New partner in Sofia, Bulgaria standing in a garage where a pre and post audio and video production studio will go.
Prague (MNN) ― Eastern Europe bears a dubious distinction among missionaries. Many call this area of the world the 'graveyard for missionaries' because of the discouraging isolation and the low existing percentage of evangelicals.
Missiologist Ted Noble, former president of Greater Europe Mission says, "It's the least evangelized and most Gospel-resistant mega-population on earth." He's referencing Europe and the once-communistic countries in the Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro and the province of Kosovo.
However, the believers that are there, while 0.01 percent of the 34.6 million population, are excited about sharing the hope of Christ. HCJB Global's Mike Dworak says, "We have exciting partnerships that are starting within three different areas. Croatia, which wants to develop into a regional Christian radio station. Moldova, which is the poorest country in Europe, and we're helping to start an FM radio station there. And, in Bulgaria, a studio to produce Christian television and radio programs."
It's young believers asking for the training and help to launch ministry among the youth throughout Eastern Europe. Dworak says, "We're seeing God raise up some people who are passionate to reach a younger generation." Already three well-educated and well-respected younger couples have presented a vision to use the media for Christ.
Dworak says this opened new doors for their work. "Our goal is to support their vision through training, through technology through fundraising to help with funding. I mean you can imagine going into a country that's less than one-percent evangelical and trying to get resources to put a full-time Christian radio station on the air."
In Croatia, a graduate of Moody Bible Institute in communications is applying for an FM permit in Zagreb and looking to HCJB Global Voice for assistance. Dworak explains that the mission helped with a recording studio to produce Christian music and record radio and television programs in Bulgaria. The team there wants to start a 24-hour-a-day Christian radio station and network. And a third couple has committed to starting a Christian station in Cupcini, Moldova.
Why younger people? Dworak says, "These couples all have a deep passion and desire to start radio stations that reach a younger audience -- those who are most open to Christ." They're also looking at new ministry in Serbia, Kosovo and Albania. Please pray. If you want more information or you want to help, click here.
