From the Field: Bulgaria & Greece

Dr. Kiril and Irina Svilenov, Field Workers

I write to you with a brief yet heartfelt message about something that has deeply shaken us in recent days. Just a few days ago, we discovered that the house we are renovating in Greece — with love, prayer, and the vision of making it a home of light, hospitality, and spiritual renewal — has been broken into and robbed.

The thieves entered through a window and took nearly everything: tools, household items, materials, even personal belongings that carried our labor and memories. The shock and pain were great.

In such moments, one cannot help but ask: “Lord, why did You allow this?”

And yet, as the Apostle Paul reminds us:

“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)

We do not understand everything, but we know the One who holds all things in His hand. And that knowledge is our anchor.

When You Build for Eternity

We believe that every stone laid for God’s Kingdom will eventually feel the hammer blows of the enemy. This world has never been hospitable to the light. The light comes to drive out darkness — and the darkness retaliates in fury.

The window through which the break-in occurred.

The Apostle Paul reminds us:

“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Therefore, we do not see this as a coincidence, but as confirmation that God’s work has value. If it were not significant, the enemy would not try to stop it. We choose not to respond with anger, but with grace. We forgive those who have done this wrong and pray that the Lord will meet them on their path — that He will lead them out of darkness and show them the beauty of His light and the salvation that is in Christ. May their act become the occasion for a miracle — just as the Cross, once a symbol of suffering and shame, became the emblem of victory and life.

This is where the burglars cut through the fence.

Joy in the Trial

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2–3)

We choose joy — not because all is well, but because all is within God’s plan.

We choose to move forward, trusting that the Lord will raise this place again — not merely from the dust, but upon a foundation even stronger: spiritual, unshakable, and eternal.

For Christ reminds us:

“Pray for those who persecute you, and bless those who curse you.” (Matthew 5:44)

Forward — With Hope and Confidence

Our family stands firm in the calling we have received: to share Christ, to make disciples, and to serve the Church and society in the light of the Gospel. This is the legacy of our spiritual mentors and our parents in the faith — and we will continue onward with even greater determination.

“Go and make disciples of all nations… and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20)

This promise is our peace. We are not alone — and we know that you stand with us.

Gratitude

We thank you for your love, prayers, and support, felt both near and far. You are part of this work — and every prayer you offer is a brick in the wall that the Lord Himself is building. Please continue to pray for us — for wisdom, protection, and strength to go on with joy. And may He who began the good work bring it to completion.