GEORGE & LAURA GARDEV

Kazanlak, Bulgaria | Evangelical Baptist Church

MEET THE GARDEV FAMILY

Since 2006, George and Laura Gardev have faithfully served as pastors of Evangelical Baptist Church (EBC) in Kazanlak, Bulgaria. The church holds a special legacy—it was co-founded in 1864 by George’s ancestors as the first Baptist church in the country. Today, George also serves on the Board of the Bulgarian Baptist Union, as its vice-chairman, and in 2024 became the president of the Bulgarian Baptist Institute, where he teaches and lectures on the New Testament. Laura works as a project manager in a local company while remaining deeply involved in every aspect of the church’s ministries. Together, George and Laura are passionate about discipling the next generation and creating opportunities for repentance, worship, and rededication through their new national ministry, Come to the Cross. 

ALL ABOUT THE GARDEV'S MISSION

The Gardevs’ ministry centers on shepherding the congregation of EBC and extending Christ’s love to their community through both word and deed. Their leadership combines historic faithfulness with new initiatives to reach young people and serve the poor. 

Church Ministry & Leadership 

  • Lead Evangelical Baptist Church, continuing its historic legacy as Bulgaria’s first Baptist congregation. 
  • Provide spiritual teaching and discipleship for believers, encouraging growth in faith and maturity. 
  • Guide national Baptist work through leadership roles in the Bulgarian Baptist Union and Institute. 

Community Outreach 

  • Operate an on-site medical clinic serving ~100 patients monthly with free exams and spiritual encouragement. 
  • Adopt and support the local orphanage with food, clothing, bedding, school supplies, and teacher care. 
  • Partner with the city to run a winter soup kitchen for ~50 people in need. 

Youth & Discipleship 

  • Lead Bible studies, book clubs, and twice-weekly gatherings for students and young adults. 
  • Organize summer camps, Youth Bible Weekends, and national events like Come to the Cross. 
  • Disciple young believers with a vision to see them lead and serve in their churches. 

    WAYS TO PRAY

    • Pray for spiritual maturity in the congregation of EBC Kazanlak, that they would embrace the privilege of being God’s people in this generation. 
    • Pray that new Christians would be discipled not only by pastors but also by faithful church members. 
    • Pray for open doors for evangelism in Bulgaria, even as it becomes increasingly difficult to reach the lost. 
    • Pray for the next generation to grow passionate for Jesus and compassionate toward the elderly. 
    • Pray that the leadership of EBC would be Spirit-led, seeking God’s will above all tasks.