Reflection on my trip to Bulgaria - May 2011

The time from April 30th to May 15th 2011 marked a milestone in my life. It was my first overseas mission trip. Granted, my trip wasn’t typical for most mission trips in that there was not a great focus on direct ministry and proclamation of the Gospel. But there was worship, beautiful worship. And even in the smallest amount of it, I felt the unifying presence of the Holy Spirit. For me this was a wonder to behold because even though I knew it in my head that international church is unified in Christ, I hadn’t experienced that true sense of “one holy catholic and apostolic church”; the sense of being united and sent with a body of people from other languages, backgrounds and cultures. Really, meeting people whose only connection I share is faith in Christ, and then seeing that connection at work and worship, was and is something I will never want to trade.

For me it came to a head when we had our first large group dinner at Taino Myasto with Villi, her kids, Ivancho and Natalia, John, Ken and myself. Supper surrounded in worship and fellowship. It was a moving and special occasion. I have made friends there that I fully intend to visit the first chance I get.

If you are reading this, you should consider joining.