Tonight was the big 'split'. After prayer and evaluating our current ministries and needs in the church plant in Petőfibánya, we decided to transition from one to two small groups on Thursday nights. Our small group is aimed at mentoring young teenagers who have come to know Jesus. The small group at Miki's house is evangelistic and relationship building focused.



Above L: Faithful Gabi. Above R: Evangelistic small group begins at Miki's house.

I had a great time with Gabi S. (above L) praying and studying God's word together. You would be amazed at how much more he opened up one-on-one as opposed to 'competing' to talk in a large small group. Without any reminders from me, while we prayed, Gabi began praying for those attending Miki's small group that they would understand God's love and be saved. He also prayed for the other teens who were recently saved but could not attend tonight (many of them are sick-like me). It was definitely quality time! We were able to talk about what it means that God has made us holy in Christ.

“But you have been washed and made holy, and you have received God's approval in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor 6:11)



After our time together, I hopped in the car and crashed Miki's study just as they were eating. Perfect timing! I grabbed a chicken leg, and greeted Hajni, Andi, Edina, Mariann, Vanda & Endre (above L), and Szabolcs. Szabolcs will be commuting from Budapest to help Miki with this study. Szabolcs has helped jump start many of these evangelistic studies througout Hungary.

Heidi (who was able to participate in Miki's study tonight) told me that everyone added their own comments as they discussed John 8:1-11. There were also 9 children who played upstairs while the grown-ups met downstairs (thank God for Miki's house!) Overall, a very positive first small group meeting.

Thank all of you who have prayed for this night! Many of the above mentioned people questioned whether they could make it to the small group...but God made a way for them to come. Praise God! Please pray for a burning desire to begin in their hearts to come again to hear truth from God's word in the midst of loving fellowship.

In other news:

Our fellow Pioneers Hungary team member who requested prayer had surgery successfully on tuesday. However, one day after surgery bleeding reoccurred. Please pray that our Almighty God would send healing, comfort and strength in this time! The results of the the cause of bleeding will be known 8-10 days from now.

When I preach, I prepare my sermons in advance to be translated by a team of Hungarians. Tonight, Vera, who often helps with translation called and told me that just as she sat down to begin translating my sermon for this week, her monitor exploded. She said that she doesn't think it a coincidence as last time I sent her my sermon her internet service went down and she had trouble receiving it. Please pray that Vera would be able to get a new monitor and that Erika (who will be translating in her place this week) would have the ability to finish the translation with God's strength.

Miki has full flexibility in his finger, but it is painful to bend. So, 'franken-finger' is doing fine (his scar is pretty nasty!) Please continue to pray for complete healing.

Sharon and the baby are fine, however Sharon and I are suffering from a sinus-headcold-flu type of sickness. Elianna is still sick with a mild cold. Benjamin (no longer sick) has returned to pre-school and is practicing hungarian rhymes everyday.