Baptist Union of Bulgaria

Praises

• In recent months, we have seen a renewed interest in theological education. The Baptist Theological School has opened two new regional training centers, and a third location is planned to launch later this year. We praise the Lord for the new students and for the committed trainers who serve in these programs.
• God’s grace is also visible in several areas of church life. The Union is thankful for a well-developed children’s ministry across the denomination. This includes training for Sunday school teachers, the sharing of teaching resources, and a long-standing tradition of children’s summer camps. We are also grateful for a vibrant and promising youth ministry in which young people gather for Bible study weekends, worship events for teenagers, as well as an annual summer camp. In addition, the women’s ministry continues to grow through regional and national conferences, and there are regular spiritual retreats and conferences for church leaders, pastors, and their families.
• We praise God for
  • Twenty new students at our Baptist Theological School and we pray the Lord would encourage them in their studies and lead them into implementing their knowledge into ministry.
  • The new pastors and deacons that were ordained last year.
  • Bringing new people to faith as many churches within the union have had baptisms in recent months.
  • Our active group of youth and children workers around the country.
  • A steadfast women’s ministry.
• Join us in thanking God for the strong Baptist leadership within Bulgaria and their faithfulness even when faced with persecution.
• Join us in celebrating the following praise and lifting up the prayer requests from Union President Teodor Oprenov.
  • For the past few months, we have been reaping the fruit of many years of training and investment in leaders. Since December 2023, there have been seven new pastors ordained in various Bulgarian Baptist churches. Two more applications were approved, and others are in the making for future ordinations. This is truly encouraging, and we praise the Lord for His faithfulness. In a day and time when it is becoming less popular for young people to dive into pastoral ministry, this development is like a breath of fresh air and we believe it is only the beginning.

Prayer Requests

• Many preparations are in progress for upcoming events. The youth are planning their national prayer and worship gathering leading up to Easter as well as new youth seminars later this year. Several summer camps will follow in the coming months, including one for children, one for teenagers, and a family camp. The women’s ministry is also preparing for a national conference in June. Please also pray for the Baptist Theological School as it prepares to open a new training location.
• We also ask for prayer for Baptist churches across the country, that they would boldly proclaim salvation in the name of Jesus and faithfully demonstrate Christ’s love within their communities. This witness is especially vital during this time of global and national uncertainty – including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, emerging social challenges, the country’s transition toward adopting the Euro, and a new economic and political season as parliamentary elections approach in April.
• Please pray for
  • The Gospel as the focal point of our family of churches and our vision to reach more people. Our churches have been working among Bulgarians, Roma, Turks, as well as many other nationalities, including migrants from Ukraine and the Middle East.
  • God to bring many more to trust Him and then be integrated into the local church.  
  • Blessings over our women’s ministry leaders as they plan their annual national meeting and various other events.
• Join us in prayer for the Baptist churches in Bulgaria and their members as they share Gospel witness and seek to serve their communities.
• Our nation is going through a period of political turmoil and economic insecurity. This is coupled by a lack of spiritual orientation and withdrawal from Christian values. Please support us in prayer that the Church will stand up to those challenges and will make Christ known through Gospel-sharing, neighbor-loving, Bible-based and Spirit-led initiatives.
  
  Please pray specifically that more teenagers, young adults, and young families would commit to following Jesus, studying His Word, and discipling their peers to do the same. Please pray for new leaders who would respond to the call and step into ministry.