29 Tserova Polyana
s. Marchaevo
Sofia 1696
Bulgaria 

Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for praying for the matter we had to address in India. That was a real victory and we were able to relinquish authority to Sonam Bhutia, who was the manager along with his wife. We had to retain the WEC name, but as far as we are concerned, the property is out of our hands.

We are still adjusting to the Bulgarian culture. It is so different and laid-back from our frenetic Western lifestyle. Gwen finds it frustrating walking the streets of Sofia the capital! The slow pace of the shoppers and the inability to pass as people from the other direction jam the narrow pavements reveals the need to learn patience!

Our nest has been stirred up as we had to leave the rented accommodation we shared with Robert and Kathleen. Currently we live right next to the forest, about five minutes from the former house. It is more isolated and we miss the interaction with local people. Language is still slow but the Lord has opened our eyes to the binding on people’s lives through underlying occultism in their Traditions. Prayer has become the priority.

The following story happened recently during one of our trips to the city. We couldn’t help see a parable in the incident.

The day was wet and windy when we went on a visit to Sofia. The journey takes about an hour and we were anxious to get back home to the warmth of a wood fire. The tram lumbered along overloaded with shoppers from the now affluent and automobile-crowded city. We hoped the connecting bus would be waiting for us. No bus! After some fifteen minutes number 59 sneaked around the corner. All hastened to climb in and grab the best seats. Endurance is needed. A further quarter of an hour and we began to move out.

Moving to the corner, waiting for the lights to change before joining the main highway, the driver is hailed by a man running with signals to have mercy and let him aboard. We have watched this scenario before, and noted that such last-minute attempts are usually ignored. Not so with this compassionate man. The middle door glides silently open, while the passenger runs to the front closed door and begins to shout at the driver unaware of the fascinated eyes of onlookers at the man’s stupidity. Did he wait to hear what the driver was trying to tell him? Apparently not! For the abuse continued and this time the open doors slowly and resolutely closed, as the irate man turned and made his way to the shed to await the next bus totally ignorant of his lost opportunity.

Our family is doing well. Sharon has completed her doctorate. Wonderful! Simon’s help was invaluable. Kathleen is busy working on hers. She and Robert are expecting a baby in February, which is exciting.  Barry’s schedule is over-filled with English teaching appointments, but Stephanie manages to work two afternoons a week in a doctor’s surgery. Their two children keep them on the run!

We both continue to be in touch with friends we have made here and in the city. One recent contact in a nearby village is a Russian lady who speaks some English. She asked us this week why we went to India. She couldn’t fully comprehend why we left everything to follow the Lord.

We hope you have a special Christmas and the New Year is filled with His joy and peace.

“The Lord takes delight in the welfare of His servants”.

We give all the praise to our great Lord. He is marvelous! Thank you for your faithfulness in praying for us.

Stan and Gwen.