Mark Hits the Marketplace

The new literal translation of the Gospel According to Mark hits the Marketplace on Monday via bookstores across Bulgaria as annual book fairs are usually held during the spring season. This time has been long waited by theologians and Bible scholars as this is the first series of literal translations from Nestle-Aland in the Bulgarian vernacular. It is the third volume our ministry has put out with the complete Johannine works in (2008) and the Gospel according to Matthew (2010). Final editorial revisions before printing are being made on the last of the volumes, which includes Luke and Acts, with plans to make it available to the general public by the end of the year.

Marketplace Radio Ministry

For the past four years, Cup & Cross Ministries’ weekly radio program has been broadcasted from a regional network that was used for Communist propaganda during the regime of 1944-1989. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Lord has blessed us with the opportunity to use this media resource for the ministry. Since the year 2000, the weekly broadcast has gained audience and influence and continues to play an important role in our work.

Several weeks ago one of our team members was at the Yambol marketplace and noticed a crowd that had gathered around a radio speaker. While the marketplace is generally accompanied with noises and loud voices, this crowd was quiet and focused on the radio program. They were listening to one of our regular weekly religious broadcasts. This particular issue was on the topic of fasting. Our team member reported the occurrence and followed up by visiting the marketplace again the following week only to find out that people had gathered around the radio speakers listening to the program again.

Our Bulgarian team reports that this is not a new occasion, as they have observed similar occurrences in stores, marketplaces and village squares since the beginning of our radio ministry. Keeping in mind that a great number Bulgarian and foreign radio stations, cable televisions and satellite programs offer a great variety of broadcasts in Bulgaria, this news brings excitement and encouraging among our churches. The Gospel of eternal life is preached in the markets and by all means this is the fulfillment of a Biblical mandate.