WEEKLY UPDATE

Studies in Thailand

As some of you may have noticed, my updates have vanished for a few weeks. In mid September, God was gracious to give me (Allen) an opportunity to participate in leadership training in Thailand with many other church planters from various countries. This training will continue over the course of two years. I was truly edified in my time with other leaders, in God’s word and in prayer over the course of my time in Thailand. God gave me renewed vision regarding my own life and also new direction regarding our church planting work in Northeaster Hungary.







Above: Various shots from my time in Thailand.

LOOKING AHEAD AS A TEAM

After returning home, our team began our new semester planning meetings where we evaluate current ministry, direction and any changes that need to be made. As we surveyed what God was doing in our midst, and studied Paul’s apostolic ministry in the book of Acts, we began to see a clearer picture of our direction as a team. Currently we have unity and clarity on the big picture which involves restructuring how we organize our weekly worship meeting, and our mentor relationships seeking to better equip emerging leaders and not stifle the multiplication of churches because of complex systems that are not reproducible. However, the hard part is upon us which involves the nitty gritty of details and how we get there. Would you pray with us for unity in our team, and for clarity as to next steps for God’s glory and the expansion of His Kingdom.



Above: Petőfibánya, our hometown.

CHURCH GROWTH



Above: Dezső speaking to the church about an upcoming Foundations of Christian Faith class. God has been at work through church members inviting co-workers and friends to church and other outreaches. The room that we have rented for over five years is reaching capacity and will soon be too small for the number of people coming. This has become a problem, but a good problem! Please pray for God’s will and solution.

VOLLEYBALL AND COMMUNITY



Above: What started as a few parents and teens meeting for volleyball has turned into 20-25 people a week! We as a body believe in being part of the community and volleyball has given us a great way to connect with those we otherwise would have no interaction with throughout the week.



Above: Church member Gabi (left) with his brother at volleyball. Gabi has been reaching out to his brother for years.



Above: Gaib’s wife Enikő on the sidelines with her makeshift salon. Enikő usually spends her time in conversation with Gabi’s brother’s girlfriend who does not yet now Christ as her personal Savior.



Above: Jennifer (left) and church planting partner Miki. Last week I ran into Jennifer and her husband Sanyi at preschool while picking up Kira. Sanyi shared about his current situation looking for work that was not too far away from his family. He had sent out resumes, but wasn’t sure what response he would get. As I was walking to my car, the Spirit moved me to tell Sanyi and Jennifer that I would pray for them about this matter. I should have already volunteered to pray when he first shared with me, but I failed to do that. From my car, I shouted to Sanyi, “I’ll pray about these things you shared with me.” Sanyi smiled and expressed his thanks. Soon after, both Sanyi and Jennifer thanked me for praying as God was swift in bringing an answer. I told them (and I believe they recognized) that this was another sign of God’s ability to provide and His love for them. We continue to hope that they both come to trust in Jesus.

One area I would like to grow in is intercessory prayer. One quote that struck me recently was this:

“Part of the sacrificial aspect of Christian love is the extensive time and emotional investment in agonized prayer. No doubt this is part of the “daily burden for all the churches” that Paul said was as bad as the many beatings and imprisonments he had endured. (2 Cor. 11:28)” (McCallum, Dennis (2010). Organic Disciplemaking)

As I begin to be more intentional in prayer and become bolder in letting others know I am praying specifically for them, God has shown Himself faithful and is revealing Himself to others. Praise Him!





Above: Teammate Brenda organized a fun birthday party for Sharon who celebrated her 40th birthday (32 weeks pregnant!) Sharon is doing well and we praise God that this pregnancy has been free of problems. Just this week Sharon was able to see our daughter moving around and sucking on her fingers via ultrasound. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17.

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