In this blogpost we focus on one of our many staff serving the communities in Central Europe. We love to share their stories and their life challenges. Today we go to Bulgaria and focus on the work among Roma children and families in Dimitrovgrad. Nikky Mindova, a native Bulgarian has been working in the city since 1999. This interview was conducted by Bodil, the national leader of YWAM Bulgaria.
Interview with Nikky Mindova!
Hi Nikky!
Where are you from and what led you to move to Dimitrovgrad?
Hi! I am from Chepelari, a small mountain town in the south of Bulgaria. Fellow missionaries extended an invitation to me to join the work in Dimitrovgrad and I accepted!
Could you share some good memories?
There are so many memories that I could share, but I most appreciate the small things where I can see God at work in my life and those around me.
What has been a challenge for you?
As with many missionaries, financial provision has been a big challenge for me over the years. In this challenge I turn to God in prayer, and He uses others to bless me.
In addition to receiving financial support from others I also engage in practical work whenever I can to boost my income, either in the fields or cleaning apartments.
What is your biggest blessing in Dimitrovgrad?
God gives His children so many good gifts – the biggest blessing for me here is people; their friendship and the care they show me.
What advice would you give to other people who are moving to a new place?
It is important to read the word of God – in this He can show us His will, lead and guide us. In the end, we don’t change people – God does, and He uses His Word to do that. It’s important that we as believers and especially as missionaries read His Word. Another important thing is to persevere – don’t give up! God gives us grace in the struggles of life, and He can sustain us.
Which Bible verse encourages you?
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod, and your staff they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
How do you cope with difficulties in life?
I immerse myself in the Bible, in God’s Word. I spend time with Him in prayer. By doing these things, I see how God is working, and I know that He is good.
How have you managed during the pandemic?
It’s been a challenge. Ministries that were going well had to be paused, like the children’s ministry, which is of course disappointing. We were able to continue working in 2 places for a while, but we currently work in 1 place. With the restrictions due to COVID-19 we are now involved in more personal work with the children. Praise God that the group working with adults continues to gather.
What have you learned in your ministry?
Nothing is easy, but when we turn our eyes and hearts to God, He shows His love for us in provision and care. Throughout my ministry God has continually taught me that we can trust Him in & with everything – He is Trustworthy!
What have you learned from the people you are serving?
One of the most impactful things I have learned is to be hospitable – I have been shown wonderful hospitality and it has made me want to become like the people I am engaging with.
What have been your most joyful moments?
To see God work both in the lives of children and adults – to see the fruit of ministry in their lives it gives me great joy!
Where did you do your DTS?
In Chepelari, Bulgaria.
When did you start ministry in Dimitrovgrad?
I started to serve in Dimitrovgrad in 1999, meaning I have been here now for 22 years – God is good!
This interview was conducted by Bodil, the national leader of YWAM Bulgaria. Bodil was born in the North of Norway. She completed her DTS at the most Northern YWAM base in the world in 1990, during which she spent time in Bulgaria & Greece on outreach. She has been serving in Bulgaria since 1992 and is a member of the ACT for Central Europe and the Member Care Circle.