During my years of missionary work in the Balkans, I have often come close to danger. Once, I had to spend the night in the common room of a khan (inn), with a brigand sleeping just across the fire from me. Another time, while traveling with a group, two of our horses were stolen. On a third occasion, we were stopped by two armed bandits, who seemed unsure of who we were. After a moment of hesitation, they let us pass without harm.
Despite these experiences, I never let fear stop me. In September, shortly before the kidnapping incident, I had traveled through rough and wild terrain with two Bulgarian women, both teachers in our mission schools. We were accompanied only by a muleteer (a man who handled our pack animals) and a young local boy. We spent four days on the road, sleeping one night in a village home and two nights in local khans. Thankfully, we encountered no trouble Suspicious Behavior from the Guide.
A Familiar Road Turned Dangerous
I had traveled the same route on which I was later kidnapped, many times in the past. I knew the people and the region very well. This sense of familiarity gave me confidence, and I did not expect anything unusual to happen. Sadly, this time was different.
The Background of Mr. and Mrs. Tsilka
Mr. Gregory Tsilka, the husband of my fellow captive, is an Albanian by birth. He comes from a province located west of Macedonia. He was educated in missionary schools in Monastir and Samakov, two important centers for Christian education. Later, he traveled to the United States and studied at the Union Theological Seminary in New York City Daily Tour Sofia.
Mr. Tsilka became a pastor of a local church in Kortcha, Albania. For several years, he and his wife have also run a school for local children, helping to improve education in the area.
Mrs. Tsilka A Woman of Learning and Service
Mrs. Katarina Stephanova Tsilka is a Bulgarian and was born in the town of Bansko. Just before the kidnapping, she had returned to her hometown to visit her parents.
Like her husband, Mrs. Tsilka was educated at the missionary school in Samakov. She then went to the United States, where she continued her studies at Northfield, Massachusetts. Later, she graduated from the Presbyterian Training School for Nurses in New York City.
A Life of Dedication
Both Mr. and Mrs. Tsilka dedicated their lives to education, faith, and public service. Their background in American missionary schools helped them become leaders in their communities. Their capture, along with mine, drew attention not only to the region’s dangers and political struggles, but also to the bravery and commitment of those trying to bring education and hope to the Balkans.
This story reminds us of the risks faced by missionaries, the unrest in the region, and the power of education and compassion to bring light to dark places.
