In the waiting time

Life has continued to be very busy, but in the midst of it all there are still moments when things slow down a bit....when it seems we are doing nothing, only waiting. But God is in those times, too, and often has a purpose to accomplish.

On my way back home from taking care of some business, I plopped myself down on a bus stop bench to catch my breath while waiting for the #22 to arrive.  An older gentleman took the place next to mine, and we exchanged a polite greeting...I searched in my mind for how to continue the conversation. As it was already past the bus's scheduled arrival time, I commented that it looked like it was going to be rather late.  He laughed and said the bus is often late, but that's OK since it would give us time to talk. Apparently we were both looking for a chat!

Finding a listening ear in a total stranger, the man poured his heart out to me about the pain and difficulties of life; he told me of the hopelessness he felt in the face of daily visits to his wife, who lay in an institution lost in a haze of dementia.  Frustrated about the state of things in his country, many times he had dreamed of leaving in search of happier times elsewhere. "But how could I leave my wife here lying in her bed. She really wouldn't know I was gone since she doesn't recognize me any more...but I still know who she is and I can't leave her."

I shared of the hope we can find in God even in dark times, and he said that he had tried churches, had visited several places and come away empty. Only one was mentioned by name, the Jehovah's Witnesses. Sadly enough that's not the only religious meeting place where the Good News is lacking. I shared with him that unfortunately not everyone is preaching truth, but that we can know God from His Word, the Bible.

There was a lot more to say, more listening to be done, but suddenly the bus arrived and the conversation was over. Praise God for how He uses "chance" encounters to sow Gospel seeds...and pray for this gentleman, that he will soon find hope and new life in Christ!

Thank you to those who give through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the Cooperative Program, allowing us to be here in Hungary sharing Christ. Your offerings also paid for our language studies, making possible countless encounters with people who have limited or no knowledge of English. We are grateful.

Visit from an old friend

We were so thankful for the time with our friend!

First of all, I apologize for not posting in so long - once again life and work got really busy (plus we have been catching every bug that's going around) and I have neglected to keep you all updated.  There's so much to tell you, but I'll just have to catch you up bit by bit.

One wonderful thing that happened about a week ago was a visit from an old friend!  A young man that came faithfully for many years to the outreach coffeehouse we used to have, who has since graduated and gone on to work in another city, was back in town and came over for tea and a chat.  It was great to catch up with him.  He shared how much the coffeehouse meant to him and about some other things that have been happening in his life.  The Lord opened up the opportunity to talk with him about spiritual things, so pray for this dear friend, that God will continue to work in his life.  Also pray for the many, many others who came to coffeehouse over the years and heard a gospel message, that wherever they are now God will keep working in their hearts.

We are so thankful for our Hungarian friends, as well as those from all around the world whom God has brought into our lives, and how much they mean to us!  What a blessing to be able to stay in touch, and especially when we can get together in person!