Bulgaria – A Brief Overview
Formerly part of the Eastern Bloc, Bulgaria remained under communism until 1990. Today this democratic nation is part of the European Union.
The sixth country to put an astronaut in space, Bulgaria has the second highest number of Mensa members in the world. It is also a primary source, transit, and destination point for human trafficking in Eastern Europe.
The people of Bulgaria are some of the most intelligent in the world. They hunger for more, yet many do not realize everything they seek can be found in Jesus Christ.
Fast Facts –
Type of Government:
Parliamentary Democracy
Capital City:
Sofia
Population:
7,037,935
Currency:
Bulgarian Lev
Language:
Bulgarian
Religion:
Eastern Orthodox 59%
Unspecified 27%
Muslim 9%
Other/None 5%
Major Industries:
electricity, gas, water; food, beverages, tobacco; machinery and equipment, base metals, chemical products, coke, refined petroleum, nuclear fuel
Size Comparison:
Slightly larger than Tennessee
Past WR Ministry –
Orphanage – It’s Not About You
Cultivating Relationships – Soul Food from a Gypsy Kitchen
Non-Profit – Mission Possible
Country Sponsor –
Why support? Why Bulgaria? –
In early January 2017, RJ gave me a call that sounded something like this:
RJ: “Hey Bro – Kayla and I are going to do the World Race”
David: “That’s awesome, how can we (Stacey and I) help?”
Few things in life require less thought than we put into making the decision to help RJ and Kayla.
Why?
RJ has been present for almost every supernatural encounter I have had with the Father and Jesus. I don’t consider that a coincidence. Likewise, Kayla has always been present for Stacey. When we got our first apartment in Indiana, it was RJ that led a worship session and first invited the Holy Spirit into our home. Whenever I needed a boost, it was RJ that would see a hot air balloon and send me a picture of it. When we made the decision to move back to Charlotte, it was RJ and Kayla that threw us a party and covered us in prayer.
RJ and Kayla are true instruments of God – anyone who knows them can confirm. Their love and obedience of His plan is astounding. Need proof?
RJ and Kayla have a wonderful life, good jobs, and are in a great position to make miniature versions of their awesome selves, but instead, they are going to pause what any normal couple their age would do, and pursue His plan by going on the World Race. This trip will impact them, yes, but I can’t stop thinking about how many lives have already been affected by their decision (and they haven’t even left yet!)
So RJ asked if Stacey and I would sponsor one of their countries. We choose Bulgaria.
There was no reason behind choosing Bulgaria to be honest. All we knew was that our friends needed our help – not for themselves, but to bring Jesus to as many people in one year as they could. So does that mean we would sponsor anyone for the World Race? Honestly, no. We’re sponsoring RJ and Kayla because the moment RJ asked for my help, a wave of assurance from the Holy Spirit hit me. Because they want nothing for themselves by going on this trip. Because they have always been there for Stacey and I and always will be. Because they are not just great friends, but obedient and loving Children of God. Because the Holy Spirit will invade any place they inhabit like music filling a studio.
We love you, guys.
Father – do what You do and what You’ve always done for RJ and Kayla. We ask that fear be silenced in Jesus name and the enemy would run at the sight of them covered in Your glory. We pray that they grow closer to You together and that Your goodness would be felt with every life they encounter on this trip. Prepare them, God, for an experience only You can deliver. – David & Stacey Busshart
