Background and Need Served:

For the past five years, youth offerings have been supporting a 'Feeding Program' for disadvantaged and orphaned children and youth in Yambol, Bulgaria, through the Bulgarian Methodist Church. The offering has grown to include salary support for the local Methodist minister.  This program provides one meal a day for ninety children, and helps a pastor serve this Bulgarian congregation.

In June of 2006, thirty-six high school juniors and seniors and seven adults traveled to Bulgaria for two weeks, at the invitation of the local pastor, volunteering at the school and orphanages, worshipping with Bulgarian Methodists, presenting dramas, and sightseeing.  The Bulgarians opened their hearts – and changed ours.  Struggling with how to do more, FUMC youth decided to assist the Yambol congregation with building their church.  FUMC youth spearheaded a campaign that raised $50,000 in nine months, to be administered by the World Methodist Evangelism for building the church in Yambol Bulgaria.

Outreach Project Purpose:

The continuing goal of this project is to change the world for street children and orphans in Yambol, Bulgaria and to support the congregation at Yambol as they serve the local community and spread the good news of Christ.

Looking forward, our goals are to:

• Continue funding the Feeding Program ($2,000) for disadvantaged and orphaned youth in Yambol at the Ivan Vavoz School and through the Yambol congregation of the Methodist Church of Bulgaria & World Methodist Evangelism
• Continue salary support of $2,500 per year for the Methodist minister in Yambol
• Provide oversight and support as needed for the construction and success of a church building for the Yambol Methodist congregation
• Build on and expand the established relationship with the Yambol Methodist congregation, through cultural exchange and ministry support programs.

2008+ Project Goals:

• Support new ministries of the Yambol Church:   Fulfill request of $1,000 seed money for a new program in the church to provide health information and support for expectant families and families with young children.
• Provide financial support of $2,200 for  the Feeding Program for disadvantaged and orphaned youth in Yambol from youth offerings.
• Provide salary support of $2,800 for the local Methodist minister through World Methodist Evangelism from youth offerings.
• Evaluate FUMC becoming a Connecting Congregation with the Yambol

Congregation, making a commitment of $5000/yr for minister’s salary and congregational support for three years: 2009-2011. (This would be in addition to our youth’s continued support of the Feeding Program.)

• Possible outreach trip to Bulgaria in summer 2008 for high school age youth and adults.

Current Team Members:

• Beth Miller
• FUMC Youth
• Parent Council
• Adult Leaders of Youth

Estimated Project Costs/Resources Required

Activity                                                        Funds Required

Feeding Program                                               $2000/yr

Minister’s salary support                                    $2500/yr

Health Program for young families                     $1,000/yr

Proposed Source of Resources/Funds

Activity                                                     Goal                Projected Timing

Youth offerings                                         $5000/yr            ~ $500/mo. (10 mos)

Fundraiser                                               $1,000/yr

 

Date Completed: October 31, 2007
By: Beth Miller (beth@fumc-a2.org)