Monday, September 15, 2014

Happy 130th birthday, Karcag Baptist Church!

 The current church building dates back to 1897.
Yesterday we had the joy of spending the afternoon with friends at Karcag Baptist Church, celebrating what God has done over the last 130 years and praising Him for the impact they will continue to have over the coming generations!  The church was totally full, with extra chairs brought in.  Many former members and other friends touched by the church came back to visit from all over Hungary, and from even as far away as Canada.

As I watched the slideshow of photos from across the history of the church and saw the dates beneath, I was stricken with the realization of what was happening during those times in history.  As the faces of my brothers and sisters in Christ flashed onto the screen, I knew that many had suffered very real persecution, had endured extreme trials.

Praise the Lord with me for the faithfulness of those who went on before, for the godly heritage that continues even today.

Pray, as we did together yesterday, that Karcag Baptist Church will continue to be a place where God's people gather to pray, "Speak, Lord, for your servant heareth!"  and in loving obedience reach out to share His love with those in Karcag and the world.

János Kübler, pastor from 1987-93.  Behind him the words, "Speak, my Lord"




Current pastor, Csaba Pesti, our dear friend and ministry partner

Gary encouraged the people to continue to reach future generations

Among many others, the Karcag Roma Baptist church shared testimonies & music

After lunch, coffee & pastries, there was time for all ages to enjoy the fellowship
The choir's beautiful harmonies of praise brought me almost to tears

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Praying for Europe, and thank you

Map of Europe - OpenClipArt.org
The Lord is doing incredible things here in Hungary and all throughout Europe, but whenever God is working, there are also opposition and difficulties...a spiritual battle is going on for the hearts of the people. Prayer is key in all that we do, and we ask for your help.  Please join us in praying daily for the people of Europe!  

The personnel in our area are currently praying together using a special forty-day prayer guide; each day has a short Scripture verse tied to a one-sentence prayer...if you would like to join us, download it from my Google Docs here.

Thank you so much for your prayer support, as well as your sacrificial giving through the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.  We appreciate all of you who pray, give, and come to help.  If you are interested in the possibility of coming as a short-term volunteer, please contact us for details.


To those who give through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering...a special "Thank you" from IMB workers in Europe:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--wdY4nVlpU

More about what God is doing in Europe & how you can pray:  http://europeanpeoples.imb.org