January Journal (and a little February)

January 11. 10.00 am.

Preaching in the Győr Brethren Assembly. 

A small and faithful church in a large industrial city, Győr. The city has its long history, and vibrant present. Their mayor is a former Olimpic champion, and in the city one of the largest car manufacturers of Europe operate a huge plant. How moving it is to see the faithful few praying for revival in the large sea of secularity. 

January 11. 2:00 pm.  Surprise B'day party for Dad

My three brothers, their wives and the nine grandchildren all arrived. Everyone parked in front of Mom's and Dad's house, then as they arrived they entered the house, gathered in one small room, lit the birthday cake - and Dad did not notice anything. That was an achievement in itself, considering the presence of 6 kids under the age of 4. What a suprise it was. How thankful we are for Dad, and his love!

January 14 10:00 am.  WOL Hungary Leadership Meeting

Count your blessings... says the old song, and that was what we did. It is still hard to believe that the funds are there to do the renovation of the castle, and the meeting included an intensive two hours of planning, prayer and discussion of this "mega-project" (at least for us it is that). Please pray for wisdom and guidance as we will spend most of the year in dust and noise.

January 20-30 Introduction into Modern Missions

This was the thirteenth time for me to teach this class in our Bible Institute - and it was still so exciting seeing how God opened the students' eyes for the world's needs. The great heros of the history of missions all started up as young people dreaming big dreams for the LORD... I wonder what dreams my student dream, and what God will accomplish through their dedicated lives.

January 23-25 WOL Hungary Mission Conference

The conference focused on the need of a Hungarian Mission, "Menedék Alapítvány" (Refuge Foundation), a Baptist charity and evangelistic ministry. Their goal is toto evangelize and integrate into society homeless adults families and children. They operate a school, several homeless shelters, a foster parent network a crisis center for single moms, and many other things. And, they faithfully proclaim the Gospel. Our students and staff made a faith-promise to help them with over $10 000 by June, 2009. During the Mission Conference Laci had a seminar introducing the staffing needs of our ministry. Of the 14 people present 6 turned in an application to become a short term volunteer.

February 2 10:00 Preaching int the Tóalmás Bible Assembly

Though we are not members of this church, we love it dearly, and it always feels to preach here. Laci gave a message from 2 Cor 3:1-12, encouraging them to remember God's faithfulness and go on when difficulty or opposition comes.