WEEKLY UPDATE

The Spirit and Heréd

I was reading Acts 10 today and came across the account of God's work in Cornelius' life. Acts 10:22 says that Cornelius “was directed by a holy angel to send for [Peter] to come to his house and to hear what [Peter] had to say.”

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Above: Some of the parents from last week’s Bible study in Heréd

Verse 24 goes on to say, "Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends." While this was going on in Cornelius' life, Peter had no idea about this opportunity. Peter did not first reach out to Cornelius, God did. I can't help but see the Holy Spirit's work in a similar way in the life of Marcsi, our new friend from the town of Heréd. Marcsi is not a believer, but has already (as I explained in my last blog post) called together families to "hear what we have to say".

In a letter written after our first small group study last week, Marcsi (pictured above far right) said this:

"I have felt for many years that I am just moving through life without purpose. I've moved from home to home but nothing feels like home. It is painful to go through life feeling like all of my past is squandered away in vanity. It's like I'm looking for something I can't find anywhere. I just don't feel satisfied in life. I've been searching for years for that thing that would bring me satisfaction. I long to be home. And I'm saying all of this because on Tuesday, something touched me and I was full of joy with all of you in that moment. I would like for us to meet again. There was something in all of you that was different and attractive.”

If that letter didn't bring us enough joy, Marcsi wrote another letter soon after:

"I would like to organize a mini-conference entitled, "Family and faith" in March… Would you be willing to be the speakers? The invitations will be more wide spread and we can expect a larger crowd this time."

What is God up to in Heréd? We are excited to join Him in it whatever it is!

FARSANG (FAR-SHONG)

What is Farsang? It is kind of a like halloween without the asking for candy. In short, kids get to dress up in costumes and have some fun.

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Above: Teammate Miki’s daughter Anna had a creative costume: A table. She won first place.

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Above: Elianna gets honorable mention for her costume: A Christmas tree. Too bad you can’t see her feet in the pictures which were made to look like gifts under the tree.

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Above: Our youngest, Kira tagged along to see the show at Elianna’s school.

Although Ben attends the same school as Anna and Elianna, he was stuck at home as he continues to battle through the flu.

Thursday Teen Mentoring

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Above: We continue to focus on mentoring these young teens who are young in their faith and also use this night to reach out to teens like Dávid (far right) who have not yet made decisions.

Sunday Worship Service

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Above: Bianka who comes alone and on her own initiative most Sundays. Many kids in our town freely rome through our village without many boundaries established by their parents. Bianka has come to our Children’s Outreach events on Saturdays and is a regular attender of our church. Maybe someday her parents will join her.

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Above: Back row filling up with more visitors from the town of Jászfényszaru (20 minute drive). God is using our body to strengthen new believers from that area and we are excited to see how we might be used to assist in church planting in Jászfényszaru.

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Above: Church members Eszti (mother of 4) and teenager Niki. Last year Eszti completed an extension course in Christian education and is teaching children’s Sunday School once a month. She taught tonight and said God continues to give her creative ideas on how to present various truths from God’s word. Praise God for building up members of His body and using their gifts to build His church.

Before service on Sunday, Teenager Niki shared that she had personally invited Dávid to come to worship with us. Dávid has attended a few of our English Camps, our VBS every year and he now attends our Thursday teen mentoring meetings.

In response to Niki's invitation, Dávid said that his mother wasn't so keen on the idea, but Niki pressed on and said, "You don't know if you don't ask… go ask her." At that moment, Dávid put Niki on hold on the phone and went off to ask. Niki said, "In that moment, I just started praying and praying that God would work in his mother and allow Dávid to come." Dávid came back with the good news that he was able to come!

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Above: Dávid comes to church for the first time.

Dávid has heard the gospel preached multiple times, and tonight was no different. God had led me (Allen) to begin my message with an overview of the Gospel before I went into the text we would study the rest of the night. I encouraged all who hadn't made the decision to put their faith in Jesus to no longer hesitate or ignore this amazing gift that God has offered.

After worship service, Dávid began talking with Miki. He shared that even though he has a lot of friends, he still has a sense of being alone in the world. Miki challenged him and asked, "You know what the problem is don't you…" Dávid said, "Yes". Dávid knows that Jesus is the answer and seems to be even closer to putting his faith in Jesus Christ. God is gracious in bombarding Dávid with His truth that sets us free. MIki was able to give him a book that goes through the claims of Jesus Christ and ends with an explanation of what to do to be saved by Christ. Please pray for Dávid in this time of seeking that He would personally encounter the Resurrected Christ and call on him for salvation.

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Above: Gyula on Thursday (with baseball cap). I’ve been sharing over the past few weeks about the changes in Gyula's life. As I commented before, his first response to Christ was a clear, "Not interested". Over the past months that demeanor has changed and he is clearly seeking. Miki shared with me that he had a conversation with Gyula about where he was on his journey. Gyula told Miki that he had put his faith in Jesus and has noticed a change in his life. Praise God for this profession of faith and may Jesus transform this young man through the power of His Holy Spirit. I have given Gyula more information on baptism and look forward to talking to him more about the decision to become a follower of Jesus in our Thursday night teen mentoring group.

This is the second week an elderly man named János came to our service. He found our church two weeks ago by 'accident' as he was walking and heard our songs of worship which drew him in. János said that the whole week he was looking forward to seeing us again. Miki was able to give him a Bible after worship service and János seemed eager to begin reading it. May the Lord draw this elderly man to himself that he may also become a worshiper of the one true God through Jesus Christ.

Thank you all for your prayers and support that equip us to continue serving in Hungary. This has been a very encouraging week as we see the Spirit of God transforming people’s lives.

Prayer and Praise:

• Praise God for the response of Marcsi and the invite for us to come back to teach about family and faith.

• Praise God for helping Allen with sermon preparation and communicating the truths God laid on his heart.

• Praise God for Dávid coming to church and indications of him seeking. Please pray for God to speak to Him through His word. Pray that He would understand what He needs to do to be saved and have a restored relationship with God.

• Praise God for Gyula’s profession of faith. Pray that Gyula would grow in Christ as he continues to read God’s word.

• Pray for Ben who is still coughing and feverish.

• Pray for Thursday’s Teen Mentoring meeting and Saturday’s Children’s Outreach in the neighboring town of Selyp (shape).
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