Pepi’s Joyful Day: New Shoes, a Christmas Bag, and Overcoming Fear
IRINA GRIGOROVA, Mission Possible Bulgaria, pictured giving Pepi her gift bag
Pepi is one of the hundreds of children in Bulgaria whose lives we and the local church get to impact. The Slatina slum village church is familiar to Pepi; her mother brings her to the soup kitchen held there. Mission Possible provides the food supplies for the kitchen, and our team visits the village regularly to distribute aid and to hold evangelistic events for children and their families.
We recently visited Slatina to celebrate an early Christmas with the families there. The birth of our Savior gives us great reason to rejoice. We brought clothes, shoes, and gifts for all.
A group of older children from a nearby church joined us to lead themed songs and dances. While others participated, one small girl stood shyly by the wall.
“What is your name? Why aren’t you joining?” I asked. “I’m Pepi…I’m scared because I don’t know what to do…” she whispered.
“Go ahead bravely!” I told her. “Maybe some of the younger ones will join when they see you there. Be an example!” Pepi stepped forward and began to jump and clap with the others. Soon a smaller girl came beside her, copying her movements. Pepi noticed this and smiled at me. It was just as I had said!
Pepi learned something important at church again: Use the ability God has given you and be an example to others!
THE POWER OF EXAMPLE
Pepi, encouraged by Irina, joins the performance and imitates the older girls’ movements - and soon her younger friend imitates her!
Sasha and her Toy Cat Mia
by SNIZHANA BAIEVA‑NAVROTSKA
A toy is an important friend to a child. It gives a sense of safety, and caring for it can have a calming effect. Most of us had a special something we carried everywhere. Meeting Sasha and her new toy cat brought back memories of our own childhoods!
We were distributing Christmas gifts to families. In one home there was a mother and four children. The oldest child Sasha—her mother’s helper who keeps the younger ones in order—opened the first package.
Her face lit up with joy when she saw what was inside: a fluffy toy cat. She immediately hugged it and said, “Her name is Mia!” We gave her a children’s Bible as well. “I love reading! I can read these stories with Mia!”
This is how Sasha received a new friend!
