Thursday Evening Home Group

Last night our team had the privilege of preparing dinner for Scott and Sandy Chadwick's Thursday evening bible study. Lea Hyland was the mastermind behind our meal planning and preparation, having packed fajita seasoning and Spanish rice in her luggage. Prior to our departure from Cabot, Lea shared with me that Bulgarians have an affinity for Mexican cuisine although it is not readily available here. In fact, we had to venture across town earlier in the day to the one store in Sofia that carries flour tortillas and chips! It's also where I sampled my first Boss ice cream (yum!).

Our trip to the "Hit" store where we purchased tortillas Mexican chips and also sells Boss ice cream.

Lea Hyland and Bonne Jensen preparing chicken for fajitas.

As the Home group member began to arrive they shared a sweet time of fellowship before Pastor Chadwick prayed a blessing over our meal and evening.

Following the meal our team joined in the study of James 4 - led by Scott Chadwick. It was an amazing experience to sit in a circle with people of various backgrounds and representing 4 countries (Bulgaria, Untited Kingdom, Romania, and the United States) in the study of God's Word. It was a beautiful example of how believers are united in Christ.

Scott shared with us last night that while churches in the States face challenges, the church here in Bulgaria  has its own unique struggles. With a congregation comprised of citizens of many nations, religious backgrounds, socicioeconomic standing, and languages, mis-communication is common. With God's help they make every effort to share the gospel in truth and love.

Perhaps the most moving moment of the evening, for me, came when everyone left and our team leader, Dennis Hyland, prayed for the Lord's blessing on the Chadwick's, their home, and their ministry. It was during his prayer that I realized how God has placed the Chadwick's in the middle of a spiritual desert and how much their home serves as an oasis of sorts to the believers in Sofia. A place where they can come to find refreshment for their souls. It also drove home how much our prayers serve to strengthen, encourage, and embolden missionaries. 

-Amanda Geaney