Weekly Update

Over the past few months, Pioneers teammate Julie has committed her all to write, recruit actors and produce a Christmas musical to extend our outreach in Petőfibánya. From the beginning, she knew it was an impossible venture that would only come to fruition through faith in the provision of God. She stepped out in faith and continued to persevere after multiple setbacks that threatened the finalization of the musical. In the end, God was faithful and has used "An Underground Christmas" musical in a mighty way.

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Above: Julie (left) on the hunt for costumes for the Christmas musical

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Above: Dezső (right with his daughters), viewing a practice and encouraging the actors who are all from Budapest.

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Above: The Hungarian folk musicians who did the recording for the musical: The instruments included: double bass, violin, viola, and cimbalom.

The following are excerpts from Julie's recent newsletter:

“An Underground Christmas, A Hungarian Musical by Julie Barshinger. Story Synopsis: The story takes place in December of 1944 during the great battle over Budapest between the Russian and German armies at the end of World War II. A Jewish family hides from the Hungarian fascist soldiers who wanted to kill all Jews remaining in Budapest. The family flees to a bomb-shelter basement under the ruins of an abandoned house in the city, but a runaway Hungarian soldier discovers their hiding place when he gets wounded in the street and seeks shelter from the raid. A clash of fear and faith ensues as the action unfolds. The characters reveal their secrets through songs written in the Hungarian folk-style tradition. The musical ends on Christmas Eve when the soldier saves the lives of the Jewish family by giving up his own."

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Above: Many people from Pioneers and local churches helped with set, costumes, props, sounds and lights. They did an excellent job as you can see above.

Julie also shared the following encouraging note with us:

"I just wanted to let you know that the musical was a big success.  Everyone seemed to enjoy it and it was really wonderful.  All the actors ended up staying in Petofibanya the whole weekend and the Petőfibánya team really blessed them.  On Friday, we had about 52 people.  Then, on Saturday, there were about 112.  Today, I didn't hear an exact number but I am guessing around 70 showed up for the event...On Saturday, we hiked up to the top of the hill around Petőfibánya where Allen took me over 2 years ago and showed me the land and the towns around there and he asked me to pray for that place.  So, I also wanted to take my actors up to the top of the hill and there we stood and Miki told us some things to pray for...I think every single of our my actors prayed for Petőfibánya...even the little boy prayed.  It was a huge moment and some of them said later how much it meant to them to go up there and to do that.  All weekend, Csaba, Janka, Miki, Erika, Dezső and Marcsi talked with the actors and shared about their spiritual journeys.  I just sat there amazed at what God was doing.  Two of the actors told me that they learned so much from this weekend and they are so thankful to God that they could come.  For me, this was the ultimate tops...to see my dear actors, very young Christians, most of whom are the first in their families to receive Christ and most of whom have difficult families and relationships, and to watch them grow up and perform this musical from their hearts and receive from the Petőfibánya team and then give back to the Petőfibánya team from their hearts.  This was truly truly amazing and from God.  I could not have asked for more.  We had some technical trouble each night of course...something had to happen and always something different every night...but, somehow we all kept going and gave the audience the best performance we could.  I just thank God from my heart, and I only wish you could have been there, too!"—Julie

It is such a privilege to serve with so many people who pour themselves out to bring glory to God through their different giftings and talents. Thank you for praying for this musical that has helped us create new opportunities for evangelism and discipleship. Various people from the town came such as the Mayor, the entire Retiree's Club, and the preschool teachers. There were many from neighboring towns that also attended which has opened up new doors of opportunity. Praise the Lord!

Please pray for the actors who will do one more performance in Budapest on the 22nd of December.

Please pray for the Petőfibánya puppet team who will continue ministering in various schools throughout this week.

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