April 27 Update

This week I met with pastor Alish from Varna.  He told me of a testimony from one of the believers at his church in Varna.   She is a young mother of three.  She first came to the church to pray for her oldest child who was born with heart problems.  The Lord had answered her prayers and the child has been healthy for several years.  Recently her husband left her.  With three small children and no work she has really struggled.  Three weeks ago we distributed flour to the believers in Varna.  She sincerely thanks the Lord and the believers in America who provided her with the one hundred pound of flour, just when they needed it the most.   Well, one day she left the house to go to the neighbourhood store to buy some diapers.  She had found some loose change and was going to buy maybe one or two diapers (they sell them individually like that here, sometimes.)  On the way to the store she prayed, "Lord, I thank you for the flour, but you know my children want more to eat than just bread.  I'd like to buy some candy or fresh fruit, but I've only got money for a couple diapers."  She also said, "Lord, no matter what happens, I want you to keep my faith strong and keep me in the church.  In my struggles, don't ever let me forget you."  When she got to the store, an older woman met her outside.  The woman had a grocery bag and asked her to hold it for a minute.  She took the bag in one hand, then in her other hand the older woman placed some money.  She started crying and told the woman she couldn't possibly accept it.  The older woman said to her, "You can't refuse this.  It was God that told me to give it to you."  She thanked her and walked back home, crying the whole way.  When she got home she opened up the bag and it was full of groceries, including candy.  The children hadn't had any candy in a long time and they all began to climb on her and kiss her.  She told them the candy wasn't from her; it was from their heavenly father.   From Bulgaria, Zachary LeFevre

April 12 Update

We've had a busy week here, and productive.  I've spent a couple of days in Varna looking for a decent used car for Brother Nasuf.  Yesterday we were finally able to buy one.  Today it's getting a tun-up and other maintenance, then later we'll get the title transferred to Nasuf.  Many of the believers send their thanks to those of you who prayed and helped purchase the vehicle.  Keep praying, though, the car will need fuel every day.  The Lord will supply that need as well. Also this week we were able to distribute the flour to the last of our village churches.  Again the saints here thank you all for ministering to their carnal needs.   Today I need to try to find a house for a widow woman.  It was she who called us to come start a church in a nearby village.  Now her children have all gone to western Europe to work, and she herself is left with nothing but a pension of about sixty dollars a month.  Unable to pay the rent she has been put out of her house.  Indeed it is the poor that have the gospel preached unto them.   Continue to pray for us. From Bulgaria, Zachary LeFevre

April 6 Update

Last week we had a wonderful time up in Romania.  Along with the other missionary families we enjoyed five days of singing and preaching in English.  We were blessed and refreshed.  Also in that week was the campmeeting at our mission board's church, Brookside Baptist of Bristol, TN.  At that meeting they raised the funds to buy some much needed vehicles for the national pastors here.   It was a joy to see again some of the believers up in Romania.  The pastors there are preaching better than ever.  The Turkish meeting there lasted over four hours.   On a sadder note, Brother Ali passed away two weeks ago.  Right in the middle of the largest Turkish neighborhood in Constanta Brother Ali had a church in his home for several years.  Now Ali is with is wife again, and with other saints from his church that have gone on ahead. From Bulgaria, Zachary LeFevre