Bulgaria's Determined Early Educators Invest in the Country's Future
By Mariellyn Hilgeman
In the eastern European country of Bulgaria, Christian schools are just beginning since conditions have been less favorable there than in Hungary and Romania. Countries under former Communist control embrace their new freedoms but must also confront the brutal realities of sluggish economies. Bulgarian Christians understand the challenge of hard work and sacrifice. Here are a few profiles of determination:
New Generation Kindergarten/Preschool
New Generation Kindergarten/Preschool, the ministry of Julia Atkova, is beginning its ninth year. This school has the honor of being the first national Christian kindergarten/preschool in Bulgaria. Julia’s church gave the total support for the school’s first three years. The fourth year the church paid the rent, and after that Julia had to choose whether to continue independently or close the school. She chose to continue, and two years of testing began. Since tuition would not cover expenses, she helped pay expenses by cleaning houses, and teachers helped by making greeting cards while the children napped. None of them received a salary for two years. The Lord has blessed them for the past few years with a good landlord and a clean, comfortable facility (Julia said she would rather forget some of the earlier ones) as well as gifts of toys and materials from abroad. This year the school will expand to having five classes.
Petko R. Slaveikov Private School
Petko R. Slaveikov Private School, the first Christian preschool/elementary school in Bulgaria, began last year after years of careful planning by a committee from different backgrounds. The committee members praise God for having received the essential official permission for the school near the end of last year. Their kindergarten/preschool is still quite small—only one class of four seven-year-olds. The leaders of this school struggled to find the facility they are renting. They cleaned, extended and painted walls, patched the roof several times, and repaired toilets. But heating in winter remains a problem. The classrooms have space heaters, but the halls and bathroom are unheated—in a region that gets so cold that the water in the commodes just may freeze! Two board members give sacrificially to keep the school afloat financially because many parents are unable to pay. The parents give of their time and energy instead. The testing continues, yet those at the school can look at Julia’s school and experience, and as a result they can trust that God will work on their behalf too. Both schools face possible difficulties with the new government (Communist and Turkish parties).
Learn More
Select Bulgaria to view a map and read more about the country. Through pictures, real audio, and language samples, you can glimpse Bulgaria’s rapid advancements. Take time to visit the photo gallery and view the breathtaking beauty of Bulgaria’s varied landscapes.
Prayer Request
Pray that the Lord will provide for, protect, and strengthen the staff members and their schools for His glory and the accomplishment of His purposes in Bulgaria.
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