How God is Moving Globally: Bible Translation, Surf Church, and Community Transformation

Bible Translation Efforts in Bulgaria

• 💡 Wycliffe Associates is working with Bible translators to bring the Bible to nearly 100 million people who don't have it in their native language.
• 🎯 In Bulgaria, Pastor Tony and Aa Chinkoff are leading Amazing Grace Church, ministering to the Roma community in the Risto Botev ghetto.
• 📚 The church partners with Wycliffe Associates to distribute Bible boxes with lessons in the native language to Roma children.
• ✨ A significant project involves the New Testament translated into Yiddish, a two-year effort by church members.

Surf Church in Porto, Portugal

• 🌊 Pastor Samuel Canelli Dos Anjos, a former surfer, founded Surf Church in Porto, Portugal, to reach surfers with the gospel.
• 🏄‍♂️ He likens the unpredictable nature of waves to life's ebbs and flows and the Holy Spirit, emphasizing surfing as a deep devotional time with God.
• 🤝 Starting with informal gatherings, Surf Church has grown to represent 13 nations and aims to plant 50 churches across Portugal, focusing on relationships with God rather than buildings.
• ✝️ The church serves as a lighthouse and safe place, offering community, family, and faith to people from diverse backgrounds, including Ukrainian refugees like Juliana Yarova who was baptized in the ocean.

Musical Ministry and Community Transformation

• 🎻 Erdin Roz, a Roma musician from Hungary, overcame discrimination to become the principal double bass for the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
• 🎶 He uses his musical gifts as a sacrifice to God, believing it enhances his performance and impacts the audience.
• 🇻🇳 In Vietnam, the village of Sinsuho was transformed from an opium-addicted community to a flourishing business center after village chief Hang Along surrendered his life to Jesus.
• 🌱 Inspired by his faith, villagers quit drugs, planted orchids for income, and developed businesses, leading to Sinsuho being recognized as a top tourist destination.
• 📚 CBN Vietnam supports the community through programs like the "School of Life," teaching English and musical instruments, and Superbook, which instills biblical lessons in children.