This container, left, formerly used as a roadside bar, was in disrepair when ECV bought and restored it, right. It now serves as a worship center, seating around 70 people. ECV has 15 church planters now, all native to Bulgaria. Most are active in reaching Bulgaria's principal minorities, the Gypsies and the Turks. Financial need plagues the ministry as it does most Bulgarians.
Prices continue to skyrocket, wages are low, and unemployment is rampant.
The elderly, on limited pensions, often can be seen picking through trash to find something to eat. Those who send regular help will receive the name and photo of the one they help. This new church is made up entirely of former Muslims. The process of evangelism and church planting continues as missionary teams visit all the villages around Varna to evangelize. In Fall 1996, ECV started holding tent crusades in surrounding towns, each lasting for three weeks.