I have an idea and a dream that I am asking you to consider helping with. Here are the details that will explain everything
The People:
Since arriving here, in Bulgaria, I have notice almost no focus on the young people in the churches. I have noticed many teens and seen the hopelessness in their eyes. I have also watched as the West is influencing them and their behavior. They believe that American teens are like what they see on MTV and other pop culture shows (They do get American Cable TV). They need to see a different way of life.
The Plan:
I have also connected with an organization called Missions Possible Bulgaria. This group is trying to help reach the young people of Bulgaria as well.
So this summer (2008 and hopefully every year after that for a while) we are wanting to hold a Youth Conference – called “Love Bulgaria” to train the Bulgarian Youth to share their faith. It will be a combined event using the American Teens (This year the Spring Arbor Youth Group – Maybe next year your group) and other trainers to make this happen. It is designed so that Bulgarian Teens will partner and get to know Solid Christian teens and together they will learn to share their faith and do evangelism.
We want the Bulgarian teens to really get to know - On fire – sold out American teens for Christ and realize there is hope – there is more to a good life than what they are seeing on MTV!
The Problem:
So what can you do – well one of the problems is that the average income in Bulgaria is still only about $4,000.00 a year and so most families would never be able to afford to send their teen to an event like this. They will have to pay something but it will not cover the whole amount. So I am looking for funds to help scholarship Bulgarian Students to this. (Now they will be solid kids and approved by their church so we are investing in the hope of the future in Bulgaria). All told we are wanting to raise at least $8,000 (by early June) to help send Bulgarian teens. But we know that most youth groups could not raise the entire amount and so we have broken it down and are looking for 100 sponsors at $80 each.
The Possibilities:
So maybe your group could take on 2-3 students – through special offerings or by a special fundraiser or maybe by doing a tithe on the fundraisers you are doing.
If interested please let me know (almellinger@yahoo.com) and I will phone to talk more about it. (I have an internet phone that I can call the states for free) I think we might be able to create some creative ways to help your group get excited about missions and what God is doing. And if the project goes well we want to do it again and will be looking for other youth groups over the coming year to come and help with this conference.
Thanks for you time and consideration of this project!
Any Funds Collected for this Project can be give online with the donate link to the left or sent to Free Methodist World Missions P O Box 535002 Indianapolis, IN 46253, mark the project WE 461631 Bulgarian Youth Conference on the Check. Since the event is in July funds are needed in the accounts by June 1, 2008 if possible.
Al Mellinger - Missionary to Bulgaria
