Ministry Questions

What are the churches or other missions agencies that Salt Venture partner with in Bulgaria? Also the US?

SV is supported by about 25 different churches. Our work in Bulgaria is supported by 10, from I think 8 different denominations. We are a broad based mission, not aligned with any particular denominational group.

We work with any missionaries in Bulgaria who want to work with us. We are among the largest and most respected ministries in the Balkans.

As an aside, we do run the largest missionary relocation company in the Balkans -- Welcome to Bulgaria has handled the relocation and/or orientation of  over 150 missionaries to the Balkans  over the last 17 years, representing members of over 15 mission agencies during that time.

What would Involvement in PINK ministries look like? Just in Sofia or will there be going to other cities as well?

That depends on their needs and your skills. It is impossible to know before you get here. Also, it would certainly involve work outside of Sofia, since 90% of pink activities are in other cities. Our goal is to place individuals in ministries where they have affinity and skills to offer. With 30 different after school clubs and course in the PINK program, we have never had an individual who was unable to find a good fit.

What other ministry opportunities are there besides PINK?

We would expect you to be involved with PINK. You may at some point participate in projects with other  missions (we often work together), but PINK would be your homebase. As a practical matter, there are no mission agencies that let their members work regularly outside their own mission without a very specific reason for doing so -- it is extremely rare, and usually only undertaken when there is a compelling logistical reason for doing so.

Is Salt Venture accountable to any denomination, church or other ministry organizations?

We are accountable to all of the churches and individuals who support our work.

We are governed by an independent board based in Wheaton, Illinois. We are happy to introduce you to an appropriate board member if necessary.

We have two board members living in Sofia. (Bob Faber and Tony Lalev) Tony is a Bulgarian church leader and Bob & Becky's on field supervisor.

Program/History/Daily Life

How long have salt ventures had this type of program where you began to have interns/short term or midterm members serve alongside?

We had our first 2 year intern from 2008-2010 and have plenty of experience both before and since. We typically have 1-5 interns a year for one to three months each.

Our relationship with GoCorps is new and we have our first Goer awaiting her visa now. A second goer is on track to come in the autumn.

What will the typical week look like for a goer?

The first year will be half time at your job, 25% language, training and discipleship, and 25% ministry with PINK or your local church.

How will the 1st year look like versus the 2nd year?

    - % of time spent language learning, working, ministry, etc.

Less orientation and more ministry. Otherwise pretty much the same.

What training(s) will be done before going as well as during the 2 years of serving?

Not clear what you are looking for here. We provide extensive cultural orientation on arrival, and train you in country on everything you need to know to work in the ministry where you are assigned. Your work related training is performed by the employer.

GoCorps provides fundraising training as part of their program, and we work with them and you through that process.

Team/Discipleship/Culture

How often will team meet together?

You meet officially with your supervisor weekly, and the whole group monthly, although we see each other a lot more often by doing life together.

How will ministry supervision be handled?

That depends on you. We have clear structure, but how much freedom you have depends on how responsibly you perform. 

As an aside, Bob is a seasoned manager who had a 15 year career in business managing hundreds of people before coming to Bulgaria. He was also the country director for another mission for 5 years in Sofia managing over 25 missionary units (54 people).

What discipleship can the participant expect? (Leader? Format? Content? Materials?)

Discipleship is both individual and group based depending on the maturity of the individual. We have had people work with us who were young Christians and required a lot of hands on discipleship from their supervisors. We have also had mature believers who could be trusted to run large bible studies of their own. 

The universal constant is that your supervisor (in this case Bob) will determine the scope and depth of discipleship activities based on discussion with you and experience with you on the field.

Logistical

How will housing be handled/look like for goers?

We work with the goers to find an acceptable housing arrangement for them, almost always in a group arrangement with other Christians their age.

Is it advisable for family or friends to visit the participant?

We do not allow visitors during the first 6 months. After that, we strongly encourage missionaries to invite important family and friends to visit Bulgaria, usually as part of a short term team. This is an excellent way for families to experience a bit of the  missionary life without disrupting ministry.

Will there be further or unexpected fundraising expected from the participant? (ministry funds? Projects?)

Personal support is typically well known and predictable. Once you are fully funded you will have to keep your donors informed, but your situation isn't likely to change much in two years.

Having said that, however, fundraising is an ever present part of the missionary life. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either a liar or has never been a missionary. There are ALWAYS projects to support and funding needs you may want to advance. It is good to be mindful of needs when reporting back home so that you might be a blessing to others in need. Personally, Becky and I always have a project or two about which we are praying and thinking about helping, just so that we are ready if the opportunity arises.

What kind of professional development can participants expect?

We do not encourage academic work or job skills training beyond what is recommended/required for your position while on a short term assignment in Bulgaria. It is already hard to live in a foreign country, and being successful in your position here will require 100% of your effort.

Will there be vacation time?

4 weeks paid vacation each year. Three weeks by request, plus the week between Christmas and New Years. We recommend interns use some of that time exploring Bulgaria, but most of it outside the country getting a real break from their work. 

How will health insurance be handled/work?

It is different for each person. Typical health insurance for an individual in their 20s is about $400/month and included in their fundraising requirement.

How will participants be paid in Bulgaria?

Goers are paid as expat employees of Salt Ventures NFP. Paychecks are issued in the USA and direct deposited monthly at the end of each month. (date varies with the calendar)