Academic Support Advocate

Just a short drive from Bulgaria’s Balkan Mountains you will find the little village of Tulovo. Made up of about 1,300 people, the population is evenly split between ethnic Bulgarians and Roma peoples. On the other side of the village, in the Roma quarter is a small, unassuming building that is home to the evangelical church which is predominantly attended by Roma. They meet twice a week for services. Over the last years, the church has seen growth and is looking for a larger space in which to meet!

Bulgarians are people of faith, with about 85% of the population claiming Eastern Orthodoxy as their faith. A large majority of these are nominal adherents, rarely stepping inside the church. Protestants, on the other hand, make up just over one percent of the population. The need is great for people to show a practical faith in Jesus Christ, and then invite others to follow Him.

In the center of the village, you’ll find The Gathering Place, our ministry center. It is within this building where most of our meetings take place, with gatherings going on most days of the week. God has put so many gifts into the young people and adults here and there is a great need for people to help and support them in their development as believers and leaders.

We see literacy as a foundational issue in the community, especially among Roma children and adults. Yet, our progress toward improving literacy and educational engagement has been limited. We are seeking an Academic Support Advocate who can focus on this important issue. He or she would connect with the preschool, local school, and high school to plan and implement programs that support children in successfully navigating and benefitting more fully from the educational institutions and services available. This is a developing area, which has benefitted from efforts from interns, teammates, and local educators. Goers will have a wealth of team and local resources in fulfilling this role.