American Pumpkin Ministry in Bulgaria

When Dony’s mom was last here in the US giving a report of Cup & Cross’s work in Bulgaria, we were able to send back with her some vegetable seeds for the churches under her care. Among them were American pumpkins.

Pumpkins are believed to have originated in Central America over 7,500 years ago and they were among the first crops grown for human consumption in North America. Pumpkins or ‘pumpions’ as they were once called, were brought to Europe around the 16th century and introduced by the French to Tudor England where they were quickly incorporated. Ever since that time, pumpkins have been grown in Bulgaria as well, where they are part of a wide variety of delicious pastries.

When Dony’s mother returned home to Bulgaria and went to check in with her churches she overseas in the Yambol Region, she was able to share with some of ladies these American pumpkin seeds. One lady who lives in a village owns several acres of farm land and was able to plant these seeds. Now that the Fall season is upon us, they have begun harvesting these pumpkins they are planning to share with people from the churches and the nearby villages where many families will enjoy them during this Holiday Season.