Serving God and Church Planting in Sofia, Bulgaria

The city they call home is a beautiful yet broken place, serving as the capital of Bulgaria and home to nearly 1.3 million Bulgarians. The Haun family is serving there with the goal of starting churches that will become part of a church-planting movement they believe God has in store for this great city and the country of Bulgaria. The Hauns believe that the Kingdom of God is on the move in Sofia, Bulgaria, and are excited to be part of the redeeming work of Christ as it transforms one neighborhood at a time throughout this great city.

Joshua and Katie have been married since January 2011 and have served in the Church of the Nazarene since before that time. Katie and Joshua both grew up in Tennessee. They have a long history with Bulgaria dating back to 2011. Since those first days their love for Bulgaria continues to grow.

Katie graduated from Tennessee Tech with her first bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2015. She also recently graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University with a second bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry. She is responsible for Bulgaria's mission finances, helping coordinate Central European Field and Eurasia Regional events, and plays an active role in the local church in Sofia. Katie is in the midst of her journey to ordination in the Church of the Nazarene as a Deacon. She currently holds her District License through the East Tennessee District.

Joshua graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion, with a minor in Missions. He later graduated from Nazarene Theological Seminary with a Master’s in Divinity and spent ten years pastoring and church planting in the East Tennessee District. Joshua is pastoring the first church plant here in Sofia, “Home Church,” and spends much of his time preparing sermons, translating materials, and discipling new friends. He also leads a midweek in-depth Bible study and prayer time where believers from all stages gather to learn more and draw closer to Christ. He has worked with EuNC to teach online classes and collaborates with the Central European Field to offer church planting training classes. 

Joshua and Katie have three amazing children and one more on the way. Jude (7) loves Superheroes, Hot Wheels, Legos, and being active outside! He also enjoys playing soccer, riding his bicycle or scooter, and spending time with friends. His favorite hobby is going on hikes with his Daddio! Kaitlyn (6) loves sips of Daddio’s coffee and snuggles any time of the day! You can often find her coloring or drawing, playing with Disney princesses, or with one of her brothers! She is the mother of her class at school and loves to play pretend! She is the BEST at karaoke and lip-syncing and knows every word to Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”! Levi (2) is the littlest (for a bit longer). He loves all vehicles, Bluey, and being outside! He enjoys being with his siblings and playing with their toys! Levi is starting preschool this year and is excited to make new friends. Mack (due December 2025) will be the newest addition to their family. They are all excited to welcome a new family member soon.

Joshua and Katie are passionate about church planting. They believe that God’s favorite way for individuals, families, and neighborhoods to discover the love of Christ is to discover the love of the body of Christ: the church! They have a passion and a vision to see local expressions of the body of Christ penetrate and begin to transform the city of Sofia, one neighborhood at a time. After less than a year of living in Sofia, they, along with others they had met along the way, began meeting on Sundays for worship. Now, they gather with twenty to thirty believers weekly in their home for worship and a mid-week Bible study.

The Haun family cannot wait to see what God will accomplish in the coming years as they continue “Serving in Sofia.” Thank you to those who love, pray for, and financially support the Haun Family and their ministry to Sofia, Bulgaria. Your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated.