“A world-class institution of higher learning, training Kingdom workers

 for Bulgaria, the Balkan region, and the world--this is our vision.”

Nicolai Nedelchev, Director of the Bulgarian Evangelical Theological Institute.

GREG AND CHERYL SHIPLEY

The Lord brought Greg and Cheryl to Himself at different times and places--one in the Midwest, the other on the east coast of the USA; one in childhood and the other as a young adult.  Both of them pursued training that would help them serve God to the best of their abilities.

After meeting at Florida Bible College, Greg received an M.Div in Biblical Languages from Grace Theological Seminary, did further study at Princeton Seminary, and received a Th.D degree in Reformation Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Cheryl received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Grace College, holds a Certificate in TESL from Trinity College, London, and is currently pursuing an M.S. in International Education from Philadelphia Biblical University.

In the midst of this whole process Greg and Cheryl were married in 1977. Before marriage they discussed and affirmed their agreement on two very important life issues: adoption of children, and foreign missionary service.   On the first, God blessed them with three lovely gifts:  in 1984, Charis from Korea; in 1986, Matt from Indiana; and lastly, Brian from Philadelphia in 1992.

Service overseas?  In early 1989 the family moved to England where they first worked in the Birmingham area in a church-planting ministry.  From 1993 until November 2000 they served an English church in the midlands town of Warwick, in teaching, preaching, and discipleship.  It was at this time that Greg and Cheryl began their involvement with Central Europe.  Over a nine-year period Greg (and occasionally Cheryl) made over 20 trips to the former Soviet Republic of Moldova for the purpose of evangelism, preaching, and offering 2-week module classes at Moldova Bible Seminary in Chisinau.

THE SHIPLEYS AND SEND International

What about now?  Greg, Cheryl, and Brian hope to move to South Central Europe to serve with SEND International in Bulgaria. SEND provides instructors for the Bulgarian Evangelical Theological Institute (BETI), a school led by Bulgarian nationals and certified by the Bulgarian government as a degree-granting institution.  BETI is currently operating a residence program at their campus in Sofia, and extension classes at 4 locations in Bulgaria and FYR Macedonia. 

 This school trains pastors, church workers and missionaries who have a vision to reach their part of the world for Jesus Christ. With the help of SEND missionaries, BETI intends to expand both the residence and extension programs to several more locations within Bulgaria and to new countries in the Balkan region. As the Lord wills and provides, Greg and Cheryl will be a part of this exciting ministry opportunity.

 Greg and Cheryl need prayer partners and financial supporters who will stand with them to provide greatly needed theological education in the Balkan countries. Will you consider pledging a small monthly amount to this ministry? If so please go to the contact page and write to us or contact SEND and let us know your intentions. Thank you for your interest!