Magyar Mullets May 2007 Newsletter

Dear Family and Friends,

It’s been a race to the finish line. That’s what the past five weeks have felt like in preparation for home-assignment. I didn’t want to stop all labor two months ago and begin the planning and preparation for ten weeks away from here, so I’ve tried to work several shifts and squeeze it all into the margins. It wasn’t all by choice, however many unexpected things came up that required sacrifices and adjustments. My colleague and friend “Geza bacsi” has not been to work in over a month now. He was able to make it in one day to fire up the A/C systems and show me his routine, but the rest of the time he’s been in and out of the hospital. I call him daily for consultations and try to be an encouragement to him. So, I added his tasks to mine and told him to get well soon. Another colleague had to take his daughter to Germany for surgery and I covered building use in his absence. I also wanted to be faithful to our future ministry partners who will rent new office spaces and prepare for a construction team coming the last two weeks of June. To put your minds at rest: I didn’t get everything done that I wanted to get done, but neither did I have to say no to those which needed a yes. I had peace in knowing God orders my steps and the steps of those around me.

Praise God all my teachers got their applications and paperwork turned in for residence permits. Praise God I have team mates who are capable in multiple areas to seamlessly cover my responsibilities in my absence. Kelsey has her graduation ceremony this afternoon and has had an abundance of social engagements. We will miss her. My English discussion group met for the last time before the summer, and I got to share a couple devotionals this semester on what Jesus is doing today and the role of the Holy Spirit. Pray for open eyes and ears, and receptive hearts to the gospel. Pray also for the formation of the group that will meet this summer in Tükörhegy—I’ve been praying for Christ to bring into existence a church in this neighborhood for the last five years. Now, I’m excited as God has led us to others. Kari and I are thrilled to be part of what I pray will be a dynamic church planting team.

English discussion group:

Praise God for the legacy of his work in the hearts of men. John Secrest—former country leader, accepted an invitation to speak at the Good Shepherd men’s conference this weekend and we had a chance to get together before the big event. After four years away from Hungary, so much he envisioned has come about. I honor his faithfulness to the vision God gave him. God used this man to mobilize local churches to get involved in God’s work in Hungary. He was instrumental in pastoring the Kelenfold Evangelical Church, in purchasing the Olimpia Ministry Center, in getting the existing Budapest City Team in place, and in starting the Hungarian Evangelical Church. Each of the couples in the picture represents several partner churches who sent their own, and numerous others to labor in the harvest field of Hungary. What a great reunion! What an awesome God we serve. To God be the glory—He moves in the hearts of men to accomplish his purposes.

As we look ahead at the next ten weeks of home-assignment, we have some significant hurdles. One is an emotional hurdle: leaving Kelsey in the US to attend College of the Ozarks with her sister Whitney. Another hurdle is a reality for all vocational ministers of the gospel and is part of what motivates us to travel and give a report of what God is doing in our lives and in the churches in Hungary. God is due the glory, so we tell what He is doing in order that He receives the praise. We also know God supplies for us through His church. We still intend to expend our lives to see churches multiplied in Hungary and we’re praying our current supporters still intend to expend prayer and financial resources in partnership with us to that end. What God asks of each of us is never unreasonable and always results in the unimaginable. We’re praying that He will replenish our support base as some have had to stop, and reinvigorate those He appoints to partner with us, even as he has given us resolve to continue serving him here. We need $1500 in additional monthly support before we can return in August and we have a one-time need to be met of $8000 for which we’re also praying. Would you inquire of the Lord concerning the extent of your prayer and financial commitment to us in Hungary? Would you send us an email stating your intentions? We would be most encouraged to know how God is directing you as well. We submit ourselves to you in this matter.

Gratefully in His Service,

Brad--for the family