In 2000, Svetla (middle) of Bulgaria middle began hosting a Bible study group in her home. God was changing the lives of her and her family, and she became a faithful follower of Jesus. Radoslav (right), one ministry partner, recalls with great fondness those years of leading those Bible studies for her and her neighbors.
Five years later, Svetla and her family experienced a tragedy in their lives. Her son was in a serious accident, and his close friend died at the scene. “We were all deeply wounded by this loss,” she says. “My son fell into a long-term depression, and he still has not recovered. My husband left us. I withdrew from God and from other believers. We even stopped hosting the Bible study group.”
Recently, Radoslav and his team offered to visit and pray with Svetla and her son. “I have to admit that we were surprised when Svetla accepted that offer,” Radoslav says. “When we entered the house, we knew the first thing we needed to do was to share with them once again about the peace and comfort God has for them. Then, we prayed with them.”
“That day, the Lord touched Svetla’s heart, and she expressed a desire to return to God,” he adds. “With many tears, she made a renewed commitment to serve Him as she had in her youth.”
While they were in her village, Radoslav and the team visited with several other people. Six more people repented of their sins and submitted to God that day.
“Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love …” (Joel 2:13).
