Migrant Crisis in Europe

You have probably heard about the tens of thousands of migrants moving through Hungary, coming from lands filled with poverty and war, seeking better lives for themselves.  We are not personally affected by this crisis right now since we live in the eastern part of Hungary in the city of Debrecen and the vast majority of migrants are entering Hungary from the south and moving west into Austria.  We are following the news closely, though, and are also listening to what our Hungarian friends and neighbors are saying about the situation.  And we are supporting our friends who are doing their best to help in the crisis. 

Here is a link to a blog that might be of interest. It was written by an American pastor of a Calvary Chapel church in Seged, Hungary, who has experienced the migrant situation first hand.

You can help the Syrian refugees here. Please pray for Hungary and for Europe.

Timár

Saturday we ministered at a home group meeting in the village of Timár.  An INSTE group will start soon here and it was great to be able to meet these fine people.

 During the warmer months, the group meets outside.  We were told that the morning began with rain showers, but they prayed and we had beautiful weather for the meeting.

 Mike spoke about the body of Christ and Misha Tovtin translated for him.

 We shared the yard with a couple of cats and dogs.  One of the dogs found a comfortable spot and fell asleep during the preaching.

After the meeting, we were all served sandwiches and cookies.  We knew the home group leader and his wife because we met them when they came to Debrecen to take part in the leader training that was held in May. Melinda mentioned that she and her family really enjoyed the oatmeal raisin bars we sent home with them after the training.  I just happened to have a few oatmeal raisin bars in the car with me.  She was delighted when I gave them to her and there were just enough for everyone to have a taste.  I thank the Lord for this little blessing that brought us closer together.

Ibrány Graduation

We love celebrations in Hungary and yesterday was a fun celebration.  We were able to participate in the Level 1 INSTE graduation of four students in Ibrány.  These four ladies studied hard, kept at it and remained firm to the end and we are proud of them and their group leaders.

During the presentation of their certificates, each of the students gave a short testimony.  One described how memorizing the scriptures helped her in her every day life.  Another told how her father was sent to prison during the first semester, but that her INSTE group rallied around her, encouraging her through the difficult time. The other graduates told of the support they received from their families and the ways their faith had grown during their studies.

The group leaders, Pálko Tóth and Ferenc Balogh, were rightly proud of their students and took the opportunity to encourage them.  Field Director Mihály Gulyás told the history of INSTE in Hungary and emphasized the importance of Bible education.  Mike preached from one of INSTE's foundational verses, 2 Timothy 2:15, about the attributes of a worker approved by God.

The evening ended with a meal of delicious stuffed cabbage served to all those in attendance.

Congratulations, Ibrány graduates!