Bulgaria’s 7.5 million population contains 87 percent ethnic Bulgarians, 98 percent of whom identify themselves as Bulgarian Orthodox. The largest minority groups are Turks, who are almost exclusively Muslim, and Roma. Evangelicals comprise less than 2 percent of the total population, and a number of their churches have no pastor. In addition, many of the men serving as pastors have little or no formal theological training. There is a great need for missionaries with skills in church planting and theological training, as well as mentors and teachers in the areas of children, youth, and music ministries.
There is also an increasing role for community development and sustainable business training for local and international ministry purposes. With half a million Bulgarian speakers in Turkey and one-million Turkish speakers in Bulgaria, this country is a natural bridge to the Middle East, Central Asia, and Asia Minor. The Bulgarian business community has cultural and historical ties to the former Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, which can facilitate outreach to places where it might be challenging for a North American to travel.
ABWE Canada in Bulgaria
Most Bulgarians consider themselves to be Christians, because they were baptized into the Orthodox Church as infants. However, they need to understand that the church does not save them. ABWE Canada is working with Bulgarian Baptist churches to introduce people to a relationship with the Savior, nurture them to truly know God and His Word, and assist them in serving in the Church and sharing their faith with others. It is our goal to impact unreached communities, guide believers to greater spiritual depth, and equip a new generation of servant leaders to advance the Church in Bulgaria and beyond.
ABWE Canada’s first team arrived here in February 2014 and have started a Christian bookstore as a place for conversations with members of the community. We are looking for spiritually mature teammates who are self-starters to join us in impacting our university town and branching into nearby communities.
Will you come help us in the important endeavor for the gospel?
