We were able to meet many parents of Truman students, and in the ski-resort city of Bansko five parents met for the first time with the small church. I believe we have made many positive contacts, and the Lord willing, will return again. I have applied for summer school at the American University which teaches in English. If accepted, they will bear my expenses. During the stay I spoke a total of five times, two short talks about the Lord's Supper in Bansko and Blagoevgrad, respectively. In Sophia I spoke at a men's breakfast about "Moses: A Reluctant Servant." I particularly urged them to develop their talents and to share their faith. The church in Sophia has around 100 members, and preaching is shared by about eight men. However, there is a need for more instruction in lesson preparation and delivery. I also briefly spoke to the church in Sophia and preached to the church in Plovdiv. They are a small group, but hopefully they will be able to convert a young lady who studied with us as an exchange student and who recently returned to Bulgaria.

I want to thank all who prayed for our safety and success during this trip. Since returning, we have renewed our energies in reaching the many students here at Truman. Presently, Lazar Gintchin, one of our Bulgarian young people, is teaching one of our children's classes on Sunday mornings. He is so excited, and so are we at the prospects of this open door.