Anticipating Christmas

We don't always remember that Christmas begins with the word CHRIST, but that is the reason we celebrate this time of year. It is precisely because of Jesus that a time of celebration is observed. It's easy to forget that with all the emphasis on gift giving. Let's help one another rejoice in the true meaning of Christmas which is the gift of eternal life through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

MISKOLC ORPHANAGE MINISTRY. Last week 12/3, we made the trip to Miskolc, this time to help the Neni's (caretakers) at the orphanage purchase Christmas gifts for the children. A military chapel in Germany has donated the funds and each child will receive a hand-picked gift. It was fun getting reacquainted with the Neni's and getting to know a few of the newer caretakers. Since it is my hope to interact with them on a weekly basis when I start going regularly in January, it was a fun way to connect.

On December 20th we are planning to spend the day with the kids, hanging out,making and baking cookies, and sharing a bit of Christmas cheer along with the story of why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. Please keep this in your prayers. It's always a challenge to corral all the kids in one place with their diverse schedules and also varying interest in spiritual truths.

DEBRECEN WOMEN'S MINISTRY.
This past Saturday December 6th, the women of Calvary Chapel Debrecen came together at the Greathouses for a Women's Christmas Tea. Everyone brought loads of goodies to share, the youth group came early and helped me prepare sandwiches and fruit salad and other treats, and everyone shared a belly laugh while playing the "White Elephant" gift exchange. This was something new for the Hungarians so it took a bit of time to fully understand it was OK to "steal" a gift from your neighbor. It was a special time for us to just have fellowship time together, time being a rare commodity at this time of year.

GYPSY MINISTRY IN BOSZORMENY.


Mikulas (Santa Claus) came to the Gypsy church a bit early this year since our regular meeting time fell on the 2nd of December. Usually Mikulas makes his appearance on the 6th. Here is a photo of the Hungarian man who played the part of Mikulas and handed out a package of goodies to each child and adult. There were at least 100 people crammed into our tiny church that night!

Szundi and Dani, our teaching leaders had the brillant idea of showing how unreachable God's gifts are unless they are accessed through the blood of Jesus. To illustrate that idea, they brought in a large gift wrapped box. Inside were 4 baloons filled with helium and the words LOVE, HOPE, FORGIVENESS, and ETERNAL LIFE. The baloons immediately flew out of the box once opened and drifted far above the reach of everyone. They then shared that through the blood of Jesus we have God's gifts to us if only we will reach out and accept them. It was a really powerful demonstration and we are hoping everyone there understood what it all meant.

On the 11th of December, we will be shopping with a group of volunteers for the Christmas food baskets to be delivered to our Gypsy brothers and sisters on Saturday the 13th. While delivering the baskets, it's a great time to talk about God's love, His provision for them, and the free gift of salvation. I hope to have some photos to upload and share with you later. Please pray for our time with the families and for ears to "hear."

CHRISTMAS AT THE GREATHOUSES. It will be a bit different this year. We have invited 6 of the orphan "graduates" to come and spend the holiday with us December 24-28th. It's always a joy for us to be "Mom and Dad" to the kids and Rob outdoes himself spoiling them with his cooking and special treats.

To each and every one of you reading this blog, we wish you a blessed Christmas filled with many memory making moments. Thank you for your love, your encouragement, and your financial support this past year. Thank you for standing in the gap with us.

God bless you one and all.
Rob and Carol, Debrecen