Generations Change but the Vision Remains the Same
IGNAT "IVO" IVANOV, President
This year marks 50 years since Mission Possible began its work in Eastern Europe. At first, Bibles were smuggled. As political situations changed, new projects were launched: teaching, church planting, street patrols, and shelter homes.
Fifty years ago, I myself was a church youth leader in Bulgaria who received Bibles from Mission Possible. It has been a joy to now serve on the sending side of this organization.
Reaching out to all ages, from newborns to grandparents
We work with people of all ages. Needy families with babies are given Baby Boxes full of practical items, are instructed in basic child-rearing, and listen to a message about the Good News. The workers – both paid and volunteer – are also of all ages. Young energetic helpers distribute care packages to seniors. Experienced pastors mentor the youth. Children in the shelter homes have volunteer “grandparents.”
Photo: Our volunteer Zdravka helping give out children’s winter coats. She also cooks in our soup kitchen in her home village of Slatina. She and her family have personally received much help from our Bulgarian team.
The team may change, but the vision stays the same
Our work has continued from generation to generation and will carry on because the vision has not changed.
Mission Possible’s vision is to spread the gospel and help in Eastern Europe through local workers in partnership with the Church.
The work of the Kingdom of God is centered on the Great Commission - not on personal agendas.
What God does in people’s lives is central - not who is serving.
New leaders emerge from within the team.
Our teams, both in Eastern Europe and in the West, are in a process of transition. The new leaders in the field have been with us for years and have a wealth of experience, even though they are in their thirties.
Many workers have started as volunteers and have been beneficiaries of our projects themselves. The best thing is when those who have been helped become helpers!
We share tasks and responsibilities during long transition periods. This is how we make sure that even though the leadership changes, the vision remains the same and the work of the gospel stays central.
We extend a heartfelt thank you for your faithful support, dear friends (both new and those who have been with us for a long time)!
Katya grew up in the Yekaterinburg shelter home. Ivo attended her wedding a few years ago. Now Katya and her husband Oleg are workers at the shelter home and a vital part of its leadership.
