God's Unchanging Faithfulness

by Jonathan Postlewaite

What do missionaries experience during their first year on the field? The answer is probably different for everyone, but one thing is guaranteed—change.

Since God opened the door for us to join the ministry in Bulgaria, our family has faced many changes. At the beginning of 2012, we left our church and jobs, traveled to build relationships with supporters, and welcomed a second child into the world. About a year later, we said goodbye to family and friends, boarded a plane, and set out to start a new life as missionaries in Svishtov, Bulgaria.

During our first four months in Svishtov, teammates Tim and Lydia Awtrey steered us through transitions. They secured a language tutor, introduced us to various aspects of Bulgarian culture, and allowed us to get our “feet wet” in the ministry. Then, another significant change took place when the Awtreys departed for their long overdue stateside assignment.

For six months we had the responsibility of overseeing and maintaining several ministries they had started. I preached through a translator almost every week. Though not ideal for the members of New Life Free Will Baptist Church, they were gracious and patient. I also took over Tim’s position as English teacher at a local high school. Amy began leading children’s English club every week. During this time, we continued Bulgarian language studies and shepherded our three-year-old daughter through the adjustment of beginning Bulgarian preschool.

The six months we served alone was undoubtedly a challenging time, but it also gave us incredible opportunities. We saw members of New Life Church step up and take on various ministry responsibilities during the Awtreys’ absence. It has been exciting to see God helping them grow and using them in huge ways—even though many of them have been believers only a short time.

God also used these six months to remind us He is always with us. He walked us through new challenges and spoke to our fearful hearts in a still, small voice. Over and over, we were reminded His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Even though we felt inadequate and unequipped for this level of ministry only a few months after arriving in Bulgaria, God provided everything needed to sustain the work He had begun. He has faithfully increased our language abilities, helped us build relationships in the community, and touched our hearts in greater ways than we imagined.

We are beginning our second year in Bulgaria with excitement. Excitement the Awtreys are back in Svishtov. Excitement about learning and laboring with our teammates, the Bulgarian church, and the many partners who faithfully support and pray for us. Excitement about seeing God continue to use the New Life Church to make an impact in this town we have grown to love. Excitement about seeing more Bulgarians discover the life-changing hope found only in Jesus Christ.

We are confident, in every change and challenge that lies ahead, God will continue to demonstrate His unchanging faithfulness in our lives and in the work He is doing here. He is faithfully making His name known among those who have never heard.

About the Writers: Jonathan and Amy Postlewaite were appointed as career missionaries to Bulgaria in December 2010. They recently completed their first year in Bulgaria.

More About Bulgaria

Ex Nihilo

Missionary Tim Awtrey explores the history, blessings, and challenges for the first Freee Will Baptist church in Bulgaria.

From Atheism to Faith

Bulgarian minister Trif Trifinov shares his story—a life transformed from denial to faith—and his vision for the church in Bulgaria.

Our Story

Josh and Lydia Provow are the newest Free Will Baptist missionary appointees to the country of Bulgaria. Travel with them on their journey to the field.

Building Playgrounds, Sharing Hope

Hanna Project team leader Darren Walker provides an inside look at short-term missions efforts in Shvishtov, Bulgaria, from construction projects to forming long-term relationships with the people of that city.

To learn more about the work of Free Will Baptist International Missions, visit www.fwbgo.com.