In 2007, we delivered an Operation Christmas Love parcel to Elena, 25, and her daughter Diana, 6.  Elena was too sick to work.  She was very dependent, passive and unstable.  The Child Protection Department was about to take Diana away. 

We invited Elena and Diana to the Community Centre run by MWB and local churches.  They received a daily hot meal, material help and encouragement. 
The change has been dramatic.

They attend Church.  Elena passed the Computer training at the Centre with excellent marks.  Elena is physically and emotionally stronger and has just started a job.  Diana is confident and doing well at school.

The local MWB Co-ordinator, Plamena Valkova, said,” The Elena that I met at the end of 2007 is very different from the Elena I know now – a responsible, determined and loving mother.  I believe that God is able to heal her completely”. 
These Seeds of Hope are beginning to bear fruit.

Seven new Community centres located on the premises of local protestant churches open their doors to poor elderly and underprivileged people offering a daily warm meal, Bible lesson and atmosphere of acceptance and compassion. Protestant churches in Bulgaria have long been defined by Bulgarian society as Christian cults. Over the past years church public initiatives have served to decrease the negative attitude however most people are suspicious when it comes to practicing Christians. The partnership under the Community centre program has enhanced the contacts with local authorities and served to build a positive image of the church in local communities. Please, pray for the partnering churches, for the pastors and their families – for protection, wisdom and fresh anointing. Pray for the churches to have the wisdom and guidance how to shine the light of Jesus Christ through various locally relevant actions. Pray for church congregations as source of volunteers for MWB projects; for people to be open and willing to serve God by supporting the joint ministries.
Pray for the Christian ministry coordinators to be able to respond to the needs of beneficiaries, to have grace in the communication and building of relationships, to have wisdom in the aspects of their ministry to the poor and neglected. May God inspire them to strive for the further development and diversification of activities in the centers.  We experience God’s grace and mercy every day as we see His action in the hearts of the 130 beneficiaries. We continue to pray for more open hearts to receive the Gospel, for transformed minds and changed life circumstances. Join us in prayer as we ask God to call His sheep and draw them to the local churches where they would find their place of belonging.