In the New Testament we often read “and they were amazed” as the disciples witnessed Jesus at work. It’s a phrase that two of us from the Apex Church can identify with, as we went as part of a team with Light for Bulgaria to he forgotten villages of South West Bulgaria.

Once thriving mining villages high in the mountains they are now deserted except for elderly villagers as the young people and families have moved to towns to find work. It’s to such people we went to share the love of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some asked the question, “why have you come here?” or “no-one ever comes here,” and when we offered to pray with them some asked, “how much does it cost?” In one very mountainous area (no houses to be seen) we came across a elderly couple. The lady was recently diagnosed with cancer was sad and perplexed. Her husband told us their son had fallen over the mountainside (properly looking after the goats) and when he got to him he died in his arms. He said, “we prayed to God and nothing happens”. We told him that we always ask God to take us to those who need Him so we were the answer the their prayers. Their faces lit up and we shared the gospel that God’s son had died for them, we prayed with them and gave them gifts; truly a God moment.

A little boy unable to speak is now speaking fluently and the son of the local mayor is now walking; another God moment, another miracle.

Visiting Lebritsa we met a man suffering from depression since his wife died. He was lost and alone. Talking in a roadside cafe again shared the love of God. Later at his home the very poignant word of God into his situation brought about change in him. We left him with these words ringing in our ears, “now I have hope.” Another man in village Mahalata told us he was ill and could die at any time. He urged us to pray. We told him that Jesus had died for him to bring him both healing and eternal life. He said, “pray now, pray now” and he received Jesus into his life. We were amazed! In the village of Nikuldin we met many villagers who have became our friends. We care for them by providing a hot meal twice a week during the freezing and severe conditions of the winter. They come to the village square to collect soup for themselves and to distribute to those less mobile.

The generosity of friends back home enables us to give a cup of cold water in His name. Without exception they are all so grateful. Emile, a 30 year old man we met, had suffered a stroke and was now living in the village of Drakota. He said he felt tingling in his arm as we prayed for him and some movement came in his arm.

Each time we go we hear of answers to prayer and we are amazed! A little boy unable to speak is now speaking fluently and the son of the local mayor is now walking; another God moment, another miracle.

Why are we amazed? Because we serve an amazing God.