Monday, July 30, 2007

July's almost gone!

I can't believe how fast the summer is going!  It's been so busy that I've neglected to post anything for a LOOOOONG time; there's so much to tell that it's pretty much impossible to decide what to say.  I guess a little of something is better than nothing at all, though, so here goes....



Our wonderful summer interns have come, worked themselves half to death, become forever a part of our family, and then gone off and left us!   To you four I say "thanks" for all the laughter and sharing, for your faithfulness in ministry, and for reminding us all over again what it means to whole-heartedly listen to the voice of God.  We're so thankful for the time we had together, and we weren't joking when we said we'd love for you to come back (we did mention that, didn't we?) 

This last week's English camp in Hajdúszoboszló went very well!  Jessi, Jalaine, Jalaine's friend Tyra, and Jalaine's mom Sheryl, were a great help to Chris and Dennisa, Gary, and the Hajdúszoboszló Baptist Church in teaching the kids who came.  There were about 45 students, ranging in age from 4 to 15.  Some were so young they couldn't even read in Hungarian, and others were pretty advanced in English, so it was great to have so much help in working with them.  A lot of the kids are from unchurched families, so it was a terrific opportunity to share the love of Christ.  I'll try to post some photos soon.   At the program on Sunday the kids sang a lot of the songs they learned, told about some of the Bible stories, and two of the girls gave their testimonies.  Then Chris Reade preached a sermon that really told it like it is...it was great, and the people were responsive.  There were a lot of positive comments on the feedback slips the church had prepared, and several people indicated that they had re-dedicated their lives to following Christ.  Praise the Lord!

Today Gary's on his way to Budapest to pick up another volunteer team, so please be praying that they arrive safely and that in spite of the weather will be able to accomplish their biking, prayer-walking, and meeting people.  It's been extremely hot here, but now a cool front has come through with some pretty vicious rain and wind.  The gas in our apartment is still turned off (another billing mix-up from the time we were in the States), so we can't use the stove and have no hot water.  Sort of like camping...ooo, fun!

Enough for now, I'd better get busy with my work.  Hopefully it won't be quite so long before I post again.  Love to hear from you all!

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

5 weeks left / May Month of Prayer

It's hard to believe there are only 5 weeks left before we are scheduled to return to Hungary!  So much to do, so many people we want to see...Lord, please give us wisdom in how we use our time and resources.  I have such conflicting emotions right now.  I absolutely long to get back to Hungary and the people there, yet I feel that we've been so busy that we haven't had enough time with family and friends yet. And weren't we supposed to get some rest and relaxation before we start another term?  When...how...?  

 
Home sweet home in Debrecen, Hungary.  Yep, that's our balcony with the bike on it.  To the right are steps that lead up to the front door of our apartment.  I love it when all the vines are leafy and green here in the courtyard.  When I come through the gate (behind you in the picture) I often pause and soak in the lovely sight.  You should see it at night when the moon is out!  I'll post a picture some time if I can get a good one.

We still don't have clearance from the medical department to return to the field, but hopefully it will work out and there won't be any delays.  We're so excited about what the Lord is going to do this summer; it's incredible the way He's speaking to people about coming to help.   Since He's doing that, then He must be working on hearts over there, too, preparing them for what He's got in mind. 

Today begins the annual "31 Days of Prayer for Eastern Hungary" prayer emphasis...please join us!  There's an online version on our team website, and you can also download a Word or PDF version.  This year during the month of May we're praying for a different city/town every day. These are places in eastern Hungary that are very much on our hearts, places where we've been and either prayer walked or done some other kind of work.  We believe that focused prayer for the people in these places will make a huge impact, and will help prepare the way for the work that's about to begin when we get back to the country and start the summer projects.  If you're able, please pray with us, and let's see what the Lord will do!  Thanks, y'all!  (See, I can speak a little Texan.) 

    

Monday, March 12, 2007

Hello, world!   

I thought I'd get radical today and actually post something....I've been anonymous for long enough.  By the way, I'm the one on the left in the profile photo.  The handsome guy on the right has nothing to do with this (yet?) so you can't blame him for anything that's said. 



OK, so speaking of anonymous, did you know that Anonymus was a scribe who wrote the first history book about the ancient Hungarians?  ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gesta_Hungarorum.)  We have visited this rather eery statue many times in Budapest at the Vajdahunyad Castle. Superstition says that if you rub his pen you will become a great writer....notice how shiny it is in the picture from all those who have tried!    Yep, I rubbed it, too.  So far it's not working, but maybe it'll be a delayed reaction.