Projects Al & Diane Mellinger are Working On (September – November 2007)

November 8, 2007 - As I started reviewing and writing down all that has happened since we actually settled down in Bulgaria since mid September (9/7/07) I was a bit surprized. Here is the list:

1) Learning Bulgarian – (Classes daily 2+ hours a day)

2) Renewal International Network – Meeting with and following up on all contacts and often preaching or teaching in their churches – (Have spoken or am scheduled to speak 7 times (September – November plus Sofia Conference and England Conference and Hungary Conference) – Also have had about 5 other meetings with Pastor’s just to get to know them and attend the GLS (Global Leadership Summit) in Sofia – A Willow Creek Conference.

3) Feeding Programs – Micro Enterprise Proposal – trying to figure out a way to manage the ongoing requests for fund to support this need of feeding widows and orphans.

4) Petrich Bible Study and Church Plant Ideas – Meeting weekly and although small the trust factor is growing. Maria keeps invited people to attend and Peggy & Steffon are dreaming of Ministry options again. You will be hearing more about this very soon. This also includes creating the Virtual Christmas Gift Box idea for Christmas ‘07

5) Spring Arbor Youth VISA trip – Summer 08 – Working with Rich Morgan and Roumen Ivanov of Missions Possible Bulgaria. Looking at creating a major international activity joining Bulgarian youth, American youth and maybe even some British youth in a week of training – joint outreach and evangelism and general getting acquainted with each other.

6) A Young Adult from Canton FMC New Hope - coming in April & May to check out her calling to missions.

7) Another Pastor – Coming in July 2008 – Planning trip for 2009 VISA Team to Bulgaria

8) Working with Margie and Ivo (a couple we have met – she is from Canada and he is Bulgarian) about helping us – through email and a personal visit to Petrich.

9) Connecting with Mladen (a Bulgarian Leader living near us) and His Network (teaching on leadership issues 11/24 – first meeting with his network of Pastors)

10) Completed our Residency paper work and have our stamp waiting for the ID Cards to arrive.

11) Plus weekly email prayer updates, monthly newsletters and many Vonage Phone calls to supporter in the US. Additionally, we did conference calls to Jackson Ladies Bible Study and Brownstown Morning Service during these 3 months. And filmed and sent away video for a presentation this December at CrossRoads Church as part of their Christmas Series.

Didn’t think I had done that much yet but when you start to put it on paper and write down all that has happened I am amazed and blown away at how God is leading and what He is doing. WOW No wonder some days I feel very tired. Blessing to all!

This week look at the list and pray for something and or THANK GOD for all that He has begun here through our partnership (You and Us and God!)

Comments

[Ernie]

You and Diane have done a great deal of things since arriving in Bulgaria. Not only done so much over there but done much for us over on the USA side, keeping up with what is going on here. Your tired, well thats a good thing, it shows that GOD is working in all directions.
Now rest up, tomorrow will bring another day filled with love, excitement and a day of thanksgiving.

ernie