With Thanksgiving not long behind us and Christmas just ahead, it is a perfect time to reflect on all that God has accomplished in this past year here in Eastern Europe.
We are praising God for the many new believers He has called to Himself, through sports camps, English camp, and orphan ministry this year. The ways in which God moves and the timing is always a lesson in faith for those of us working here. It was only after nearly 10 years of working with the orphans in Miskolc that we experienced the fullness of joy when the harvest was ripe at English Camp this year. If anything, it encourages us even more that it is the on-going relationship building that God can use to reach the seemingly unreachable.
In the ten years we have been a part of the ministry to the orphans of Miskolc orphanage, God has allowed us to become "surrogate parents" since moving to Hungary. We've had the joy of hosting groups of the children, usually 3 at a time, for a weekend of being served by our Debrecen church and the body of believers here. It's always fun to see the excitement on their faces when Rob, our chef, comes up with a dish they've never had before.
This year, God has opened a door for us to come alongside a brother from another church who is ministering to the orphans on our doorstep here in Debrecen. We have participated in two large group outreaches to the kids so far. It is still a case of relationship building among both the children and their caretakers. We welcome your prayers for this hopefully, on-going ministry.
Relationship building has been a big part of our ministry this year. In September, Carol once again accompanied two women to Romania who ministered to the Hungarian women in three different areas. This has been an annual outreach for 6 of the last 8 years. It is a time where the ministry focus is on encouraging Christian women and the Pastor's wives in their personal relationships and ministry.
Upcoming Ministry Opportunities
Tuesday, December 4th we will celebrate Mikulas Day at the Gypsy Church in Hajduboszormeny
Friday, December 7th there will be an evangelistic outreach and potluck dinner at the church.
Tuesday, December 11th the children at the Gypsy church will hold their annual Christmas Program.
Saturday, December 15th we will go to the orphanage in Miskolc for a day of Christmas activities, including cookie making and decorating, crafts, and music.
Saturday, December 22nd we will be distributing bags of food to our Gypsy church families.
We want to take this time to wish you all a joyous holiday filled with the many wonderful sights and sounds of the Christ-filled season.
With love and gratitude, Rob & Carol
1 comment:
Hey Carol,
I hope you guys are doing well. I was wondering if there is any way that the Middle School Ministry at VBC could send some toys, clothes, etc. to you guys so that you could give them out for Christmas. It probably would not be a ton of stuff, but I would like to do something so that the students can look outside of themselves this Christmas. Is there a tax? Could we pay it? Let me know.
For someone reason your email address doesn't work when I send you stuff?
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