March 21 Update

For the past couple weeks we've been busy with our regular schedule of preaching in the village churches.  Because Brother Nasuf's car is no longer running, I am taking him to his villages.  Brother Alish and his family continue to go to our regular meetings in my absence.   My brother and family are getting settled into the Bulgarian schedule here.  This week they'll be making a trip to the Bulgarian embassy in Greece to get their temporary visas.  After that, they'll be able to apply for a one year residence visa in Bulgaria.  It's been over five years since we did that, but it seems like just yesterday.  We now have our long-term residence visas.   This week we are mourning the loss of a dear friend and fellow missionary, Judy Padgett.  Sister Judy served in Mexico for years, even after the loss of her husband.  She was a true inspiration to us while back when we were preparing to come to the field, and she has been faithful to pray for us and this ministry here.  We will miss her on this earth, but she is now "with Christ, which is far better."  Please remember her family in your prayers.    From Bulgaria, Zachary LeFevre

March 1 Update

We've enjoyed another week of preaching the word in the village churches.  Last week and this week I am with Brother Nasuf, as he is without a vehicle.  The people in his churches are all so happy.   One of the happiest is a woman who is paralyzed.  She can't get out of bed, but she has a continual smile on her face. In a few days we will be joined by my brother and his family.  They're coming to Bulgaria on the eleventh of this month to live and work in the ministry here.  Please remember them in your prayers. This week the Lord protected us on the roads.  Even in snow storms we try to get out and get the work done.  Both Pastor Alish and myself came close to sliding off the road, but the Lord protected us.  I normally drive about five hundred miles a week, as do many of the national pastors.  It's the good grace of God that keeps us safe.  We appreciate your prayers. From Bulgaria, Zachary LeFevre

February 1 Update

One of our dear saints passed away last week.  Kadriye had called us to come preach the gospel to her about four years ago.  She had been diagnosed with cancer, been operated on, and then refused chemotherapy after her first treatment.  The doctors told her there was nothing left for them to do.  Her sister-in-law has a church in her village, and she had told her about the Lord and the church.  So, Kadriye figured she had better set her house in order, and called us to come preach to her.  She gave her heart to the Lord that night; the rest of her family soon followed.  In the weeks and months that followed she saw the doctor again several times, and he was always amazed at her improved health.  He also heard that it was Jesus who was responsible for it.  Last year she had a severe stroke, then later, cancer came back.  When I saw her last week her body was mangled, but the few words she spoke were kind.  But that was last week.  This week the scripture has come to pass, "...Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise". Please pray for her family, especially her husband.   From Bulgaria, Zachary LeFevre

January 26 Update

We just got back from a trip to Sofia, Bulgaria, where we needed some passport work done at the consulate.  Although the weather was disagreeable, we made it home safe and sound. At the meeting here in our village we've had several first time visitors recently.  This Sunday a young woman came and listened intently.  After the service I noticed tears in her eyes, but she didn't say anything to me.  She told one of the other believers, "He preached that verse, He that believeth on me shall not be ashamed...just for me.  I've believed on the Lord several years ago, but have not followed him faithfully."  Please pray for her, and the others that have visited.   From Bulgaria, Zachary LeFevre

December 28 Update

Last week about every day here had temperatures close to sixty degrees.  This week the forecast has highs just above freezing.   Friday and Saturday we had good meetings.  The Christmas holiday has no special meaning to Muslims.  We try not to preach the holiday, but preach Christ.  Saturday night there were only about ten of us in the meeting, but we sang for about an hour.   Yesterday and today I've been busy at the immigration police office doing the visa paperwork.  Praise the Lord, we got the visas paid for.  Now we are waiting for the final stamp in the passports.  Thank you for all of your prayers and financial help. From Bulgaria, Zachary LeFevre

December 21 Update

This week we had a snow storm that closed the roads to our regular meetings on Thursday, but Friday we made it out with no problems.  On Fridays we go to the new village.  The owner of the house came to the meeting and told us we would have to find a new house to meet in.  Several people have offered the use of their house as a place for the prayer meetings.  Even on days when we don't have church they still get together and sing the hymns and pray.  They only know a few hymns, so they just make up melodies for the hymns they don't know.  There's been a young man come each week there.  At the first meeting he only stayed in the house for five minutes.  At the next meeting he stayed a little longer, but still only stood in the doorway.  This week he came in the room and sat down for most of the meeting.  It looks like the Lord is drawing him in.  Last year we had prayed for a girl, Kiymet.  She had had brain surgery, and was not expected to survive, but eventually made a full recovery.  While she was in the village she was the most faithful church member.  (She knew that if it weren't for the Lord's mercy she wouldn't be alive.)  Now she is back living with her husband, who had separated from her when it looked like she would not live.  God has put her life back together again.  Not long after that we learned of another young lady in the same village that had had brain surgery.  She's been in and out of the hospital for the past several months.  Her mother and grandmother are both strong believers.  They've seen God raise her up from what seemed to be her death bed several times.  Now, the girl is not doing well.  She's at home, and the family is trying to raise money for her very expensive medicine.  We had special prayer for her, and ask that you all would pray, as well.  Her mother sat before us and cried and cried telling about the situation.  Only the Lord can help. We thank you all so much for praying for our visa situation.  It's really too early to know exactly, but it looks like all the money that we needed has come in.  Praise the Lord. From Bulgaria, Zachary LeFevre

December 14 Update

Winter has set in here.  We've had snow most every day of last week.  So far, though, there's not been enough to affect the driving conditions, so we've not missed any meetings.   We've stayed busy this week going to the regular churches, proof-reading the Old Testament in Turkish, and making hymn books.   Praise the Lord, we've had more money come in for our visas, but we still need a little more.   The birds without barn or storehouse are fed,  From them let us learn to trust for our bread:  His saints, what is fitting, shall ne'er be denied,  So long as it's written, the Lord will provide From Bulgaria, Zachary LeFevre