Artash is 16 years old and one of eight children in his family. Most of them have some mental challenges, and Artash attended a special elementary school. His father has a job but is also a heavy drinker. Sometimes the children are seen at the local market, exchanging empty bottles for candy.
Two years ago, Artash began attending Sunday School in his neighborhood in Armenia. When he had the opportunity to attend summer camp, he was excited to go. He realized his formal education was over because of his disabilities, but he wanted to learn more about Jesus.
In Sunday School and at camp...
Gancho is a teacher who leads Bible studies and house churches in Bulgaria. As a representative of the Roma (Gypsy) community, he is well-respected by the government authorities. In addition to his work in sharing the Gospel, he is also helping the Roma community to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Gancho had been studying God’s Word with his friend, Zarko (left) for about a year before COVID-19. “Zarko showed interest,” Gancho says, “but because of his Muslim background, he felt reserved toward Christianity.” While they were meeting and studying together, Zarko’s daughter became a...
In Armenia, 17-year-old Arman had a Christian teacher who would use examples or stories from the Bible to illustrate a point.
Arman was intrigued. He had many questions but was too embarrassed to ask his teacher. On the Internet, he found lots of information about different religions. But the answers he found did not settle his heart.
His younger brother was invited by a friend to attend a camp. One of the campers backed out at the last minute, so Arman joined in.
The first day of camp was filled with the usual camp activities: stories, games, singing, and snacks. On the second day...
Ediyan was born into a family of traditional Muslims in North Macedonia. His grandmother taught him about Islam and faithfully took him to the mosque. There he learned the traditions and beliefs. Eventually, he followed the ways of Islam.
At age 15, Ediyan moved with his family to a Gypsy Roma neighborhood. A Bible study group was meeting weekly across the street from their house. When the believers invited him to attend, he took a risk and joined them.
Instead of hearing the truth of the Gospel that night, however, Ediyan filtered everything he heard through his Islamic faith. Feeling...