Magyar Mullets March 2008 Newsletter

Dear Family and Friends, 'Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.' 1 Cor. 15:58 In this update I am pleased to report that God is increasing our dependence on Him. We see that the scope of the work we’re here to do is far beyond our own capacities—we can’t possibly do all that must be done, so we ask God to send more laborers into His harvest field. We also see that the authorities over us can exert great pressure on us: • They can grant or deny residence permits, increase taxes and expenses, and occupy our time with bureaucratic encumbrances. This reminds us to pray for those that God has put in authority over us—He will direct them concerning us. • In the midst of serious financial needs for the ministry here, we are prompted to ask the Lord for His provision. We see that God moves in the hearts of His own to provide our financial support. We’re thankful for your sacrifices to support us in the work here. We see that God meets our every need and there’s no sense stressing over the unknown. What if the dollar keeps dropping? What if inflation keeps rising? What if the government taxes our ministry center property? What if things get much worse? We’ve put our hand to the plow and we’re not looking back. It was a great encouragement to host the Hungary Summit in Budapest this year. We hope more churches can join us next year at a site in the US. Our entire team got to participate along with several representatives from partner churches. It was a highlight to hear reports from several of our ministry partners who share the ministry center with us. There were many occasions to praise God and to pray for His power and provision to accomplish His purposes. Truly it is God who gives us the inner resolve to labor on in the face of difficulty. It is His Spirit that gives us peace when there is turmoil all around. It is His Son that includes us in the building of His church—that one body, made up of all those who place their faith and trust in Him. Pray that we would make the most of every opportunity that life here affords us to share the salvation message of life in Christ. I had a record eight students in my English discussion group on Friday morning. One of my students is a professional soccer player. He invited me to watch a championship soccer match between two teams in the 'old boys' league (men over 44). My friend Árpád, from the group, scored two goals in a 5-0 victory. There was roughly a crowd of four—I was one. Árpád has no parents; he grew up in an orphanage. He says that soccer was his salvation. People loved him for his skill in soccer, and it’s all he’s ever known. Pray that he would seek the One who truly loves him. He’s heard the gospel on Friday mornings—the seed has been sown. Pray for the seed to bear fruit in his life. A Hearts at Home moms’ conference was hosted last weekend. The ladies on our team did a great job. Do check our blog for new developments with the Ministry Center. Suffice it to say there is excitement building as we follow the Lord. In April we look forward to— • Our Good Shepherd men’s conference for the denomination, • A visit from a partner church pastor in Hong Kong, • The return of the Olsen family, • A wedding in the KEGY family, • An outreach concert by Sam Rotman, a world-renowned concert pianist who leads a supporting church, and • A quilting team from Columbia, MO. We are blessed to be serving in Budapest with you alongside. Love in Christ, Brad, for all of us