In July last year, a group of us visited Bulgaria for 9 days in collaboration with Operation Mobilisation (OM). For majority of the team, this was the first time participating in a mission trip. I joined as it seemed like a good opportunity to experience what a ‘mission trip’ really meant.
What were your expectations before the trip?
Before the trip, we were briefly introduced to the background of communities we would encounter and the ongoing work by the local Bulgarian church. There were ideas discussed as to how our team could serve during this trip. Despite this, I found it difficult to envision our how our roles would play out in an environment where language, culture, and beliefs are so different. We had to trust that God would lead us in these uncharted waters.
What is the background of these communities?
We visited 7 villages with varying demographics in the Burgas province. The Romani people (a minority group in Bulgaria often referred to as ‘gypsies’) are common residents in some of these villages, many of whom identify as nominal Muslims.
These minority groups face a recognised issue of rejection and discrimination by the wider society, often resulting in secluded zones met with poverty. Common problems that I observed while visiting the villages include lack of proper infrastructure, basic amenities like water and electricity, and let alone access to healthcare and education.
What did a day in Bulgaria mission look like?
We departed from our base in Rusokastro and visited 1-2 villages a day. While connecting with the children and youth was our main focus, there was also opportunity to serve the wider village community. This included distributing food supplies, house visits, games/performances/songs with the youth, and joining Sunday service with the local church. We were also accompanied by another OM group that provided medical services on a bus.
It was encouraging to see everyone’s gifts and talents being used in different occasions while working together as a team.
What were impactful moments during the mission trip?
There were a lot of impactful moments! Though I will mention a few:
The scene in Karagheorghievo: It was a blistering hot day when we visited the village, to the point where people fell ill from heat stroke. I was surprised to learn that the residents had to routinely walk for miles in this heat just to access water from a well. As I observed tiny houses made of wooden planks scattered across the wasteland, and children running barefoot on rocky terrain, something caught the corner of my eye. There stood alone a bright and modern double-storey house, with its neat balcony overlooking the slum area… I still wonder to this day why it was built there.
Activities with the children/youth: it was intimidating at first seeing such a large crowd of children, sometimes outnumbering our team by ten-fold. I remember moments when they chased down a football like a tsunami wave, and played with a big parachute with all their might. With the help of Romanian and Bulgarian friends to translate, we sang together with the children and shared Bible stories with them. It was refreshing to see their pure joy and excitement in the simple things.
One of the most impactful moments was listening to testimonies and having fellowship with people from diverse backgrounds. Although we all spoke, sang, and prayed in different languages, there was unity in the Lord’s presence.
Would you go on a mission trip again?
Yes! Although mission trips can involve stepping out of the comfort zone, I think it’s worth it. Being able to witness how communities are transformed by God’s love through his people, and playing a part in that work is an invaluable experience. I am grateful for the friendships made, the fellowship, answered prayers and healing during the trip.
I’d like to share this verse that brought hope and comfort when praying for those who are working tirelessly in the mission field.
Psalm 23:6
‘Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’