"I TELL THEM ABOUT JESUS AND SHARE MY TESTIMONY"

A hairdresser in Bulgaria shines a light in his community

The story of a sponsored family now shining God's light in their community.

In Krupnik, Bulgaria, many Roma families live trapped in poverty. It is common to drop out of education early because of discrimination, poverty, and a lack of support. Later on, it's challenging to secure well-paid work because of a lack of education – exacerbating the cycle of poverty. Poverty is often compounded by relationship difficulties, conflict, alcohol abuse, and a sense of hopelessness about the future.

Todor, 32, lives in Krupnik with his wife Elmira, 26, and three children – Sofia, seven, Krisia age five, and Teodor, age one. They share a house with Todor's mother, where they have a room of their own and a shared kitchen. Although Todor has always been a gifted hairdresser, he didn't have a proper space to work from and made very little money from it.

Todor had attended church from a young age, but he grew cold toward God in his teenage years. He and his wife, living in poverty, went through a difficult time of frequent conflict, not knowing how to move forwards.

When the family was enrolled in Mission Without Borders' (MWB) family sponsorship programme, they began receiving regular material, emotional and spiritual support, regularly visited by MWB staff member Emil, whose daughter also works for the Mission.

Emil shared, "This family went through difficult times. With the help of God, I had many conversations with them, and so did my daughter, who also works for the Mission. We spent many hours with them because they needed us."

"Today, Todor is a very stable man, caring for his family and mother after his father's passing. He is easy to work with as he's so hardworking and open to share with me if he is in need of something."

Thanks to Emil's support, two incredible changes happened in Todor's life: his relationship with God was restored – and he was helped to start a successful hairdressing salon.

In his hairdressing salon, too, Todor's faith takes center stage.

He has framed Bible verses and put them on the wall – Joshua 1:9, Jeremiah 29:11, and his favorite verse, John 14:27: "Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid."

In my profession, I meet many different people, that is the reason I put some verses on the walls.

 

"Thanks to all the support we received from Mission Without Borders, I have a proper hair salon and regular clients. Most of my clients ask me if I am a Christian when they read the verses, and that way, I can tell them about Jesus and share my testimony."

Thanks to Emil and his family shining the light of God's love in Todor's life, he now shines a light daily in his workplace.

Family sponsorship is an incredible way to witness to others and help them discover the truth about God's salvation – let your light shine today by sponsoring a family in eastern Europe.

2376

That is how many families are being helped through sponsorship.


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