Al & Diane Mellinger's Missionary Adventure

What we do!

April 24, 2012 – Last week was busy – we had guests from the UK in (Sunday –Thursday), which meant lots of meetings and travel as we are working on a couple of different organizational groups for helping with training and encouraging the churches we work with. 

After they left we had a weekend Pastors/Leaders Training Conference with more than 60 in attendance.  It is exciting in so many ways: 1) We are seeing that each time we have an event the pastors are bring other pastors along and we now have them coming form all kinds of denominations and church backgrounds 2) we are seeing that the Pastor/Leaders are beginning to get the concepts – one came up to us on Saturday and said I am finally understanding what Jesus strategy of ministry was all about. 3) We can see that they are applying the training in their churches – little signs of having a balanced approach to the kingdom.

We will again have Team Bulgaria together for a couple of days (Thursday & Friday).  We try and do this at least quarterly (if not more often if we can). It is important that we communicate with each other what we are doing and all that is going on.

We are also gearing up for a Catch Fire Festival this weekend in Gotse Delchev (this will be number 4 out of 5 for this year).  These are all in preparation for the Love Bulgaria Youth Conference later this summer.  We ,here too, are seeing more and more churches attend and get excited about what teens and young adults can do! 

We are glad to be helping to not just run programs to keep busy but are communicating key principles that when learned and applied will change ministry for generations.  We (with God’s help) get it started and then get out of the way!

Thanks for praying and supporting the work we do!

This week pray for…

…Team Bulgaria as we work, pray and plan the different events on the schedule and the events we are considering putting on the schedule.

… The youth events over the next few months – the Catch Fire Festivals & Love Bulgaria Youth conference – right now all the plans and programs are being developed for these

… the Pastor/Leaders at our training events – that they would find one or two key ideas to implement to impact the world with the Gospel.

 

This and That...

April 19, 2012 - This weekend is another session of our on going schedule of Pastors trainings.  It is amazing to see how interested and hungry they are for the leadership principles of Jesus.   Pray for the training, the pastors and future application of the teaching by the pastors!

Some of our eggs for Easter last Sunday - we had 4 visitors for our service.

This past week I traveled with some UK friends who have been partnering in programs to advance God’s kingdom here is Bulgaria – we had 2-3 meetings each day traveling to 3 different cities around BG to meet with, pray with and plan future events.  Pray that the time spent will produce fruit in the future!

David Carr in Samokov

Galloway’s (part of Team Bulgaria) now have all the paper work in for their residency cards and are just waiting the arrival of the FBI background check on the parents (it was determined that the kids did not need one).  Pray that it comes soon!

We are still working on our funding for this year!  We understand that funding is tight!  Pray that God would show us what to do and how to do it.  Pray that God would meet this need so that we can spend more time on reaching the people in Bulgaria.

The “Roller Coasters” of Life in Bulgaria!

April 12, 2012 – I really enjoy “Amusement Parks” - I like rollercoasters but only the ones that you get on when you want and off when are done!  Sometimes though life give you a roller coaster ride of experiences and emotions.  The last 10 days has been that way for the work in Bulgaria.

A group that we have been working with - toward a more formal partnerships has done some things and raised some issues with us that have caused us to take a step back and clarify where we are heading.  Emails of questions, answers, expectation and misunderstandings have been going back and forth to many parties involved for many days. WE are working and praying - trying to sort it all out but it takes time and a great deal of energy.

We have an amazing time last weekend in Silistra.   We participated in a day conference where teens and young adults from more than 15 different church, denominations and Christian streams presented dramas, lead worship, did dance and all kinds of creative expressions of their gifts.  This event was something I always wanted to see happen - to encourage teens to use there talents and gifts for God.  I was asked to share the keynote challenging the youth to go all out for God!  The day and the people were amazing!   Many new contacts were made that will help with our youth programs in Bulgaria.

Galloways are still processing their paper work for their residency – and every time they go in with the papers requested from the previous trip they are given more stuff to produce.  This week they were turning in what they thought were there last documents for the kids and were told that they would need a FBI background check for each of their kids. (I am pretty sure the FBI will not and can not do background checks for minors in the US) So we are trying to figure out the next step with this. We think that the guy is looking for “a gift” to move the paper work along.

It is Holy Week in Bulgaria and we are also in the middle of all that, that brings.  It is exciting as more folks here (just like in the West) are also more interested in Spiritual things this time of year.

This next week our partner ministry for the UK will be here to continue the discussions with the group of churches we are trying to partner with and so we have had much to do to make all the arrangements for that in this mix.

So this week Pray for…

…The partnership negotiations we will be a part of. Pray that God will have is will and way with all parties and that the kingdom will be increased because of this.

…The Galloways residency process that they can get this resolved quickly and move on to other things.

…Our Easter Services on Sunday here in Petrich – pray that people would be drawn to God and to His salvation!

 

Happy Easter (Week One)!

April 5, 2012 – Happy Easter to all those reading in the western part of the World as you will celebrate Easter this weekend. For those living in the Eastern part of the world, that go by the orthodox calendar we will have Easter next weekend. 

This weekend we are traveling to Silistra, BG to participate in a youth conference there (This about as far away for where we live in BG as you can get and still be in the country – about 9-10 hours drive if all goes well).  We are excited though as there are some very talented teens there and we are hoping that they will come to the Love Bulgaria Conference this summer.

Next week for our Easter we are having a special Sunday meeting here in Petrich.  Below is a sample of one of the different invitations we have print and are handing out. 

In English it says

You are Welcome to come on to a Service on Easter Sunday - 15th of April at 11 AM - Street Buzludja a (opposite the entrance to the stadium)
Sponsored by Foundation "Anagenesis"

This week pray for …

… our travels to Silistra and back and for our time there, that it would be well spent for the kingdom

… the Petrich Easter Outreach – that we might have visitors who will be respective to the Gospel message.

…some relationship issues that have developed between some groups we know, we are working on being the mediator for them to resolve the issue.

We cannot always tell you everything that is happening as the cultural land minds  and issues that we navigate are hard to explain and understand (even for us).  We know that God is with us and the prayers of our supporters are felt – So Thanks, keep it up – you can always ask God to give us wisdom to know what to do when.

A Day Late and ...

March 29, 2012 – Sorry my email this week is coming a day late.  We were traveling back from meetings in Budapest.  I was planning on doing it when I got home but was just too tired and not feeling to good (was enroute over 12 hours – I just love plane travel these days).

(taken by Larry Winckles of the ladies on the metro)

The meetings are held 2 times a year so that the European Missionaries can share what God is doing and we can see how we can help each other, pray for each other and encourage each other.  For many who are in a country alone it is needed.  We also spent a good deal of time in prayer for each other.

This week pray for our upcoming Easter Focus in Petrich – pray that we might see some new folks come and check out the Bible Study and what we are doing.

Thank God for the safety in our travels to Budapest and back and for the good month of trainings for pastors and youth.

Continue to pray for our support we are getting reports every week but are still in need of a few more.  

 

Love Bulgaria's Catch Fire Festival 2012

March 23, 2012 - Last weekend we travel with Team Bulgaria to Ruse, a town in the NorthEast part of Bulgaria.  (About an 8-9 hour drive from where we live.) 

We had a great time challenging the youth to learn how to share their faith and giving them practical ideas of how to do that.

Some of the youth shared in doing dramas and a dance. There were testimonies shared and scripture read and we had a great time in fellowship.

This weekend we will travel to Sofia to have another Catch Fire Festival there.  We are looking forward to it as well. 

This week pray for the youth who attended last weekend and this weekends training that they would apply something that they learned in their daily lives.

Pray for the meeting next week in Budapest where we will be joining with FMWM Team Leaders from around Europe for planning and prayer.

Pray for our funding - We really do need to get commitments for our support and the Country Share support as well.

Online Communication

March 15, 2012 – Last weekend we held a Pastor’s conference for a group or Roma Pastors – we taught on making Disciples and looked at how Jesus made His.  It is not uncommon to have many camera and cell phones out taking pictures and recording what we say but on this occasion we also found out that their were guys in the church who now put most of the churches services live on the Web.  So we are not sure who beyond the walls of the church might have listened to the training live or since then on line.  If you would like to hear and see some of the training done last weekend – here are 2 links

Video streaming by Ustreamhttp://www.ustream.tv/recorded/21003717,  http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/21006322

This coming weekend we are heading across the country to the Northeast part (and we live in the southwest part) for the first Catch Fire Festival of the spring.  They are expecting about 150 youth at this event. In preparation for the training we created a Promo for the Love Bulgaria Summer conference to use at this training and you can see as well.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSW9mdOswHc&list=UUIVO1sE8UIjMT1PpqbZcpoQ&index=2&feature=plcp

The tools to communicate are great these days – we are glad we can write this post each week so that you will know how to pray for things happening right now.  I am also glad that when it comes to communicating with God – I do not need the internet, emails or videos  - I just need to pray!  Where ever I am – no matter what time of day – He is always there, always up and always ready to respond!

This week pray for…

…Safety in travel for our team doing a Catch Fire Festival.

…openness to the teaching from the youth.

…the Project 12 Squared and the commitments we need for this year.  So far we have about 20 of the 300 we need.

 

Yearly Visit

March 8, 2012 – Once a year we receive a visit from Jerry Coleman the Area Director for our mission in Europe.  Over the past few days Jerry has been here meeting not only with us but also our team.  On Wednesday we had a staff meeting with the entire team.  That is the first time we have had everyone together (6 Galloways, Mark Henke, Peggy Bonova, Rossen Manolov and 2 Mellingers).  That is 11 currently working on staff in Bulgaria.

To think that 5 years ago next month when we came we were it!  But over time, following up on leads, putting one foot in front of the other we have seen God move, work and expand what we are involved with here.  As we discussed the different ministries each one was doing, plans and dreams each one had, we could see the work increasing exponentially.   For that we are in awe of what God will do when His people follow and obey.

Thanks to all the Prayer Partners who have lifted all that we do up to God regularly.  Your prayers are being answered (So don’t stop – Keep it up).  All that is happening here is because we are all in this together.

This week thanks God for all that He has done with the work in Bulgaria.

Pray for the Pastors Training Day on Saturday, we are expecting over 80 Pastors and church leaders at this seminar.

Pray for the Youth English Club in Petrich – we are seeing signs of growth but need more prayer. (to read more about Mark Henke’s work on this go to his Blog.)

And to all the women reading this

Happy International Women’s Day!

(March 8^th all over Europe)

 

Puzzled???

March 1, 2012 – Today we received in the Post (Mail) a small package from the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Young Teens.  In it were 3 Puzzles that were full of prayers and encouragement. 

Out theme last state side trip was “Where do you Fit?” and we used puzzles and puzzle pieces to help folks understand that they fit and have a part in missions.  We spoke to the Young Teen group on Sunday night while we in the states.

So for us to get some puzzles back with prayer for us, Bulgaria and the work here was a great blessing.  You see EVERYONE who is a believer in Jesus has a role to play.  For now the SAFMC Young Teens role is prayer and encouragement!  (Something that we all need from time to time. – Thank YOU SAFMC Young Teens it made our day!)

But it reminds me of the question for the rest of you?  Where do you fit?  What “piece” of the puzzle called missions is yours?  If you are not sure – Ask God, He will tell you and then get about doing your part!  You will be glad you did!

This week pray for Team Bulgaria as we will be meeting with Jerry Coleman Area Director for Europe next week

Pray for the first pastors training next weekend of this year.  Pray that the roads would be easily traveled and that hearts would be open to learn.

Continue to pray for the Project 12 Squared – we have had about 20 participate that we know of so far but have a long way to go!

We also want you to know that we are always encouraged when we hear from you – thanks for the comments and stories.

 

The Funny things you see …

February 23, 2010 …if you pay attention. One day while visiting Mark at his apartment I noticed something that I had not seen before – take a look at this photo – can you see it?

It is a car parked right outside his building with “Illinois License Plates” in the middle of Petrich.  As you can tell from the snow it hasn’t moved in a while.  We do not know who the car belongs to and how it got to Bulgaria but we are going to try and find out – Mark has placed his card with name, phone and email address – explaining that he lives in Building #52 and he speaks English.

Chances are it was someone who went to Chicago (where a large Bulgarian population live in the states) for awhile, worked and bought a car and then brought it back with them to Bulgaria.  Any way it is a lead and a possible contact for us.

It did not seem strange to me until I remembered where I was and that this was out of place. 

Reminds me that we can see God and opportunities to share God in all kinds of ways and places if we will just look for the signs that are all around us.

Pray that we would connect with the owner of the car.

Pray for the Young Adult English Club – we had a 100% increase in attendance from last week!

Pray Team Bulgaria – as March arrives so does a great deal of travel and teaching opportunities.  Pray for safety in travel and discernment to know what to say!