“But as for Bulgaria, we will serve the LORD!“
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.(Joshua 24:15,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Europe
Population | 6.49 million
Area | 110,879㎢, Located in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe.
Capital City | Sofia (1.20 million)
People Groups | Total 30 groups, Bulgarians 84.6%, Turks 8.4%, Romani 4.4%, Others 2.6%
Unreached People Groups | 7 (9.4% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Bulgarian
Total Languages | 24
Bible Translations | Completed 18, New testament 2, Partial 3
Religion | Christianity 82.1% (1% Christian, 80% Orthodox), Muslims 11.7%, Non-religious 5.8% Evangelicals 2% (130,000 people)
》 About Bulgaria
Bulgaria began in the late 7th century when the Turkic Bulgas tribe established the Volga-Bulgas Kingdom. Because it is located on the path of Turkish expansion into Eastern Europe, it was ruled by the Ottoman Empire for 500 years from 1396. In 1908, Bulgaria established its monarchy and became independent. It fought on the losing side in both World Wars and later came under Soviet influence. In 1946, it became a People’s Republic. From 1945 to 1989, the Communist Party ruled the country. Zhivkov, who came to power in 1954, strengthened his rule in 1979 and stayed in power for decades. In 1990, after the fall of the Soviet Union and pressure for reform, the country changed its name to the “Republic of Bulgaria” and transitioned to a new system. It now has a parliamentary cabinet system. As a parliamentary republic, President Rumen Radev has been in office since 2017, and Rosen Zhelyazkov has served as Prime Minister since January 2025.
Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007. It has an open economy with a strong history of growth. However, it has the lowest per capita income among EU countries. The economy depends heavily on energy imports and exports, making it sensitive to global market changes. Much of its energy comes from Russia, which is a risk. Bulgaria is working with the EU to diversify natural gas sources. Still, corruption in public offices, a weak legal system, low productivity, lack of transparency in government contracts, and the presence of strong criminal groups continue to hurt its investment climate and economic future.
Bulgaria’s GDP per capita is approximately $17,400.
》 Scripture Focus
| Joshua 24:11-15(NIV) 11 Then you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho. The citizens of Jericho fought against you, as did also the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and Jebusites, but I gave them into your hands. 12 I sent the hornet ahead of you, which drove them out before you—also the two Amorite kings. You did not do it with your own sword and bow. 13 So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant. 14 Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. |
》 Prayer Points
1. In Bulgaria, religion is seen as an important part of national identity. About 80% of the population follows the Orthodox Church, which was the state religion until 1954. After becoming a democracy and joining the EU, freedom was granted to all religions, but the Orthodox Church still has special privileges. The government only gives support to religions followed by more than 10% of the population, which causes tension between groups. Let us be thankful that evangelicals now make up about 2% and are continuing to grow. Through the Bulgarian Evangelical Alliance (BEA), believers from many backgrounds are working together. Let us bless the training of church leaders through TEE, the Global Leadership Summit, and the united evangelical seminary. Let us pray that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church will worship God with sincerity, throw away idols, and serve Him alone.
2. In the 1990s, when foreign missionaries were active in Bulgaria, some people misunderstood and thought converts were ‘bought with money’ or that Christianity was only for the poor and uneducated. This led to the idea that Bulgaria was a difficult and fruitless place for missions. But now, more missionaries are needed to work with local churches in training and outreach. Let us pray that more missionaries will be sent. Let us be thankful for the local churches sharing the gospel with children, prisoners, and minorities. They also run Bible classes and camps. Cross-cultural missions are growing, with short- and long-term missions to Turkey, India, and Europe. Let us pray that churches will grow in vision and passion to reach the whole country and the unreached. Let us pray that God will bless the obedient and let them harvest in places they have not planted.
3. Romanian Turks make up 8% of the population and are mostly Muslim. Some have converted to Christianity and are planting churches. The Millet people, Turkish-speaking Gypsies, had a wave of conversions in the 1990s through dreams and healing. Let us be thankful for the Ichthus Alliance working with them. Romani Gypsies (4.6%) face many problems, including addiction and poverty. Pentecostal and Baptist churches are helping them, and Romani Bibles and radio broadcasts are being used. Many young people are leaving Bulgaria to find work in Europe. CCCI and IFES are working in 10 cities with student ministries. Let us pray that the Lord will lead all these works. Let us pray that Bulgarian youth will reject empty things and boldly say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
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