Let's Hear From the Team: Ashley Kerrigan

I've never really been out of the country before, especially overseas. This will be my first time traveling to Bulgaria with the team, and I think it's something God has been putting on my heart for a long time. I first heard about the team in about seventh grade, and I've desired to go since, but I didn't think it was something that was actually going to happen. Reality struck over the past few months that I'm going to be halfway across the world! I think it's going to be a whole new experience for me... I'm still not quite sure what I'm expecting. I know there will be a lot of culture shock happening the first moments I get there. I am just looking forward to reaching out to others, and letting God use me in ways I didn't know was possible. I am looking forward to getting rid of a few of my fears while I'm down there, but I know it's going to be hard to do. I can't wait to get there and see what God has in store for me!

-Ashley Kerrigan

The Black Sea Camp

The biggest part of our schedule every year is the weeklong children's camp at the Black Sea. After beginning our adventure in Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, we drive eastward, clear across the country, to the small seaside town of Chernomoretz on the coast of the Black Sea. There, we are assist a team from the Blaga Vest church in Sofia as they put on a camp for children from across Bulgaria and Macedonia.

This year, we are expecting a little more than 50 children from ages 4 or 5 up to 18. The theme of the camp will be C.S. Lewis' famous book for children, "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe." Each day of the camp will address a different topic from the book, including:

1. Living in Two Worlds
2. Being a Faithful Friend
3. Temptation and Betrayal
4. Sacrifice and Redemption
5. Repentance and Forgiveness
6. Choices and Consequences

The topics will be addressed through daily lessons and activities, and also through the message given during the evening services each night. We will be decorating the camp in a Narnian theme with a wardrobe entrance and a lamppost, and the kids will be split into four teams for the week, each identified by a character from the book.

In addition, we spend several hours each day with the children enjoying some time at the beach. Our team forms a protective barrier between the younger kids and the deep water, while enjoying play time with them as well. We also venture into town regularly for an afternoon snack or just a nice walk with friends. Here is the schedule for a typical day at camp:



6:00 am   Wake up
6:30 am   Meet with camp leaders (morning devotions, discuss day ahead)
7:30 am   Wake up the kids
8:00 am   Breakfast
8:30 am   Group prayer with kids
8:45 am   Prepare for beach
9:00 am   Beach time (3 1/2 hours)
1:00 pm   Lunch
2:00 pm   Naptime (for the kids... we use this time to visit town or prepare for ministry)
3:00 pm   Daily lessons (some of our younger people will teach some of these)
5:30 pm   Daily activities (we will help with arts & crafts)
7:00 pm   Dinner
7:45 pm   Evening service (worship, prayer, & message from God's word)
8:30 pm   Evening activity (something different each night... movie, games, party)
10:30 pm Bed time for the kids

After the kids go to bed, the team has some time alone to Skype home to family and friends. We also take this time to hide small toys all over the camp for kids to find when they wake up in the morning. The week is a long one, with the team turning in late each night, long after the kids have gone to bed, and rising early in the morning to meet and pray together with the camp leadership. The work is hard but joyful and the kids are a genuine blessing to serve.

The camp this year runs from Saturday, July 5 to Saturday, July 12. Pray for the kids at camp to genuinely hear from the Lord during this week. Also, pray for our team and the leaders from the Blaga Vest church to be able to minister in the power of the Holy Spirit and out of a genuine love for His children. And, of course, check back here often for pictures and videos from the week as we share what God is doing at the Black Sea!

Our Itinerary

12 more days! Most of us are busy helping with Vacation Bible School at Calvary Bullhead this week, but in the back of our minds, we're all thinking about the adventure we're about to embark on. We've only got two and a half weeks in Bulgaria, so we plan to make the most of it with a very busy schedule. We've added one more stop this year, with a visit to the Blaga Vest church in Svishtov, so every day is accounted for.  Here's a look at our schedule for our time in-country:

Monday, June 30 Depart and travel all day

Tuesday, July 1 Arrive in afternoon. Rest and fellowship in evening

Wednesday, July 2 Recreational time in Sofia / Blaga Vest church evening service (Sofia)

Thursday, July 3 Fakulteta evangelistic event

Friday, July 4 Street evangelism in Sofia / Bozhia Sila church evening service (Elin Pelin)

Sat-Sat, July 5-12 Black Sea Camp (Chernomoretz)

Sunday, July 13 Drive to Skopje, Macedonia / Dobra Vest evening service

Monday, July 14 Fellowship or ministry in Macedonia / Drive to Sofia in evening

Tuesday, July 15 Drive to Svishtov in morning / Blaga Vest church evening service (Svishtov)

Wednesday, July 16 Drive home in afternoon / Blaga Vest evening service (Sofia)

Thursday, July 17 Depart and travel all day

So, that's the schedule... and its a busy one! Over the next week, I'll take some time to write about the specific areas of ministry we are planning, including more on the Black Sea camp. Keep us in prayer as we work out all the details before leaving!

Let's Hear From the Team: Alisha Martin

My name is Alisha Martin and I am going to Bulgaria for the first time this year. God had put it on my heart a year ago to go to Bulgaria and I prayed about it and he told me it was my year to go. I am very excited to go and help with the children over there. Also I am very excited to help out with the camp we do there because I am very involved in the VBS we do here. I am currently 14 but will be turning 15 in Bulgaria. I can't wait to see what God does in my life while I am in Bulgaria.

Let's Hear From the Team: Dock Hoilman

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” – Psalm 32:8

In August 2010, the Lord started guiding me down an unexpected path. Taking my experiences and passions to allow opportunities I would have never expected. Over the past two summers, I've been blessed to work in His ministry to Bulgaria through The Hanna Project. God has moved in me, drawing me to this land so far away as I have seen Him work in peoples lives. Now, he has opened a new door.

This year, I'll be joining the Bulgarian Servant Team from Bullhead City, AZ as we support and encourage the Church in Bulgaria and Macedonia. We will be visiting brothers and sisters in several parts of Bulgaria and Macedonia. In an area where the protestant church only accounts for 1% of the nation, God is at work in the hearts of His people. Yet, all around them, people have no hope at all, or put their hope in ritual and superstition. Real believers are feared and often ridiculed. A special treat for me on this trip will be camp! We will be working at a Christian youth camp on the Black Sea. This will be our chance to serve children and teens in Narnian fashion.

We greatly appreciate your prayers for our brothers and sisters overseas and for our team. The Bulgarian Servant Team is not setting out to evangelize the nation, but rather to encourage our brothers and sisters as they share Jesus with their neighbors. We are only here to serve. (July 1 - 17)

-Dock Hoilman

Read more on my own blog.

Let's Hear From the Team: Barbi Robnett

I first went to Bulgaria 12 years ago with the team from CCBHC. I have seen over the years how God has opened up doors for us to serve with our brothers and sisters through outreach, discipleship, testimony, marriage ministry and childrenʼs ministry to name just a few. We go to help with ministry that God is already doing there. God has placed a deep love in my heart for these people and their country. Most especially their children.

About 4 years ago my family was forced to move away from BHC and I was heartbroken. Not only to leave my church family in AZ but also because I thought I would never return to BG with the CCBHC again. Last year I was invited to return with the team and sought the Lordʼs will. I wanted to be sure it was Him sending me and not my own desire to return. To my joy, He sent me back, and again this year. He has recently opened the door for us to go into Macedonia as well.

It is always a joy to serve along side the family of God there. We go to be helping hands for the body of Christ who are serving the Lord there faithfully everyday. Truth be told - I come away changed every time from being with them. While I go hoping to be a blessing to them, I come away with them being a blessing to me. I am so thankful each time the Lord sends me, so thankful to Him, and so thankful for them. It is my hope to be an encouragement to them as they labor for the Lord and to bring glory and honor to Him together with them.

-Barbi Robnett

Now Introducing... The 2014 Team!

Tickets have been purchased and the team for this year is set. We've got a couple people joining us from elsewhere, and a whole group of new teenagers from our church here in Bullhead City, Arizona. So, without further ado, here are this year's team members:

Adults

Mike Kern - Assistant pastor at Calvary Chapel Bullhead City. This will be his 6th year with the team.

Joey Leslie - Vacation Bible School director at CCBHC. This will be his 12th year with the team.

Vernon Garrett - Teaches 5th & 6th grade youth group at CCBHC. This will be his 4th year with the team.

Thomas Hein - Assists with all youth group ministries at CCBHC. This will be his first year with us.

Megan Kern - Will travel to Bulgaria a month ahead of the team. This will be her 4th year.

Barbi Robnett - Joining us from Washington state. Barbi used to attend CCBHC and has been with the team for many years.

Dock Hoilman - Has been involved in various ministries over the years, including the directing of youth camps. Dock joins us from Virginia and connected with the team through mutual friends in Bulgaria. He has been to the country twice before with The Hannah Project.

Teens

All of these teens are members of Calvary Chapel Bullhead City, and this is their first year on the team.

Reyna Hartman

Ashley Kerrigan

Alisha Martin

Chelsea Rush