“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
We greet you in the love of the Lord!
It is both an honor and a privilege for us to share a brief story with you – one that speaks of our journey and the ministry currently taking place in Bulgaria.
From the very first day we answered the call to become officers in The Salvation Army, one truth was clear: without love for God, fulfilling our calling would be impossible. Everything began with that love. Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine that one day He would call us to go where we had never set foot before – Bulgaria.
In 2013, we were commissioned as Salvation Army officers in Moldova and began our ministry as corps officers in the city of Ialoveni. Two years later, Edward was appointed as the National Youth Leader. In 2019, we took on the role of Youth and Children’s Secretaries for the Eastern Europe Territory. Then, in early 2021, together with our five children, we received our appointment to lead The Salvation Army’s work in Bulgaria. And so, our journey in a new country began.
The challenges were many—and even now, they have not ceased. Yet through everything, we have seen God’s faithfulness. As the verse above reminds us, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose, all things work together for good.
Today, The Salvation Army church in Sofia continues to spread the message of God’s love to all who come into its reach. Our ministry includes programs for children from infancy to 17 years old, as well as for adults of all ages. Each summer, we organize camps for children and youth, witnessing firsthand how God transforms hearts, inspires lives, and calls the next generation into His service.
Right now, we are praying for new horizons, sensing that God is preparing us for something new. We don’t yet know how or when it will unfold, but we trust in the will of the One who has called us to this nation!
We send our blessings to each person reading these words and encourage you to love God, love people, and always be ready to hear His call!
With love in Christ,
Captains Eduard and Inna Lebedev
Regional Leaders of
The Salvation Army in Bulgaria
