http://www.javajournal.mercerfamily.com/index.htmlLatest News!enbabymerce@mac.comCopyright 2006 Allen Mercer2012-02-22T09:57:34+01:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:02:46 +0100babymerce@mac.comHOME2012-02-22T09:57:34+01:00http://www.javajournal.mercerfamily.com/files/3fa0a69718ba68a1a95b65792aaae8d5-616.html#unique-entry-id-616http://www.javajournal.mercerfamily.com/files/3fa0a69718ba68a1a95b65792aaae8d5-616.html#unique-entry-id-616SATURDAY TEAM MEETING

Thank those of you who prayed for us as we met last Saturday for team planning in this new year. We praise God for our team that began years ago with one Hungarian couple and our family and has now grown to a total of three Hungarian couples and Roger and Heidi Woo, Brenda Herhei and of course our growing family. What a joy to seen continued unity, to have one Lord, one purpose, one goal to see Him glorified!

We are also thankful for you, our supporters who make our team even more expansive as you pray for us and support our Gospel centered endeavors in Hungary.

ONE FOCUS IN THE NEW YEAR

As we look toward following Jesus through 2012, one of our focuses as a team is being teachable, being intentional to teach others to be able to teach others. I reminded the team that one generation of growing believers doesn’t guarantee the longevity of the church. If the next generation observes, learns, yet does not teach others than the movement that has begun will end.

At the core of our calling is Jesus command, “Go therefore and make disciples.” (Mat 28:19) And of vital importance is that a disciple understand that he/she is called to make more disciples. Paul says to Timothy, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Tim 2:2) This presupposes that men and women are maturing and that there are other more mature men and women looking for opportunities to personally and intentionally reach out to help them on the path of maturity. This job is too great for one person in the church. Many need to be involved in discipleship relationships. One focus of our team this year is to continue focusing on discipleship.

SUNDAY WORSHIP



Above: Some of the precious elderly in our church, Gizi and Marika. Gizi (over 70) continues to be used by God as she reaches out to family members with the gospel. God has also used her to minister to families in need and she has repeatedly expressed her need for prayer as she seeks to bring God’s truth to the lost. We praise God for her example and for transforming this woman who once suffered from depression, bitterness and isolation to a bright light in the world. Seated next to Gizi is Marika who lives in the neighboring town of Apc. Miki held an evangelistic study in her house on Sunday for the first time and we are thankful that Marika’s neighbors and her daughter attended. I’m also thankful for church members responding to God’s call to practice hospitality in the community.



Above: Istvan from the town of Jobbágyi with his son.



Above: Dezso and Miki leading a time of praise on Sunday. Dezso is the leader of the church plant in Rozsaszentmarton. In a recent small group meeting with believers in Rozsaszentmarton, they sat around a table and played a game designed to create conversation. Dezso asked his church planting team mate Tamás to read a passage from Scripture before the night began. Without planning, Tamás read the exact scripture that Dezso was planning to talk about later that night. In the game time, one of the questions asked what was a highlight of their week. Then the question was turned around asking what was difficult during the week. Dezso initially wondered if this would lead to a bunch of complaining, but then the Spirit led them to begin praying for each person’s hardship after they shared. Previously when Dezso would ask, “How can I pray for you,” he would often get a blank stare, but through this informal game time, requests became more natural and I believe the church in Rozsaszentmarton will grow from this experience.



Above: Laci (from Rozsaszentmarton) with his wife Marianna and son Balázs.

VOLLEYBALL



Above: Peti who is already tall leaping to block on Monday.



Above: Miki (black shirt) talking with Attila. Volleyball is a great opportunity to remain connected with those in the community who are friends, but not yet believers. Attila has begun attending an evangelistic Bible study at Miki’s house and Attila’s girlfriend was saved at the end of last year. It is our hope that both Attila and his girlfriend Monika will fully experience a personal relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ and be transformed by His grace.



Above: Laci and Marianna’s (from Rozsszentmarton) eldest son Peti has been attending volleyball and also church. Please pray for him to come to understand the Gospel and put his faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

MORE SNOW!



Above: The scene outside as I joined some friends to play tennis last week. Of course we played indoor.



Above: After a mild snowstorm and chilly weather, more snow rolled in this past week giving the kids another opportunity for sledding, castle building and snow ball fights.





FAMILY SHOTS



Above: Ziva at three months old. More chubb, more smiles and more fun! We praise God for the health of our growing child and for the joy she brings to the family.



Above: Kira with her little sister at Kira’s “Farsang” event at preschool.

We would appreciate your prayers for the following:

- Pray for Peti a growing leader who will be preparing this Sunday’s Bible study from the book of Mark

- Pray for our Hungarian church planting teammates Miki and Erika. Erika recently left her job as a special education teacher to put more time into her family (they have two kids) and into church planting. This seems completely illogical to the world around her as so many look for jobs and find their identity in work, but Erika is simply responding to what God has been revealing to her over the past few months. This move will put them in financial strain and we ask that you would pray for God’ provision for their family in this transition.

- Pray for the church plant in Rozsaszentmarton that meets this Sunday. (Dezso leading)

- Pray for the evangelistic study group in Apc that meets this Sunday. (Miki and Erika leading)

- Pray for those who recently made decisions and want to be baptized. (Marianna and Mark)

- Pray for one of the teens (I don’t want to mention the name) that is having a tough time deciding between the world or to follow Jesus. Pray that God would reveal His love, His leadership, His provision of wisdom in this time that this teen would make the right decisions in life.
]]>babymerce@mac.comHOME2012-02-14T14:44:09+01:00http://www.javajournal.mercerfamily.com/files/e1cd54f8f7d303ef4a033582edf48700-615.html#unique-entry-id-615http://www.javajournal.mercerfamily.com/files/e1cd54f8f7d303ef4a033582edf48700-615.html#unique-entry-id-615

ROZSASZENTMARTON CHURCH PLANT

Above: Eszti, who has been a growing member of our church in Petofibanya for years travels to lead songs of worship at the first official meeting of the church plant in Rozsaszentmarton. This season of seeing core church members going out and using their giftings in other church plants is very encouraging. Although we have prayed for this and planned for this and hoped for this for years and years, it is still a work of God that leaves us in a state of awe. Praise Him for the launch of the church in Rozsaszentmarton.



Above: Those who attended the first worship service in Dezso’s house in Rozsaszentmarton. Dezso (far left) is leading this work with the help of core team members Ági and Tamás (to the right of Dezso). Dezso was thankful that his brother (far right) came with his wife and hopes that they will also find a place of fellowship to grow in their faith in Jesus Christ. Because of various sicknesses going around, there were a few others that would have come but were prohibited.

This first meeting in Rozsaszentmarton is actually bigger than our first meeting we had so many years ago when we began church planting in Petofibanya. I had no idea at that time that Dezso who initially attended some of our English classes would grow into a mature elder at our church. God used Dezso in a mighty way to reach his neighbors Ági and Tamás and turn their attention to Jesus Christ. Tamás was saved by Jesus, his marriage was restored and he was delivered from alcoholism. Tamás has become an evangelist, reaching out to his family, his neighbors and anyone else that crosses his path. May God be glorified in these exciting days!



Above: Breaking up into smaller groups at our Sunday service in Petofibanya.

Our desire through this time of transition from one church plant to three (Petofibanya, Rozsaszentmarton and Apc) is to continue meeting one Sunday with everyone combined, and the next Sunday in the three locations whether in houses or community centers. This allows for the continued support of new church plants maintaining connectedness with those who are beginning works in new areas . In the future, depending on how God leads, these ‘all together’ meetings may decrease from every other week to once a month, with the church plants gaining more stability and strength over time. It is our hope that these church plants will also send out new core teams to plant church planting churches.





Above: Márk (left) talking with Istvan. Márk who has not yet put his faith in Jesus is actually the brother of church member Peti. We’re thankful to see him once again attending church and open to hearing God’s truth.





Above: A recent baby dedication of our little Ziva, along with Jázmin (little girl praying above) and Odett (in blue). Parents Monika and Misi (far left) came to know us through our volley ball outreach and were later saved in an evangelistic Bible study that Miki and Erika held at their house.

ITS FREEZING COLD AROUND HERE

Over the past few weeks the temperatures have dropped to dangerous levels. Kira’s preschool closed because of the deep freeze and Ben and Elianna have had to bundle up with serious layers on their walk to school in the morning. We’re so thankful for a home that is warm, for clothing to bundle the kids up in and for our car that has done fine in these frigid days. Oh, and finally enough snow to go sledding! Check out the film below to see some sledding fun.





NEW TEEN MINISTRY

Towards the middle of 2011 we phased out our teen outreach ministry and began focusing more on smaller group discipleship and one-on-one mentoring with teens. It has always been our desire that God would raise up a few from those being discipled to begin a weekly teen meeting again. Over the past few months, Miki has been training both Gabi and Gyozo for that very purpose and last week the ministry was launched. Initially, this weekly meeting is for the Christian teens in our church and their continued growth. We plan to have it transition into an evangelistic outreach to the many teens in our town who are in great need of coming to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.




Above: Zsofia, Niki and Cinti.



Above: Gabi (co-leader) and Gyula who continues to grow in his faith.





Above: Ricsi and Gyozo (co-leader). Please pray for these young men, Gabi and Gyozo as they seek to use their gifting to edify the youth in our church. Pray for this group to gain a greater passion for Christ and a deep desire to reach the lost in our area.

FAMILY PHOTOS



Above: Elianna having a conversation with Ziva. Ziva is very interactive and is smiling and talks up a storm in baby language when she’s in a good mood.



Above: Elianna in her upside down man outfit at her “Farsang” event at school. Farsang is similar to halloween in the US without the door to door asking for candy stuff. Elianna ended up winning a box of chocolates for a prize. You could hear the laughter following her as she walked through the crowded aisle. It was a very funny sight.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. We would appreciate prayer for an upcoming all day team meeting this Saturday discussing direction, changes and new ministries.]]>babymerce@mac.comHOME2012-01-25T10:26:34+01:00http://www.javajournal.mercerfamily.com/files/446cd850c1f55ee77cd2a56964cb8d53-614.html#unique-entry-id-614http://www.javajournal.mercerfamily.com/files/446cd850c1f55ee77cd2a56964cb8d53-614.html#unique-entry-id-614SUNDAY WORSHIP



Above: L to R, Marcsi (from Rozsaszentmarton), Peti (from Lorinci), Eniko (from Petofibanya), and two other members from two other villages of Apc and Zagyvaszanto. As you can see, there is a diversity of age, background and residence in the makeup of our church.

Marcsi (above left) and her husband Dezso (not pictured) will be holding church service in their home in Rozsaszentmarton this Sunday! We are excited about this church plant and ask that you please pray as Christ’s kingdom is extended into their hometown. As we approach this special day of initiating this church plant there has been plenty of spiritual attack. Please pray especially for Dezso who is leading this church plant and for his family.

Peti (above center) is also called into church planting and we are waiting for God’s timing in initiating a house church in his hometown of Lorinci. Unfortunately, Peti just found out that his current residence is in danger of being taken away because of the incredible debt incurred by the owner (not Peti’s debt but the owners debt that allows them to live there). This was very disheartening and a source of worry as Peti has a wife and four kids to provide for. Peti is learning to trust God as HIs provider and to depend on Him to replace fear with His presence and HIs peace. Please pray for Peti, his wife Eszti, their four children and Eszti’s little brother who lives with them. Peti, Eszti and Gyozo are faithful members in our church who continually show fruit in their lives. Pray that God would provide a solution to this threatening situation.

Eniko (above right) is a growing young believer who was saved at a previous English Camp. She is now newly wed to Gabi and very involved in children’s ministry in our church and in the local schools in our area. She is halfway through an extension course on children’s ministry and would appreciate your prayers for her growth and a strong foundational first year of marriage.




Above: A son and mother visiting from the town of Jászfényszaru where we have begun teaching and training on the subject of church planting. Gyula far right (grey sweater) continues to grow in his faith and is taking steps of obedience in following His Savior Jesus Christ. The Bible says in Mal 4:5-6 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.  And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers…” Gyula’s father struggles with alcohol and depression. Gyula Sr. shared with some in our church that he just doesn’t understand the Bible which led Peti and Miki to ask Gyula Jr. to begin visiting his father and explaining God’s word to him. This was not an easy step for Gyula Jr. who now lives in a separate house with his mother after an ugly separation. It would take forgiveness and love to initiate this type of conversation with his dad and just this past week, Gyula by God’s grace and through God’s power took those steps. Praise God for visible fruit in those He has called out of darkness into His light.



Above: Néomi (from Rozsaszentmarton), Gyula Sr., Laci and his wife Marianna (from Rozsaszentmarton). Néomi, Laci and Marianna recently put their trust in Jesus Christ and make up some of the core group that will be attending the church plant in Rozsaszentmarton this Sunday. In the very back of the photo under the mirror are triplets that are related to Peti through his father. This is their second time attending and we ask you to pray that they would continue and be saved through the relationships God has put in their lives to lead them to His Son.

FAMILY SHOTS





Above: Family portrait, Ziva, Elianna, Kira, Sharon, Benjamin and Allen. We’re so thankful to be serving our 12th year in Hungary and are grateful for your continued encouragement through prayer and financial support.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Miki will be taking the teens and young adults to a conference this weekend. Please pray for each of them to hear a very personal message from God that they would surrender to in this new year.

• Pray for the launch of the church plant in Rozsaszentmarton this Sunday and for Dezso and his family who will be hosting worship service.

• Pray for God’s provision for Peti and Eszti’s family and for specific direction related to housing.

• Pray for Gabi and Eniko for healthy foundations to be built in their first year of marriage. Pray for Gabi who continues to attend theological training and is seeking direction from God as to where he is called. Pray for Eniko as she continues training in Children’s ministry and seeks new opportunities in the surrounding public schools to start Bible clubs.]]>babymerce@mac.comHOME2012-01-18T20:34:52+01:00http://www.javajournal.mercerfamily.com/files/c22b6a654bdc7085d69f7927b6045493-613.html#unique-entry-id-613http://www.javajournal.mercerfamily.com/files/c22b6a654bdc7085d69f7927b6045493-613.html#unique-entry-id-613



Above: Some photos of the “majority” in our family. Funny that my mother always wanted a girl, but got three boys. Now she has granddaughters galore.







Above: Sharon’s friend Klari who had been a constant help leading up to Ziva’s birth came to visit and hold Ziva for the first time. Klari stopped over again today and dropped off some homemade Hungarian sausage - what kindness! Klári has a daughter that also has celiac disease and Sharon and Klári often exchange recipes. We’re so thankful for her friendship.



Above: Kira playing with Klári’s daughter Réka.



Above: A view from our front window. After such a mild winter we have been hit with snow a few times this week.

BIRTHDAY PARTY

Niki, who years ago attended some of our children’s outreach and later put her faith in Jesus Christ as a young teen, is now 18 years old. To the average family, this is a big deal and usually mom and dad would be planning a special party for their special daughter. However, Niki doesn’t come from an average family, but a broken one. Her parents are separated, and her father has no part in her life. Her mother suffers from the destructive nature of sin and doesn’t have much to give to Niki in her lost state. In the end, Niki planned her own party, decorated with help from a few others and sent out the invitations. I’m thankful that we had a good time together as Niki’s family in Christ celebrating this special day.



Above: Niki with Ziva celebrating her 18th birthday.









SUNDAY WORSHIP



Above: Reaching full capacity of our current meeting place. After launching two evangelistic house groups over the past 3 months (one in Rozsaszentmarton and one in Petofibanya), we have seen an influx of new people! It was clear that the Spirit of God was at work as all those who attend the group in Rozsaszentmarton prayed to put their faith in Jesus after a few weeks of meeting and learning about the Gospel. Rozaszentmarton is about an 8 minute drive away over a small mountain that sits behind Petofibanya. Just a few weeks from now, Dezso will be holding worship service in his house on Sunday in Rozsaszentmarton, while the rest of our church meets in Petofibanya. It is our hope that later this year we also be able to plant a church in the neighboring town of Lorinci, having a large group of believers from that area. This is such an exciting season, seeing dreams come true after years of sowing through God’s strength and by God’s grace. We praise Him for the growth that only He can bring.

VOLLEYBALL



Above: Ádám who has attended our VBS camps over the years comes to volleyball. Every Monday, we rent out the local school gym and invite the community to play volleyball. In a town with no opportunities for recreation, this has drawn out many parents and young adults who have commented that this is the highlight of their week. We’re glad to build relationships with the community through volleyball and for the small group Bible study that was launched for those who attend volleyball.





Above: Misi ready to attack. We met Misi and his wife Monika through volleyball and later they began attending a Bible study and both prayed to put their faith in Jesus. Their daughter attends the same preschool as Kira and they also have a newborn baby which helps us to relate to some of the same experiences they are going through. Please pray for them and for the large group of new believers that recently made decisions in Petofibanya and Rozsaszentmarton to grow in their faith in Jesus Christ.



Above: Ziva cuddled up with her favorite penguin. Maybe she likes it because he looks like me.



Above: Coming upstairs one night, I saw Sharon with some string and Kira excitedly saying, “Mommy is going to pull out my tooth.” The ol’ slam the door trick did not work, but it was entertaining at least. A few days later, our teammate’s daughter helped tug it out. In the past week and a half two of her teeth have fallen out. Kira also just began learning how to read. Elianna, being a great big sister, often plays teacher reading to Kira and helping Kira sound out words. Kira is also a helpful big sister to Ziva, always willing to help with diaper changing and entertaining Ziva.

Thanks for following our updates and for your constant encouragement through prayer and support of our family. ]]>babymerce@mac.comHOME2012-01-03T12:13:18+01:00http://www.javajournal.mercerfamily.com/files/3be78ca419465bb08379651382d47ada-612.html#unique-entry-id-612http://www.javajournal.mercerfamily.com/files/3be78ca419465bb08379651382d47ada-612.html#unique-entry-id-612




Above: At 11:50 we began praying as a large group holding hands, giving thanks to God up until midnight. Afterwards, we blessed each other and broke out the noise makers and sparklers for the kids.



Above: Eszti who recently served with us in our Christmas Puppet Ministry climbing on and leaping off her little brother Gyozo.



Above: David (right), who has been attending church regularly after English Camp this summer brought his friend Sanyi to our get together. I’m curious to know what his friend thought about what we did together in contrast to the New Year’s Parties he has attended in the past.











Above: Game time was a blast! Csaba (far left) in the above photo was invited initially to just our New Year’s Eve party by church member Peti. Csaba and Peti grew up together, then lost contact and were ‘reunited’ on Facebook. Peti has been reaching out to Csaba and after hearing that Peti was preaching on Saturday’s New Year’s Eve service, Csaba agreed to come. I’m sure it was shocking for him to see Peti preach about Christ being the center of our lives since he knew Peti before he was saved. What a testimony for Csaba to see the new Peti saved by Christ, a loving husband and father and a man passionate for Jesus Christ.



Above: Peti talking with Roland after Saturday’s worship service.

ZIVA UPDATE







Above: Winter sickness continues to make it’s rounds through our family and God has been gracious to help Ziva recover from croup and coughing and congestion. It’s been a tough few weeks for her, but she seems to be on the tail end of the worst of it. We are thankful that even through this sickness she has been able to eat and sleep well. Ziva gets cuter every day and is beginning to smile when we interact with her. Please continue to pray for her, Kira, Ben and Sharon who are all sick in various degrees.



Above: Kira imitating Sharon with her version of a baby wrap.



Above: One of Ellie’s crafty gifts to Sharon at Christmas.

May Jesus Christ bless you with growing hope, a strong faith and greater intimacy with Him in the new year. We appreciate all your support, your encouragement and commitment to our family!]]>