The Community Church, Burton & District

Bulgaria

For several years the Community Church have had links with the Blagavest Church (Good News Church) in Shumen, Bulgaria and also with the Children's Home for children with special needs - The Kalinka (Ladybird) Home.  A member of our congregation, Sarah Ballard, moved to Bulgaria in September 1998 and stayed in Shumen for nearly two years, working with the church and also volunteering in the childrens home. She was able to play with the children, teach them some songs and it was amazing to see the difference it made just spending time with them.

At that time there was very little education that went on.  Forty children lived in two prefabricated buildings.

tCC started to support the home financially, the money quite often went on purchasing medicines (which have to be paid for children in Bulgaria) and food.

We are pleased to say that conditions have greatly improved at Kalinka, which has been resited to the village of Vasil Drumev on Mir Street (Peace Street).  Where before there was very little Christian contact in the home, there are now at least two Christian workers there.  The children now have separate rooms for sleeping, eating and learning.  Speech therapists, teachers & Physiotherapists work with the children.  The children continue to make huge improvements in all areas and it is fantastic to know that we have had a little part to play in the investment of these little lives.

tCC still support the home financially every month and we see this as an important part of our work.  Sarah tries to visit every year to see the progress and to check that our finances continue to be used to improve the lives of these children.