Zion supports two missionary families in Bulgaria through Mission to the World (MTW), the sending agency of the Presbyterian Church in America.
The MTW Bulgaria web site is here: MTW Bulgaria
The work in Bulgaria includes Pastoral Discipleship and mentoring, Translation. Teaching English, Euroscope, Medical and Mercy. Community Center, Sofia Christian Academy, and Summer Projects.
Craig and Lisa Sheppard
Craig is from Wichita, Kansas and Lisa is from St. Louis, Missouri. They both graduated from the University of Kansas, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies, and she received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. They have four sons and a daughter (Jared, 10/3/90; Nathan, 8/20/92; Luke, 7/11/95; Andrew, 4/7/98; and Abigail, 10/9/2000). They served together on the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ for four years before Craig attended the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. There he received a Master of Divinity degree in Missions, and a Master of Theology degree in Theology. While in seminary, Craig served on the staff of the First Presbyterian Church of Jackson. He is ordained in the Heartland Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America. Currently, Craig is the Country Coordinator for Bulgaria and the Regional Director for Eastern Europe. The Sheppards have been in Sofia since the spring of 1996.
Mike and Susan Hershberger
December 2008: The Hershberger Herald: PDF
Mike and Susan’s missions interest in Eastern Europe first took root in the 1980s at the University of Kansas. Through their involvement with Campus Crusade for Christ, Int’l they were sent out as part of summer missions teams to Hungary for the purpose of sharing the Gospel and laying the groundwork for a strong, long-term Christian presence in that country. Upon graduation in 1987, Mike joined the campus staff of Campus Crusade at the University of Iowa, and Susan joined in 1990 soon after they were married.
In 1993 the Hershbergers moved to Jackson, Mississippi where Mike attended Reformed Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity – Missions degree. Living in the Kansas City area the last seven years they have been members of a PCA congregation where they have gained valuable experience and learned essential Biblical truths regarding their role in the church and the church’s call
by her Lord to go and make disciples of all nations. In 2001 their hearts once again felt the pull toward the mission field of Eastern Europe. They arrived in Bulgaria in September of 2006. Mike main area of ministry is mentoring and equipping national pastors.
Mike and Susan have four children: Cameron (5/31/91); Zachary (2/5/94); Ellen (10/6/95); Mary (2/21/98)