ABOUT THE TRIP
The more we travel the more we realize how diverse the body of Christ really is. Being in Eastern Europe and surrounded by the effects of post communism yet connecting with brothers and sisters that even though we’ve spent little time with, they instantly feel like family, it only affirms this belief that we as Christians are all connected together in a supernatural way.
Vlad’s heart for the community is so clearly evident and his relationship with God and how God speaks to him, is beyond inspiring. It’s not surprising that the busyness of life that most of us are surrounded with, keep us from hearing God’s still small voice. The constant noise of social media, entertainment, advertisements, even our own voice…it begins to feel like a constant white noise that is hard to hear past. Far too often we fail to slow down, pause, quiet our surroundings, sit and be silent, and as a result, we fail to hear from the Lord. Even in these moments, the naturally temptation is to continue to speak instead of stop and listen. It is in these still quiet moments, that God’s voice is heard.
From first learning of Gabe and his family, a missionary serving in Bulgaria but from the same small town our Florida offices are based out of. To Gabe finding Vlad and learning about his background in skating. To Garrett being willing to visit Bulgaria twice by himself to pave the way for this trip as we brought back a team to serve alongside Vlad. It truly is such a visible representation of how the body of Christ all works together.
We haven’t met many kids, especially skateboarders who dream and aspire to be a youth pastor some day. It’s hard to image walking away from the spotlight, especially when it involves something you love so much, but this is Vlad’s story. He relinquished the opportunity to pursue fame and glory for himself through skateboarding, only to redirect that spotlight to someone else. Isn’t it interesting that so often, when we let go of something, God ends up giving it back to us. Even while pursuing serving in a church as a pastor, Vlad’s dreams of being a pro skateboarder still came to fruition.
We are so stoked to have had the chance to play a small role in the work that is taking place in Bulgaria and we look forward to the next opportunity that we will get to return!
EPISODE LOCATION: Sofia, Bulgaria
EPISODE TRAILER
EPISODE 16 - BULGARIA
PRAYER REQUESTS
& LONGTERM VISION
Vlad is breaking the mold not just in a country where Eastern Orthodox Christianity reigns supreme, but in a way that we pray will inspire the church globally to think outside of the 4 walls.
The harvest is so plentiful in Bulgaria and all of eastern Europe. There is a massive growing need for the Gospel and would love to invite you to join us in praying for a revival in this part of the world. Please pray for leaders like Vlad to continue pressing forward with the Gospel and for new leaders to be raised up to continue making disciples.
We look forward to returning to Europe for future trips and would love to invite you to join us. To learn more about our trips and/or to see a schedule for future opportunities please visit: ridenature.org/trips.
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12
CREDIT/THANKS
PRODUCED BY:
The Ride Nature Organization
DIRECTED BY:
Mark Koch
FILMED BY:
Chris Smith
EDITED BY:
Chris Smith
PHOTOGRAPHY BY:
Zak Braun
A HUGE SHOUT OUT AND SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF THOSE THAT TRAVELED WITH US ON THIS TRIP, FOR THE CALLING ALL SKATERS CREW THAT WE PARTNERED UP WITH IN BULGARIA, THOSE THAT GAVE FINANCES TO HELP MAKE THIS TRIP POSSIBLE, AND THE LEADERSHIP THAT IS CONTINUING TO SERVE ON THE GROUND IN BULGARIA LONG AFTER WE LEAVE. TOGETHER, WE HOPE TO SEE THIS CITY, COUNTY, AND CONTINENT REACHED WITH THE GOSPEL AND IMPACTED THROUGH ACTION SPORTS OUTREACH, EVANGELISM, AND DISCIPLESHIP.
TO THE ENDS