
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a country of contrasts—rapid development in the cities and rapid depopulation in the rural areas; ancient history surrounded by modern conveniences; ancient traditions and rituals along with high-speed internet and materialism. The 20th Century was one of many changes—Ottoman rule, a monarchy, communism, and the modern republic. Since the beginning of the 21st Century, Bulgaria has become one of the most rapidly developing countries in Eastern Europe. It is a place where people believe in the spiritual, have a heritage of being a Christian country, yet are pulled toward the more materialistic culture of the West.
The false promise of happiness and peace found in a good job, a better car, or a nicer house is exposed as empty hope. There is a deep craving for real connection and deep friendships, and this is where we see opportunity to share the gospel. We see a growing longing for discipleship within the church and a desire for some kind of lasting hope from those far from the church. Our team, currently working in the capital city of Sofia and also the northern city of Ruse, seeks to serve the Lord by developing relationships in order to share Jesus with those who need encouragement and those who need eternal life.
Meet the Team







Dave Culmer
Dave serves as Sofia's team leader, shepherding the team, working to cultivate healthy partnerships with Bulgarian national partners, and engaging in evangelism and discipleship efforts.

Elisabeth Cary
Elisabeth supports the efforts of the Sofia church-planting team in leading the English ministry and pursuing discipleship relationships

Hannah Huyck
Hannah's internship in Sofia, Bulgaria, will focus on anti-trafficking work, English ministry outreach, and building relationships in the local church.

Jacob Heath
As an intern in Sofia, Bulgaria, Jacob will serve alongside the team, helping in their student outreach and English-based evangelism programs.

Lydia Goeglein
Lydia supports the efforts of the Sofia church-planting team as headmistress of Sofia Christian Academy and in various roles within the church.

Taylor & Katherine Dix
Katherine and Taylor support the work of the church in Bulgaria and serve in efforts to minister to those caught in human trafficking.

Trevin & Ruthie Hoot
Trevin is the interim pastor of a church in Sofia and is the creator of a pastoral internship to help the church planting efforts of Bulgarian pastors. Ruthie serves as the language acquisition coach.

Meet The Team







Dave Culmer
Dave serves as Sofia's team leader, shepherding the team, working to cultivate healthy partnerships with Bulgarian national partners, and engaging in evangelism and discipleship efforts.
Elisabeth Cary
Elisabeth supports the efforts of the Sofia church-planting team in leading the English ministry and pursuing discipleship relationships
Hannah Huyck
Hannah's internship in Sofia, Bulgaria, will focus on anti-trafficking work, English ministry outreach, and building relationships in the local church.
Jacob Heath
As an intern in Sofia, Bulgaria, Jacob will serve alongside the team, helping in their student outreach and English-based evangelism programs.
Lydia Goeglein
Lydia supports the efforts of the Sofia church-planting team as headmistress of Sofia Christian Academy and in various roles within the church.
Taylor & Katherine Dix
Katherine and Taylor support the work of the church in Bulgaria and serve in efforts to minister to those caught in human trafficking.
Trevin & Ruthie Hoot
Trevin is the interim pastor of a church in Sofia and is the creator of a pastoral internship to help the church planting efforts of Bulgarian pastors. Ruthie serves as the language acquisition coach.
Serving the Community in Bulgaria

Get Involved

Join the Club: MTW’s EFL Ministry in Bulgaria Builds Bridges to the Local Church
What began as a way for one missionary to meet people has turned into one of the main outreach arms of MTW’s Sofia church plant.
See More
Addicts to Pastors: The Gospel Transforms the Lives of Two Bulgarian Pastors
In early adolescence and young adulthood, two men were ensnared in the throes of drug addiction. Then the Holy Spirit flipped the script.
See More
A Wedding, A Reunion, and a Reminder of Impact in Bulgaria
As I glanced around I treasured what I saw: a bunch of American missionaries, volunteers, and children who've served with us in Bulgaria.
See MorePray for the English Club ministry in Sofia, Bulgaria, and the Bible study that has sprung out of it. Pray that God will use this ministry to draw many to Himself.
Related StoryPray for Boris and Niki, two national partners from Bulgaria, as they move through a pastoral internship and into a new stage of ministry. Give thanks for God's work in their lives.
Related StoryGive thanks for the many lives impacted by and among missionaries in Sofia, Bulgaria. Pray for the ministry to continue to multiply.
Related Story
Join the Club: MTW’s EFL Ministry in Bulgaria Builds Bridges to the Local Church
What began as a way for one missionary to meet people has turned into one of the main outreach arms of MTW’s Sofia church plant.
SEE MORE
Addicts to Pastors: The Gospel Transforms the Lives of Two Bulgarian Pastors
In early adolescence and young adulthood, two men were ensnared in the throes of drug addiction. Then the Holy Spirit flipped the script.
SEE MORE
A Wedding, A Reunion, and a Reminder of Impact in Bulgaria
As I glanced around I treasured what I saw: a bunch of American missionaries, volunteers, and children who've served with us in Bulgaria.
SEE MOREPray for the English Club ministry in Sofia, Bulgaria, and the Bible study that has sprung out of it. Pray that God will use this ministry to draw many to Himself.
RELATED STORYPray for Boris and Niki, two national partners from Bulgaria, as they move through a pastoral internship and into a new stage of ministry. Give thanks for God's work in their lives.
RELATED STORY