Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from Hungary!
Let’s start with some fun! You probably noticed the front pictures. Norbi and I laughed for well over 2 days over this. The day the baby brother pranked his two older brothers. Hmmm... should I tell this story now or should I finish with it?? Well I really have to tell the year in order so I’ll put it in at the appropriate month.
The beginning of the year was wrought with extreme lockdown and the start of many different ministries. We launched three different English clubs and an activities group. Building bridges into the community. The interns were firmly planted into the House of Prayer with prayer there 6 hours a week. This is the most important aspect of life. Next, comes the involvement with two local churches: two services on Sunday, Monday night prayer and Wednesday Bible study. This provides a strong foundation for ministry.
The ministries launched did really well and provided an entry point to invite kids into the youth group and the church. In the spring the activities group had 70 people showing up to play soccer.
The summer brought about a young adults Bible study and also a worship night. It is so exciting to be able to look over the congregation on Sundays and see people who are not yet believers but are getting there! At this point we had eight interns from Bethany.
After the last news letter someone wrote to us “You are doing such great work. It is an exciting time to be alive. May the Lord be so intimately close to you both and encourage you through the trials. We thank God for you.” I was really surprised at this. He knew that with this exciting time comes trials, even though we made no mention of it. Behind the scenes we faced many hard times this year.
Starting the year with Norbi injuring his back. In January I heard God speak to me that this year would be the year of standing. Little did I know what this year would hold. Norbi literally could not stand and was taken in the ambulance in February. He needed emergency surgery but because he tested positive for covid they wouldn’t do it. Well to make a long story short he ended up having the surgery in April even though they were not to perform any due to the covid numbers. He then entered rehab in July. So yes it was the year of standing!
All through the year we have continually received this word. Even right now as I am writing this I clicked on my email and up pops an email from Thrive Connection with an article titled Standing in the Battle. Here is a short tidbit from the article, “Remember that I am totally dependent on my Savior for thankfulness along with every other strategy that prevails in the spiritual battle. I can humbly ask my powerful Savior for help.” Yes! Thankfulness is a key.
On this topic, have we told you how thankful we are for you. We could not be here without your help, your prayers and support.
At the beginning of summer, my two oldest sons left to spend the summer in AZ at my sisters. It had been four years since they had been there and with college coming soon I didn’t want it to be too shocking to return to their mother country. Izi got a job right away and was able to earn some money. Izaac at 16 found the job hunt difficult. It was a great experience for them being there with family and attending church there. Here comes the story now behind the picture! So Zion wanted to prank his brothers when they arrived back, so a couple of days before we shaved his head on the top. We spent the next two days roaring in laughter whenever we saw him. As you can imagine, whenever we were in public he caused a stir. People would glance at him look back again, rub their own hair, chuckle, smile, laugh, point. Even though he is shy he had a lot of fun with this. Anytime he didn’t want the attention he would just put his cap back on. So here we are, finally at the day the boys are to arrive from the US. We walk into the airport the same time as the boys are arriving and after some hugs Izi flicks off Zions cap. You can imagine his face and the shock and laughter that then ensued.
In September we were gifted with 4 more interns from Bethany. We now had 12 in total and the beginning of language study for them which Norbi taught. It was a fast fall, filled many different activities: prayer, preaching, teaching, meetings ect.
Last week we said goodbye to the 8 interns that had been with us for the last 16 months. We had a church service for them where they shared some of their experiences. We have laughed and we have cried.
We also had guests! Carl and Sarah Anderson were here for about 10 days last week. We had a great time with them and are so grateful for the help, encouragement and fun.
Well it’s a wrap, 2021 is a year for the books and we look forward to 2022. We are excited and looking forward to what will happen next here. It is an exciting time and are so grateful to the hope that we have in Jesus! There is nothing without Him.
Merry Christmas and a blessed Happy New Year!
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