Thursday, June 19, 2014

Last post from Bulgaria 2014 mission trip

It is late Thursday evening. We will be leaving for the airport at 4:30 in the morning for our long long trip back home.

Quick or not so quick summary of the last four days.

Monday morning the team visited three children homes where many of the children from the Berkovitsa orphanage have landed.


Tuesday the team did a variety of projects from sorting fabric, arranging dorm room cabinets in preparation for installation, and meeting with the Training Center architect to determine the feasibility of using an existing building for storage. Yes a large portion of the roof is missing.


Wednesday was nothing less than miraculous! The team started the day visiting the Berkovitsa orphanage #4 for what may be the last time as the current plans are for it to close at the end of the year. Doug and Dennis took the young men from the Training Center on a fishing trip north of Montana and it was a very memorable experience.





Please pray for a safe trip back home to Cabot. God Bless!!

Monday, June 16, 2014

Sat pm persian meal, Sun worship at IBC, Orphanages

Picking up from yesterday we were blessed to be served an authentic Persian meal prepared by our new friends at IBC. Don't even try to pronounce the names of the dishes; just look and enjoy.









We arrived at IBC Sunday around 9:30 a.m. for our 11:00 English-speaking service. After a 30 min break from 12:30 to 1:00 the Persian service began ending at 2:30 p.m. Late lunch and back to church for 5:00 p.m. Bulgarian service. What a day!!

It seems that most of the folks that attended the church-wide picnic were at the English-speaking service. Over ten countries represented. Lea and Bonne worked with the children while the adults were trying to stay awake during Dennis' sermon. Pastor Scott said that most churches miss a tremendous blessing by not being a multi-cultural church. We certainly agree.
Quick someone - what is this chorus? Don't know? We don't either!




Monday a.m. - we visited four "children centers" (no longer have orphanages apparently) We saw many of our friends that we began working with ten years ago. The highlight was seeing Asin. He is the young man with premature aging disease. He is 35 y.o. with a body of a 95 y.o. He was very excited to see the team.



Big hug and bigger smile
Stanislava and Vladimir
Tuesday is all day at the Learning Center in Borovtsi. More later.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Saturday IBC picnic and Persian meal

The International Baptist Church held their fourth annual church-wide picnic at south park in Sofia.  The weather forecast predicted 70% chance of rain but after a brief shower the skies cleared and the people came- over 80 members/prospects from 12 countries. Doug Eberhart was busy making at least 50 balloon animals for the children as well as presenting the gospel using the frisbees from Slip Disc Ministries. Lea and Dennis assisted Scott and Sandy Chadwick with the food. Bonne was unable to attend due to a sprained ankle at a restaurant Friday evening. Her job was to stay at the hotel and pray the rain away. It was an amazing day to say the least.






Saturday evening the team was treated to an authentic Persian meal prepared by a middle eastern family who attend the International Baptist Church.  More details on the meal as well as the Chadwick's ministry to many internationals from the middle east and Africa when we can report to you face to face. We had an incredible day of worship - three services starting with the morning English service followed by an afternoon Persian service at the IBC and then a Bulgarian language service Sunday evening with the Ridgway's. More details coming in the next post.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Thursday update from Sofia

The team arrived safely Wednesday around 2:p.m. having been traveling for over seventeen hours. Ouch! We landed in FrankfurtGermany almost an hour late but fortunately our flight to Sofia was delayed so we made our connection. Also, it was so good to see all eight pieces of luggage arrive as well.  So, we were doubly blessed.


After checking into our hotel, we did everything we could do to avoid the strong effects of jet lag. Scott and Sandy Chadwick graciously allowed for an early dinner then we were lights out by 9:00 p.m. (1:00 p.m. Cabot time) (main reason for no Wednesday post!)

Today was ministry day at International Baptist Church. We met members and refugees for a time of worship and Bible study before the meal. There was a total of nineteen attendees not counting the team or IBC staff. We were told that at least six different countries were present - several middle eastern countries and several African countries to name a few.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the following craft time of making paper bead necklaces. The following photos give you a brief glimpse of today's events. 

Thanks for following us and please keep praying for a great church-wide picnic Saturday.


IBC is located on the 3rd floor in the bldg far left
Dennis brings devotional time 

Serving lunch
Sandwich plate complete with fresh
strawberries & cherries!
Scott Chadwick addresses the group
and takes prayer requests





Making paper beads
Lea, Bonne & Doug sorting supplies





Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Bulgaria 2014 Mission trip

Five days and counting!


The FBC-Cabot 2014 Bulgaria mission team consists of Bonne Jensen, Doug Eberhart, Lea and Dennis Hyland. With the exception of Doug (first-timer), the team has made numerous trips to Bulgaria beginning as early as 2001. We have a full ten days planned beginning Tuesday, June 10th and returning Friday, June 20th. We will be spending the first five days in the capital city of Sofia serving alongside Scott and Sandy Chadwick at the International Baptist Church. The next five days we will be serving with Paul and Judy Ridgway in the orphanages in Montana and in the Transition and Training center located in Borovtsi. Without a doubt this will be an amazing opportunity to serve God in a variety of ways.

This mission team has experienced frustrating attacks by the enemy bent on distracting us from our focus and trip preparation. These have ranged from family and relationship difficulties to air travel logistics. Last Sunday, a lifegroup member mentioned  that it has been his experience that the amount of difficulties incurred prior to the trip are proportional to the blessings received. If that holds true, we will be blessed beyond comprehension.

Who says hula-hoops won't bend!
Wednesday June 4th,  found the team packing supplies for food distributions to refugees, craft day at the International Baptist church, a church picnic, Sunday worship services, and ministry in Borovtsi.  FBC Missions pastor, Dick Avey, has always mentioned two non-negotiables; be flexible and don't whine. So, we are preparing for just about anything.
Wheelchair scales work great to insure the weight is under 50 lbs.







The airline has raised the rate for each extra bag to $100 - We are taking four. Ouch!! Please pray that they will find favor with us and waive the cost.

As in past years we are providing a prayer calendar to assist in specifics requests by daily activities and ministries.

Download pdf prayer calendar here