Mike and Maria Long

Bulgarian Partnerships Grow

In November, about 80 Bulgarian pastors and leaders met in Sofia for the second training session under the Renewal International Network.  Renewal Christian Centre, UK and Pastor David Carr continues to follow through with partnership initiatives in Bulgaria.  Al Mellinger of FM Mission with Pastor Pavel Ignatov directs the progress of this support ministry of Kingdom expansion.  80 or more wonderful bulgarian men and women of God have joined.  Many of these pastors survived communism and continue serve faithfully.  Circumstances have not allowed for adequate training.  Many of the trained Bulgarian pastors have left the country for opportunities outside Bulgaria.  God has openned the door for Renewal and FM Mission to support up to 100 existing churches to stand strong and make a lasting impact for the glory of Christ.  What a privilege for me, a simple cross cultural minister, to teach the book of Acts and challenge these leaders that they have yet to write the greatest chapter of Acts in Bulgaria.  You and us and them are all partners of the fulfillment of the church's greatest days.

 

Physical health struggles have prevented trips to our partners in Kosovo.  Finally since 2006, the girls and I are headed to Kosovo tomorrow. The good news is blood test continue to prove that God's healing was real.  The doctor on Friday looked at my results with a big surprise and amazement. Praise the Lord and thanks for your support.

We are coming to the States for the Holidays and January.  Christi and Gina are very excited. Our support is slowly coming in.  Pray that funds will be in the black before the end of the year. Donations to the Greece Country Shares (CSA) support this ministry.  The account is $5,000 in the red behind for the year 2008. The Greek country shares uses the code WCS403.  Gifts can be made electronically through www.fmwm.org or by mail to:  Free Methodist World Missions, PO Box 535002, Indianapolis, IN 46253-5002

Unbeliever husband accuses believing wife of boyfriend

In Greece, when someone becomes extra cheerful, the first comment is, "You must be in LOVE!" It is a joke that often indicates suspicions.  Theodora is a new believer and has been witnessing to her sister since this past Spring. Maria has also shared with her. Two weeks ago, Maria and Theodora visited her sister for coffee. Maria prayed with her a prayer of repentance and salvation. The precious soul teared up and tingled. Starbucks can not compete with the enjoyment that coffee had.  The husband observing the transformation in his wife's behavior, and not understanding, accused her of having a boyfriend and now monitors her activities.  She has not been allowed to attend church yet. Pray for her spiritual growth and her husband's hard heart too. 

At church we prayed a prayer of repentance with a Georgian Greek neice.  Others scared her off. She has stopped coming. At a home visit, two women listened to the word of God. Maria and I prayed for them. Afterwards they wiped tears from their cheeks and remarked how they tingled during the prayer.  God is doing something.  The Devil is resisting. Let's exercise more faith and believe God to touch precious souls and draw them into his arms

Tuesday, Nov 4, FM leaders and I gather in Belgium for a couple of days for prayer and discussion. Then Saturday, Nov 8, I have the honor of teaching the book of Acts to 100 Bulgarian pastors in Sofia.  I hope to stir them to a higher level of ministry and service.  These are men of God who have spiritual responsibility, but not given the opportunity of adequate Biblical training.  Pray for this valuable time of instruction and spiritual impartation.  These are church leaders connecting with the FM church, Renewal Christian Centre, in Birmingham, UK. The association is called RIN, Renewal International Network.