The news from America seems unsettling; foreclosures, gas and food prices spiraling, and hopelessness on the rise.
Take heart dear ones, the Lord is still in control! Nothing happens by chance. Someone recently told me that the higher gas prices were a blessing because it is causing people to reevaluate their priorities. May it be so; may the Lord lead each person to search their hearts and find peace and forgiveness in Jesus Christ.
Just to let you know it could be worse (gas prices that is) we are now paying $9.68 per gallon of diesel for the van and $9.00 per gallon for gas for the station wagon.
We would welcome your prayers for God's provision for our ministry as the price of everything continues to climb.
If you are interested in supporting our ministry, you can send your tax-deductible contribution to the following address:
Valley Bible Church
Attn: Roberta Perry
7106 Johnson Drive
Pleasanton, CA 94588
NOTE: Indicate support is for: GREATHOUSE MINISTRY
We continue to thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement. May the Lord continue to bless you abundantly. Please let us know how we can be praying for you.
Rob and Carol Greathouse
Debrecen, Hungary
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
2008 English Camp
Bringing together 172 campers and volunteers, English Camp 2008 began. Many of the campers were attending an English camp for the first time and many were also non-churched. All that was to change as the week progressed.
Teams of volunteers from all over the map were represented. A team from Texas was back, a team of Navigator missionaries were also in attendance, and individuals from California, Minnesota and Germany were also a part of the team that God put together to help shine His love to all who were a part of this ministry.
It is so interesting to see how relationships begin, deepen, and later, grow when God is in the equation. Through the years, we’ve watched as God has worked in the hearts of young people impacted by the loving presence of God among them.
By weeks end, there were 7 young people baptized plus the mother of one of the kids decided that she too needed to commit her life to Christ!
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I’ll make my words short and include a Smilebox slide show of photos taken during the camp. As you view the photos, please pray for the Holy Spirit to continue the work the Lord began during the week.
Teams of volunteers from all over the map were represented. A team from Texas was back, a team of Navigator missionaries were also in attendance, and individuals from California, Minnesota and Germany were also a part of the team that God put together to help shine His love to all who were a part of this ministry.
It is so interesting to see how relationships begin, deepen, and later, grow when God is in the equation. Through the years, we’ve watched as God has worked in the hearts of young people impacted by the loving presence of God among them.
By weeks end, there were 7 young people baptized plus the mother of one of the kids decided that she too needed to commit her life to Christ!
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I’ll make my words short and include a Smilebox slide show of photos taken during the camp. As you view the photos, please pray for the Holy Spirit to continue the work the Lord began during the week.
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| Make a Smilebox slideshow |
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Saga...Missing Soccer Balls
God blessed the ministry for Children’s Day at the village in early June. Along with a day filled with opportunities to share God’s love, He also provided three soccer balls for the ministry. Hence, the saga begins…
It started out innocently enough several weeks ago; a not so quiet early evening just prior to the start of Tuesday night church at the Gypsy village in Hajduboszormeny. It soon became apparent there was a fox or two in the henhouse!
Having started the evening with 3 soccer balls, it soon became apparent that all three balls were missing. Pastor Dani talked to the church about the sin of theft. Everyone shook their heads, tsking about the missing items. There wasn’t a guilty face to be seen. And, no leads as to who might have done the unthinkable…steal from the church!
The following week found us being joined by Americans who came to minister alongside the team. The only playing that evening was with one lone Frisbee. There were many sad faces on those who came early looking forward to playing the National obsession…”football” or as Americans know it, Soccer.
This past Tuesday there were still no soccer balls and many more disappointed faces. Our trusty Frisbee was still around so a lively game kept most of the kids involved. Still, talk centered around whatever happened to our soccer balls?
Well lo and behold, rumors were running rampant about who now had a soccer ball that looked suspiciously like the ones belonging to the church. After the church service was over, the team decided to load up and head out into the village to visit the “suspected” new homes of the missing soccer balls.
As we pulled up in front of the first house, the father walked out and was greeted by Pastor Dani asking about the churches soccer balls. The father said he was told the ball in question had been a “gift” and readily handed it over to the team. We all jumped back in to the van, rejoicing and thanking God for His leading in how to approach the next “suspect.”
When we arrived at the next house, we were greeted by at least a dozen kids outside the fence. No one claimed to know anything about or possession of a soccer ball. Then, Grandma (a member of the church and a strong believer) walked out giving the kids “the eye” asking them where the soccer ball was. Many denials ensued but Grandma wasn’t having any of it. She started walking around the yard, house, garden and lo and behold, she came out bearing a smile and a soccer ball. There was no doubt it was one of the churches balls because it had our name marked out, and a big patch of suspicious black was in it’s place. It should be noted that the first ball had the same blackened area hiding the church name.
When the kids were asked about the third ball, they admitted they knew who had it but were unwilling to give us their name. Pastor Dani then asked them to tell the child they could just throw the ball into the church property and no questions would be asked.
All this has prompted us to question our effectiveness in ministering to our Gypsy brothers and sisters. Even though proof of lying and stealing came to light, none of the children showed any remorse or shame.
In light of the fact they are being taught the 10 Commandments, it doesn’t seem to have sunk in. Of course we are working with a people group who have very little and a soccer ball is a treasured commodity.
Please, will you join with us in praying for the Holy Spirit to do a work in the hearts and minds of His children in the village. We are so aware that we are God’s servants, sent to share His Word and love to all. It is hard not to be disappointed at times. Pray the team will persevere in the calling God has placed on our lives, to invest our time and His love to all those who do not yet know the forgiving love and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
It started out innocently enough several weeks ago; a not so quiet early evening just prior to the start of Tuesday night church at the Gypsy village in Hajduboszormeny. It soon became apparent there was a fox or two in the henhouse!
Having started the evening with 3 soccer balls, it soon became apparent that all three balls were missing. Pastor Dani talked to the church about the sin of theft. Everyone shook their heads, tsking about the missing items. There wasn’t a guilty face to be seen. And, no leads as to who might have done the unthinkable…steal from the church!
The following week found us being joined by Americans who came to minister alongside the team. The only playing that evening was with one lone Frisbee. There were many sad faces on those who came early looking forward to playing the National obsession…”football” or as Americans know it, Soccer.
This past Tuesday there were still no soccer balls and many more disappointed faces. Our trusty Frisbee was still around so a lively game kept most of the kids involved. Still, talk centered around whatever happened to our soccer balls?
Well lo and behold, rumors were running rampant about who now had a soccer ball that looked suspiciously like the ones belonging to the church. After the church service was over, the team decided to load up and head out into the village to visit the “suspected” new homes of the missing soccer balls.
As we pulled up in front of the first house, the father walked out and was greeted by Pastor Dani asking about the churches soccer balls. The father said he was told the ball in question had been a “gift” and readily handed it over to the team. We all jumped back in to the van, rejoicing and thanking God for His leading in how to approach the next “suspect.”
When we arrived at the next house, we were greeted by at least a dozen kids outside the fence. No one claimed to know anything about or possession of a soccer ball. Then, Grandma (a member of the church and a strong believer) walked out giving the kids “the eye” asking them where the soccer ball was. Many denials ensued but Grandma wasn’t having any of it. She started walking around the yard, house, garden and lo and behold, she came out bearing a smile and a soccer ball. There was no doubt it was one of the churches balls because it had our name marked out, and a big patch of suspicious black was in it’s place. It should be noted that the first ball had the same blackened area hiding the church name.
When the kids were asked about the third ball, they admitted they knew who had it but were unwilling to give us their name. Pastor Dani then asked them to tell the child they could just throw the ball into the church property and no questions would be asked.
All this has prompted us to question our effectiveness in ministering to our Gypsy brothers and sisters. Even though proof of lying and stealing came to light, none of the children showed any remorse or shame.
In light of the fact they are being taught the 10 Commandments, it doesn’t seem to have sunk in. Of course we are working with a people group who have very little and a soccer ball is a treasured commodity.
Please, will you join with us in praying for the Holy Spirit to do a work in the hearts and minds of His children in the village. We are so aware that we are God’s servants, sent to share His Word and love to all. It is hard not to be disappointed at times. Pray the team will persevere in the calling God has placed on our lives, to invest our time and His love to all those who do not yet know the forgiving love and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Miskolc Orphanage Sports Camp
Praises to God for all He accomplished during our week of ministry at the orphanage. At least one young man accepted Christ on the very last day! Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. You too were a part of the team.
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| Make a Smilebox slideshow |
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Correct E-mail Address
We are experiencing a problem receiving mail through our Hungarian provider. In the future, please write to us at the following address: carolgreathouse292@hotmail.com
We've never experienced a problem receiving mail through Hotmail so feel free to contact us with your prayer requests, suggestions and ideas.
Blessings in Christ,
Rob and Carol
We've never experienced a problem receiving mail through Hotmail so feel free to contact us with your prayer requests, suggestions and ideas.
Blessings in Christ,
Rob and Carol
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Prayer Requests
In the next 2 months there will be many opportunities to reach out to the youth in Hungary and Slovakia. We invite your prayers for the volunteers as well as the young people attending the outreaches and camps.
Here are some dates to keep in mind:
June 14th - An afternoon/evening evangelistic outreach will take place on the grounds of the Gypsy church in Hajduboszormeny. We will begin the outreach with worship music and a short evangelistic message. There are also plans for sports competitions and crafts. We will provide a light dinner for everyone followed by a cooling chocolate covered ice cream bar. Szundi, our teacher for the teens is going to be married at the end of the month. He and his fiancee Marti, will also be sharing a bit about themselves and their road to the altar.
June 16-21st - Calvary Chapel Hungary is hosting a week-long conference in Western Hungary where the foundations of our faith will be the topics. We are providing transportation, two roundtrips to drop off on Monday and pick up on Saturday.
June 22-28th - We will be traveling to the Miskolc orphanage about 1.5 hours from Debrecen to assist with a week-long sports camp for the orphans. One of the hopes for this week is to deepen our relationships in discipling one-on-one. Our hope is also that the children will choose to come to Debrecen and spend the following week serving the church.
June 28th - Szundi and Marti's Wedding
June 28-July 6th - A large team of volunteers will be traveling to Bojnice, Slovakia for a week-long soccer camp.
July 7-11th - English Camp and sports activities in village of Mikepercs
July 7-12th - A week-long conference for members of Hungarian Calvary Chapel churches will be held in Western Hungary. We are providing transportation, two roundtrips to drop off on Monday and pick up on Saturday.
July 13-19th - Debrecen English Camp is attended by scores of unchurched youth. There will be a baptism on Friday, July 18th for anyone wishing to profess their commitment to Jesus Christ.
August 15-20th - The Debrecen church will be holding their annual church-wide retreat. Location is still to be decided. Croatia anyone???
September 3-19th - Rob and Carol are taking a vacation, destination to be determined.
Thank you for keeping us all in your prayers. May God bless you abundantly.
Here are some dates to keep in mind:
June 14th - An afternoon/evening evangelistic outreach will take place on the grounds of the Gypsy church in Hajduboszormeny. We will begin the outreach with worship music and a short evangelistic message. There are also plans for sports competitions and crafts. We will provide a light dinner for everyone followed by a cooling chocolate covered ice cream bar. Szundi, our teacher for the teens is going to be married at the end of the month. He and his fiancee Marti, will also be sharing a bit about themselves and their road to the altar.
June 16-21st - Calvary Chapel Hungary is hosting a week-long conference in Western Hungary where the foundations of our faith will be the topics. We are providing transportation, two roundtrips to drop off on Monday and pick up on Saturday.
June 22-28th - We will be traveling to the Miskolc orphanage about 1.5 hours from Debrecen to assist with a week-long sports camp for the orphans. One of the hopes for this week is to deepen our relationships in discipling one-on-one. Our hope is also that the children will choose to come to Debrecen and spend the following week serving the church.
June 28th - Szundi and Marti's Wedding
June 28-July 6th - A large team of volunteers will be traveling to Bojnice, Slovakia for a week-long soccer camp.
July 7-11th - English Camp and sports activities in village of Mikepercs
July 7-12th - A week-long conference for members of Hungarian Calvary Chapel churches will be held in Western Hungary. We are providing transportation, two roundtrips to drop off on Monday and pick up on Saturday.
July 13-19th - Debrecen English Camp is attended by scores of unchurched youth. There will be a baptism on Friday, July 18th for anyone wishing to profess their commitment to Jesus Christ.
August 15-20th - The Debrecen church will be holding their annual church-wide retreat. Location is still to be decided. Croatia anyone???
September 3-19th - Rob and Carol are taking a vacation, destination to be determined.
Thank you for keeping us all in your prayers. May God bless you abundantly.
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