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.

Date Completed: October 31, 2007