In 1989 Communism collapsed in Bulgaria. Shortly there after, missionaries from
several organizations came to the country.
This first generation did a lot of great things. They told people about Jesus and talked about
ideas and concepts that were forbidden for decades.
27 years have passed since then, and most of that generation
have left Eastern Europe. They have either retired to
America, or moved on to another job.
There are still a few of them left, and I value them greatly. These are the spiritual fathers and mothers
to people like my wife who first learned of life with Jesus through them, and
they are big brothers and sisters to people like me.
A while back, a dear friend of mine was lamenting at the
loss of this older generation. She
talked about how they inspired us and spurred us on as we (the second
generation) came to Eastern Europe. I
thought deeply about her words, and then this thought hit me. They
are gone. That makes us the older
generation.
Now, in the words of Denis from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, “I’m 37. I’m not old.” I mean, yes I do have the occasional
stiffness that comes with being over 30, but I have plans to summit a mountain
with some friends this weekend. I’m far
from being an old man.
Yet, I have come to realize that it is time for us to be spiritual
big brothers and sisters. It is time for
us to spur others on. We have been given
a gift, and we are to pass it on.
Younger ministry workers are coming to Bulgaria on a regular
basis. We have an opportunity to invest in them,
and I love doing so.
In the same way, there are many potential national
leaders. They need spiritual
development. We can mentor them and help
them grow to their full potential.
But we can’t do it alone.
I am looking for people to join us and become the second generation
for Eastern Europe.
Will you join us?
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Eight members of the second generation |
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