Five thousand miles from home, one young woman’s journey to graduation became a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness every step of the way.
This past May, Nadezhda Zaharieva celebrated a remarkable milestone. After four years of hard work and the Lord’s faithful provision, she graduated from Spring Arbor University, far from her hometown of Kyustendil, Bulgaria.
Nadezhda serves as a student intern with the International Fellowship of Saint John (IFOSJ), the ministry led by FM missionaries Chance and Dee Dee Galloway, who have faithfully served in Bulgaria since 2011. Reflecting on her calling to study education, Nadezhda shares, “The giftings of those around you cannot help but bless and inform your life. Thanks to my family and mentors, I grew up in an environment that cherished learning and nurtured my passionate curiosity.”
As the first Bulgarian national to attend college through IFOSJ sponsorship, Nadezhda pursued a major in English secondary education with a minor in psychology. She graduated with E.P. Hart Honors as a student in good standing throughout her studies but must complete a semester of student teaching this fall to fully complete her program.
As graduates tossed their caps and the celebrations ended, a new opportunity to see God’s faithfulness arose amid a new challenge. To complete her student-teaching assignment, Nadezhda needed reliable transportation off campus, but she did not own a vehicle. The Galloways shared her need with supporters and joined Nadezhda in praying for God’s provision.
Through her years at Spring Arbor, Nadezhda learned more than academic lessons. She also learned God is trustworthy. When asked what she gained from her college experience, she responds with confidence: “Hope and trust in the Lord, for He has plans for you and will provide the strength to sustain you through them.”
God answered those prayers in a tangible way. By the end of June, a generous couple from a Michigan church offered to loan their vehicle to Nadezhda for the summer and fall semester, ensuring she could complete her student-teaching requirement. Once again, God proved Himself faithful.
Nadezhda’s story highlights the rippling impact of empowering and discipling national leaders. Speaking of the Galloways’ influence, she says, “The Galloways have always pointed me to Christ and the Holy Spirit to discern what His will is for me, and then faithfully discipled me through all seasons. The steadfast love and support they have abundantly given me has helped me continue to walk in courage and grow in love, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
