It's What We Do

I have the privilege this week of attending the ReachGlobal Europe Conference in Slovenia.

Early in the week we had a slide show with pictures of ministry sent in from all over Europe.  One thing that stood out to me was how many pictures were nothing more than a group of people gathered in a living room or a coffee shop.  Yes there were pictures of schools and churches and camps, but most of the pictures were merely people in life together.

This should not be surprising.  Ministry is about people, and people are not projects.  If we truly care about those around us we are naturally going to spend time with them.  This is what we do.

Earlier in the week we talked about Jesus washing His disciples’ feet during the last supper.  He did this to show them the extent of His love for them.  The most influential ministry workers I have ever met are not those with the best programs or the most charismatic personalities or the greatest ability to preach or those who have the most meetings, they are the ones who love others the most.

This is who we are.  This is what we do.  We are ReachGlobal Europe, and we love others as Christ loves us.

Veliko Turnovo

We recently took a trip to Veliko Turnovo, the former capital of Bulgaria, to visit friends who live there.

Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Turnovo

Veliko Turnovo was home to a massive fortress that held out against the Ottoman Empire’s invasion of the Balkans for longer than most.  It was one of the last bastions of the old Bulgarian Empire before it was finally conquered.  Bulgaria would remain enslaved to the Ottomans for half a millennium.  As the renaissance would take Western Europe into a golden age of exploration, Bulgaria remained in chains until on March 3, 1878 they once again regained their freedom.

Now partially rebuilt, the Tsarevets Fortress looms on the cliffs over the modern city of Veliko Turnovo as a reminder of Bulgaria’s struggle for freedom.

Veronica, Alexis, and a friend exploring the ruins of Tsarevets

We took the girls there along with some friends who live in the city.  It was great to show them their heritage and remind them of a cry shouted in both Bulgaria and the U.S. in their fights for freedom.

Свобода или смърт!

Give me liberty or give me death.