Not the normal birthday

This Saturday is Gary's birthday, and we have a special day planned!  It's not going to be centered around cake and candles, however--that's coming at another time--instead we'll be spending a good part of the day at the church plant in Tiszafüred for a community outreach.  Friends and co-workers have donated good used clothing and household items, which we'll be distributing to those who need them.  We had originally planned to give it all away for free, but Pastor Csaba and others advised us to sell the items at a very low token price to make sure that people aren't just grabbing a lot of  things because they are free.  That happened at a previous event in the area, and some people took a lot of clothing and then dropped some of it out in the street.  If someone comes Saturday and doesn't have the money for something they really need, we will gladly give them the items, though. 

We have encouraged the members of the church plant group to consider needy people that they know as they have been sorting through the donations we have delivered to Tiszafüred over the past week or so, and we told them that before the "sale day" they are free to go ahead and donate items to those that need particular things.  Our friends there have been very happy to do that, and it's been wonderful to see their excitement about making a difference in lives.  Just one example: a gentleman who is going through a very hard time in life was very happy to receive a good supply of warm socks last week, which will make a real difference for him as temperatures continue to drop.  What a joy it is to us to see members of our little group, who are themselves just beginning to learn what it means to follow Christ, already reaching out in love to those around them!

As we meet and talk with the people who drop by this Saturday, we will also be giving away New Testaments and children's Bibles to those who are interested, as well as inviting everyone to the weekly Bible studies and the monthly "first Sunday" worship services.  Please pray with us for a Kingdom impact at this Saturday's event, that both the physical and spiritual needs of the people will be met.  To God be the glory!