The SIP team – the people behind the ministry
- СИП България
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
When the team becomes a family
Somewhere at the foot of Vitosha, we gathered—friends from all over Bulgaria. Each from a different city—Veliko Tarnovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Stara Zagora, Haskovo, Sofia, and others. With different stories—students, university students, teachers—but united by one common goal: to serve people, and more specifically, children.
To achieve this, we need a united team. That is exactly why we came together for our team-building weekend, continuing the tradition started last year.
Spending time together within our community was incredibly motivating and inspiring. For me, it was a true joy to see young people, filled with enthusiasm and passion, dedicating themselves to the calling God has given them. Through care, attention, and the most valuable resource—time—the SIP team members gathered to encourage one another and to grow together as a team. In a world that seeks its own, I see in the faces of my friends from SIP a rejection of ego. They devote their time to planting seeds of faith in the hearts of children. This is not just work; it is a calling that requires perseverance and dedication. These young people not only pass on knowledge, but also model behavior that inspires children to become better versions of themselves.
Thus, in our team, time spent together is not merely physical presence, but a deep connection built through shared experiences and mutual support. Every moment spent in service is a step forward in building a better world, where love and faith are at the foundation of everything we do. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing the seeds of faith we have planted begin to grow and bear fruit. This shared mission unites us and reminds us of the importance of our role in the lives of others, especially the younger generation, which is the future of our faith and society.
We also had an amazing hike, accompanied by riddles and tasks that made the adventure even more exciting and engaging. Each participant was assigned to a group, and each group received a list of questions and tasks related to nature and the area. Our final destination was Boyana Lake, which turned out to be completely frozen, covered with a thick layer of ice. Despite the cold weather, the atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement. Of course, we all rushed to dance “Swan Lake” and “Byala Rosa.” It was an unforgettable memory that will stay in our hearts forever… and, thankfully, no one was injured! We all returned with smiles on our faces, inspired by the shared experiences and emotions from this unique adventure.
Sharing, worship, quiet time, and intercessory prayer for one another—this is how our SIP weekend passed almost unnoticed. Fellowship with my friends was a true encouragement and helped us become even more united, so we can be a more effective team, ready to serve throughout this year.
A verse that well describes the ministry of SIP:
Matthew 25:35–36“For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.”
When we do even one of these acts of kindness, we are actually serving the Lord Himself. No matter how small or insignificant it may seem, we have served someone in need.
Vesela Karaboneva, leader
Small Group, Big Impact
Sometimes, when we hear about ministry, we imagine large events, many people, and lively camps. But the truth is, many of the most important things happen in small moments—in small groups, with few children, but with big hearts.
I would like to tell you what our SIP meetings in Gorna Oryahovitsa look like—not just as a program, but as a place where relationships, trust, and faith are built.
Our meetings take place at the Evangelical Pentecostal Church in Gorna Oryahovitsa. Currently, 3–4 regular children attend, aged between 7 and 9. Although the group is small, we believe and pray that it will grow and that we will see more and more new children joining.
We meet every other Saturday, and each meeting begins in a small but important way—the children mark their attendance. This helps them see how many times they have been part of SIP throughout the year and creates a sense of belonging. After that, if we have time, we start with a few short games to help us gather and get in sync.
Gradually, we move into a calmer part where we talk about how the children’s week has gone. For me, this is one of the most valuable moments, because this is when we truly get to know them—not just as participants, but as individuals. Then we review the three main SIP rules and connect them with the theme from the previous meeting.
When introducing a new topic, we often use skits—sometimes told from the perspective of a biblical character, and other times we create entirely new situations with the same message. In this way, the children don’t just listen—they experience the story. Between different parts, we include short games or snacks, trying to connect even these to the theme.
After that, we continue with worship, in which the children participate with great joy. We also have time for sharing, where they can ask questions, talk about their experiences, and be part of the conversation. Sometimes we include a memory verse through a game, split into small groups, or even do short workshops.
The meeting ends with a bigger game, which is always one of the most anticipated moments. At the end, we gather again, talk about what impressed them most, remind them when the next SIP is, and finish with prayer. One thing that especially encourages me is how, over time, the children become more and more engaged. They don’t just listen—they begin to ask questions themselves and seek answers. I see how they relax and participate more boldly.
Of course, there are challenges as well. Sometimes we need to improvise—if fewer children come or if time surprises us. But it is precisely in these moments that I feel how important it is that we are a team—there is always someone to help and support.
Some of the most memorable moments are when we do something more special related to the theme—like a “fake birthday,” painting noses, or even “fire from heaven.” These experiences stay most deeply in the children’s hearts and help them remember the message.
These moments also bring us closer together as a team. For me, it is very encouraging to know that when I struggle or have a question, there are people beside me who will help.
But perhaps the most powerful thing for me is the joy of the children—the way they come with energy and a desire to be part of everything we do. And even more so when I begin to see how what we invest bears fruit in their lives.
I think that’s why this ministry is so personal to me—because I myself have been in their place. I remember how SIP afternoons shaped my faith. And now I have the opportunity to be part of the same thing for other children.
Last but not least, this ministry also changes me. It teaches me patience, makes me think more deeply, and leads me into a closer relationship with God.
It may seem like small meetings with few children. But in reality, things happen here that matter for a lifetime.
We believe that every child who walks through the doors of SIP has value—that every meeting, every game, every conversation can be a step toward something greater.
Thank you for being part of this—through your support, prayers, and trust. Because it is through you that these small groups continue to be places where big things happen.
Andreya Tsekova, SIP leader – Gorna Oryahovitsa
The team that carries on the baton
SIP has always been more than a program—it is a community of people serving together. And this becomes most evident in times of change. In the coming months, until the end of June, the Gerster family will be taking a well-deserved rest. During this time, the work will not stop—on the contrary, it will continue thanks to a team of people you already know, who are actively involved in the ministry.
Behind the organization and the connection between the different activities stands Nikola Popov. In addition to leading the SIP group in Stara Zagora, he ensures that the children’s camp runs in the best possible way, maintains communication with parents, and helps keep the different teams connected and coordinated. These are often the things that are not immediately visible, but they make everything else possible.
At the same time, Dimitar Tsanev takes care of many of the “behind-the-scenes” details—from preparing materials for meetings and camps to organizing documents and providing technical support. This is the kind of work that rarely gets noticed, but without it, nothing would run as smoothly.
When it comes to the bigger picture and more important matters, Anastasia Mihaylova steps in. As chair of the board, she takes responsibility for administrative matters, maintains communication with parents and leaders, and leads the preparation of the teen camp. She is also someone you can always rely on in more serious situations.
And if you’re wondering who is behind the communication and everything you see online—that is Marta Scott. She manages the social media, maintains the website, and gathers the stories that later reach you through the newsletter. Thanks to her, many of the small moments from SIP find a wider voice.
What truly connects all these people is not just their roles, but their shared desire to serve and to be part of the children’s lives. Each of them contributes in a different way, but together they form a strong team that can confidently carry the baton during this period.
Perhaps the most beautiful thing about SIP is that it has never depended on one person. It grows through people—through teams, relationships, and shared responsibility.
That is why we look ahead with confidence and gratitude—gratitude for the Gerster family and all they have invested, and confidence that what has been started will continue to grow.
Thank you for being part of this story—through your support, trust, and prayers.
Marta Scott, Social Media Manager
Comments