Sunday Worship
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Above L: This morning we traveled to Budapest to have the Lord’s Supper together with György and Zsuzsa Kovács in their home. György and Zsuzsa were very active in the beginnings of the church plant in Petőfibánya. György was a great influence in our lives when we were searching for a place to serve in church planting. He introduced us to Miki and Erika in Petőfibánya, and the rest is history! God has used him to train, encourage and move people to start new church plants throughout Hungary.
Just last year György found out that he had pancreatic cancer and since that time has gone through various chemo-therapy treatments. His physical body is weak, but he is stronger than ever in spirit. Please ask the Lord to heal György.
Above R: Miki leading our Sunday discipleship class before church.
Below L: Virginia, Kinga and their friend that they brought to church. A few months ago, Virginia and Kinga asked (even begged) to stay upstairs to listen to the preaching rather than going downstairs for the children's program. I told them that they could once, as a trial. They did a great job listening and since that time often stay in for the preaching. Virginia and Kinga faithfully come every Sunday one hour early for Worship practice as well. Tonight they were able to hear as I preached from John 3:16 (which they already have memorized). Please pray that these young kids would be transformed through the power of the gospel!
Above R: Eszter with her new baby Aileen. Some of you prayed for Aileen as there was a question about her health. Praise God that after a recent check-up, she has a clean bill of health!
Above L: I was blind, but now I see: A friend of Miki’s from Budapest visited tonight to share a special story. She was designated legally blind. She couldn't see color, or in the dark, and barely in the light. She shared tonight about how this blindness was caused by a tumor behind her right eye which was cancerous. She explained how God's people came together and prayed for healing. While they were praying, she was feeling warm and was going to inform her friend in front of her that she needed to rest. As she squinted open her eyes, she was amazed to see a vibrant multi-colored sweater on her friend sitting before her. She quickly shut her eyes being afraid, and shared with her friend that she thinks that God healed her. Her friend rejoiced and said, “Well then OPEN YOUR EYES!”
Later, she returned to the doctor for more testing on her tumor. As she walked in SEEING, the doctor became infuriated that she had the nerve to go to another physician for treatment. She explained what had happened, and with great skepticism, the doctor performed more tests. She said, I had a paper in one hand that revealed a cancerous tumor, in my other hand a paper that said there are now NO signs of any tumor. Praise God for working in these ways today to bring glory to His Son Jesus!
Above L: Praise God that Hajnalka, Andi, Ildiko and Marcsi (Dezső’s wife) were able to hear the gospel preached tonight from John 3:16. None of them indicated a decision, but more seeds have been planted in their hearts.
Tonight I (Sharon) had a chance to speak with Andi (above L) for the first time. Andi has been going to English class and came last week to church, but I haven't ever personally had a chance to connect with her. As it turns out her son, Milan, is in Ben's preschool class. Tonight was Milan's first night to come to church and Ben helped him find his way around and made him feel welcome. He seemed to enjoy himself a lot.
After the church service I made a bee-line to the back to talk with Andi and her friend Hajni. We chit-chatted for a bit and then I ended up standing there as Ildiko and Hajni had a conversation together. Ildiko shared how, although she is not a believer, she regularly comes to church every other week. She said that the sense of calm that she takes with her after she comes to church lasts for two weeks. She shared how she is becoming more and more a part of the group (and even sometimes singing with us) but yet she still senses being an outsider. She enjoys coming and says that she'll keep coming for the "calmness" she receives.
Hajna shared that she has been a part of a bunch of different religious "groups" and although she liked those a lot, she still sensed that something was different about us and that she was going to keep coming on Sundays until she figured out what was so different.
We rejoice that these women heard the gospel clearly tonight and that they see Christ displayed in our lives. We rejoice at their curiosity and that they feel welcomed in the church and yet we are glad that they recognize that they do not have all that we have. We pray that they will continue to pursue answers to their questions that only find fulfillment in Christ.
I also delight that God has given us the ability to learn and speak Hungarian. It was a huge blessing for me to be able to carry on good conversations with these women. It is delightful to hear Allen fluidly preach and pray in Hungarian. Ben was a blessing tonight in helping to welcome Milan. Tonight was the first night that Ellie attended the children's service downstairs. I rejoiced that our service was very peaceful and quiet when sometimes we have many little kids (2 years and under) in the room with us. The gospel was clearly proclaimed and the room was conducive to listening. Praise God!
