The poorest EU country, Bulgaria suffers poverty and social problems including dysfunctional families.
Yet an impact is being made. Seasonal Bible Camps prove strategic as Siloam Christian Ministries has partnered with local churches for more than 30 years. ‘Today numerous church and community leaders attribute their transformed lives to the influence of Bible Camps during their disadvantaged youth,’ explains Siloam UK Director Richard Norton. ‘Believers face adversity to relieve the suffering of entire families throughout the year.’
Belief belies medical reality
One such couple who serve others bravely is Veselka and Darin. After childbirth, Veselka’s leg blew up to twice its size due to deep vein thrombosis. Rushed to intensive care, doctors gave up hope of her survival. Darin, although upset, handed everything over to the Lord. One praying the church felt that the Lord was saying that in seven days all would be well.
On the seventh day, Veselka recovered and was moved to an ordinary ward. Medics kept her under observation, not trusting her recovery. When Darin came to visit, he found her helping infirm ladies to walk. Her main vein from hip to ankle remains completely silted up with clotted blood but does not seem to affect her.
Courageous criminal
Teams of volunteers from local churches involve many Christians who endure hardship. They serve by giving practical aid and spiritual comfort, including isolated people.
‘Yet it was only recently that we learned a key Bulgarian leader has a criminal record,’ notes Richard Norton. ‘He prefers not to dwell on this as he spent years in prison – for smuggling Bibles.’ It seems he would agree with another prisoner named Paul who wrote, ‘what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel’ Philippians 1.12.
Siloam Christian Ministries uses health-care, relief aid, and education as a vehicle for the gospel with the commission to do the kind of work outlined in Mathew 9.35-38. It is an interdenominational, evangelical society. It received charitable status in 1986 and soon established a presence in many parts of the world by working with a number of independent co-workers and national churches. Also, Siloam is affiliated with Childcare Worldwide (CCW) and other established overseas partners.
