"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

I have been surprised by God this past week. After some months of waiting and wondering, it looks as if maybe I am finding some answers, and it is probably no coincidence that this comes during this, one of the most Holy Weeks of the year for Christians.

The disciples and others who followed Jesus were surprised (astonished, awed, shocked might actually be more appropriate words) by the events which took place that week over 2000 years ago. One of the twelve betrayed Him and later hung himself; another one disowned Him three times; nails were driven into Jesus' hands and feet and He was nailed to the cross where He suffered and died, but not before welcoming one more sinner into the Kingdom. On Easter morning Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were astounded to find the tomb empty. Jesus appeared to the unbelieving and stunned disciples several times after His resurrection. All these things happened as Jesus had told them they would, yet each one was still surprised that it was so.

Jesus' resurrection was His promise to us that He would be with us always, yet many times we continue to be surprised when His presence shows itself in tangible ways in our lives. Just as I was this past week.

Living in Bulgaria requires lots of time and patience. I knew when we returned to Bulgaria last August from our one-year assignment in the United States that the process of readjusting to life here would take lots of patience and (my new favorite word since living in this country for four years), flexibility. It has, and I admit that it has even taken far longer than I had prepared myself for. But what I was totally unprepared for, and most surprised about, is how long it has taken God to show me where He wants me to join Him in ministry! Okay, maybe I'm just now seeing how long it took me to turn all my plans and desires over to Him, to be patient, and to earnestly seek His desire for my ministry path. And, isn't it just like God to totally surprise and overwhelm us with His answers!

Last Tuesday night I attended an Alpha Course. Alpha is an opportunity for people to explore the Christian faith and to learn, discuss and discover more about it in a small-group setting. This particular Alpha Course was directed towards women, many of them single mothers, who have received job training and are now working and supporting themselves and their children. Most of them are artists, whose works are being sold in a local, fair-trade handicrafts store. These women are not Christian, but are seeking something more in their lives. Twenty people (including three men) turned out that night for a light meal and interesting conversation. Eleven of them were non-believers. I was surprised, but I'm sure God wasn't!

The next afternoon I went to the church, where I had gone the previous two Wednesday afternoons, to wait for one little Roma (gypsy) girl to come for homework help and perhaps a chance to bathe herself and receive some clean clothes. In spite of my elation from the success of the Alpha Course the previous evening, I went with a heavy heart, sure that Vaska would not show up this day either, and that would mean this ministry would be a failure before it even got started. Upon walking into the church, I found three girls sipping tea and giggling nervously amongst each other. Vaska was not there, but Ginka, Rosie and Latinka were her friends and were there as a result of Vaska's invitation. Soon, Vaska came, bringing her unwashed body, filthy clothes, beautiful smile and energetic personality into the room. I was surprised at this scene, but I'm sure God wasn't!

The weekdays ended with some very productive meetings with our friends and partners in ministry, Teddy and Didi Oprenov and Susan Linderman, where both Tom and I could share some our joys and concerns of the past months. The observations and ideas they shared were a blessing and a much-needed encouragement to both of us. I was surprised, but I'm sure God wasn't!

It is now the Saturday after Good Friday, and I am reflecting back on an amazing and surprising week. And Easter Sunday, with its most amazing event of all, hasn't even happened yet! Perhaps I should prepare myself for even more surprises before this amazing week is over.

May our resurrected Savior surprise you with His unfathomable grace and love during this Easter season!

PLEASE PRAY FOR:
The Alpha Course:
- Which will take place each Tuesday night for the next nine weeks, plus one weekend away.
- That the women involved in the course will be open to hearing God’s word.
- The leaders, Didi and Dessie, and the other Christians involved in the course.
- That I can continue to help facilitate this course with some financial help towards the meal each week.

The program for the Roma girls at the church:
- For Ginka, 12 years old, who does not go to school and cannot read or write.
- For Rosie, 7 years old, who also does not go to school and cannot read or write.
- For Latinka, 13 years old, who has had some schooling and can write.
- For Vaska, 13 years old, who faithfully attends church, always bringing her hungry stomach and smile with her! She does attend school, and can read and write, although she is currently in third grade for the third year in a row.
- For Dora and Maria from the church who are helping me with this ministry to these young ladies. We began thinking we'd offer after-school homework help.
- After this first meeting, we see that basic literacy classes must be a part of the program. Please pray for wisdom for us to know what to do next.
- That all the girls might attend Easter services at the church tomorrow and be surprised and touched by the story of Jesus' resurrection!

Did you know:
That Eastern churches celebrate Easter according to the old Julian calendar which means Easter here in Bulgaria and Easter in the U.S do not always fall on the same Sunday. But, this year the dates are the same - April 8.

If you would like to support the ministry of Tom and Terry Myers please send contributions to:

International Ministries
P.O. Box 851
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851

Please indicate that your contribution is for the ministry of Tom and Terry Myers in Bulgaria.