WEEKLY UPDATE

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Above: Gathering on Sunday for worship service in the local community center. At the beginning of the year we sensed that we were outgrowing our current meeting space and now we are bursting at the seams! Every other week our church scatters to three different locations for worship service, one being the neighboring town of Rozsaszentmarton. The following week, we all gather together in Petofibanya and are now numbering over 70 including kids. We praise God for the steady growth of His church and are privileged to witness lives being transformed by HIs Son.

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Above: Ági the wife of Tamás helps after service by distributing home baked goodies. Ági and Tamás who were on the verge of a divorce, because of Tamás’ bondage to alcohol have been transformed by God’s grace and are now part of the core church planting team in Rozsaszentmarton. Ági meets regularly with teammate Brenda for discipleship and is maturing in her faith.

Easter Drama 2012

Above: Zsofia, Gyula, Peti, Gyozo and Allen performing a drama for our Easter worship service. It is encouraging to see a new generation of Hungarians grow in their faith and participate in communicating God’s Gospel through drama. Discipleship is one of the highest priorities in our church and I praise God for how He is at work in one on one mentoring and training. I began meeting with Peti over a year ago on a weekly basis (a highlight to my week). Peti is now meeting with Gyula once a week. And Gyozo is meeting with teammate Roger once a week. We believe that this commitment and investment in a few faithful will flourish into a movement of discipleship in obedience to Jesus Christ’s call that we would make disciples of all nations.

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Above: As another means of discipleship and stepping into ministry opportunity, a group of believers from our church traveled to Gyongyos for evangelism training for an upcoming Franklin Graham Evangelistic Outreach in Hungary. Although still a few months away, much planning and preparation is needed and we praise God for using Billy Graham’s Evangelistic Association to equip and train young believers and give them opportunity to take part in what we believe will bear much fruit.

NEW OPEN DOORS IN OUR LOCAL MIDDLE SCHOOL

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There is a flurry of things God is doing at our local middle school in Petofibanya. Just last month we heard (in confidence) that the Baptist Church of Hungary was in talks with our local town’s government about purchasing the school that is in trouble financially and faces the possibility of closing without help. Currently, the local government, the teachers, and the class representative parents have given their approval. However, there still needs to be a vote of all parents before this progresses any further.

As with any possible change this has stirred emotions among parents in the town and there have been a fair share of negative gossip in this atheist town about what is bound to happen if the Baptist Church buys the school. Most all of these fears are based on false understanding and a lack of clear communication. Therefore, we ask that you pray for this process.

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Our first experience with our own hometown school years ago was negative. Our’s was the only school in our county that did not allow our puppet show to be performed in school hours (this was out of almost 20 schools at the time). This year there seems to have been a break through and a recognition (even from those who don’t know Christ) that these kids are lost and need help. Jesus has opened a door for us to now teach 7th and 8th graders in school hours about ethics and life issues. We began last week and will continue through the end of the school year hoping to build many new relationships.

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Above: Hey, what’s that thing in Erika’s hand… could it be a Bible in public school! We are amazed at this opportunity, an invitation initiated by the school that was once resistant to what we had to offer! Thank you Jesus!

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Above: Elianna and Kira dressed up as Ellie prepares for her poetry contest at school in Rozsaszentmarton.

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Above: The judge for Ellie’s competition (standing) happens to be the same man who gave us permission to hold our first children’s outreach in the Rozsaszentmarton’s Community Center last month. We heard from him that there were many positive responses to it and there was just one complaint… from the local priest. Amazing. Anyway, it is my prayer that God would destroy all religiosity that has so controlled this town for so long and the gospel would bring many lost to a restored personal relationship with the Father though faith in Christ.

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Above: Ellie with one of her classmates before the competition. Ellie ended up getting third place!

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Above: We continue to meet for volleyball once a week. It is amazing that many of those that we first connected with through volleyball have since become believers and are attending our church. Jenifer (striped shirt) is one of them. Her mother (who is Germany) has let her know how worried she is that she has joined a cult. Her husband has laughed at her when he has caught her praying for others in our church. Decisions here aren’t without ridicule and critique.

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Above: Some of the younger kids (and Ben) hanging out while the adults play volleyball.

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Above: Kids Sunday School last week.

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Above: Kira hanging from our pear tree in our back yard.

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Above: Our dear Ziva.

Today, I (Allen) turned 40. Ben asks, “How does it feel to be middle aged.” I praise God that it feels good. I am thankful that at 40 I have 4 beautiful kids, a faithful wife and the privilege of seeing much fruit in the harvest field of Hungary. Most of all I am thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the greatest gift I have and ever will receive. Thank you all for your kind birthday wishes.
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