Be Careful What You Say or How to Start a Trend

Tivadar (left) with Jozsi Csuhai (right)

Ralph and Tivadar, a retired Hungarian pastor now mentoring Roma layleaders, recently traveled to northeast Hungary to visit a few of the Roma missions and churches. While in one small village they heard the story of a split in the church because of misspoken words and hurt feelings.

Ralph and Tivadar went to the offended party's home and talked with him. They prayed and listened. Eventually healing began and the split factions agreed to once again meet at the church. It was definitely an answered prayer, however, as Paul Harvey would say, there is the rest of the story....

When Ralph and Tivadar returned to Tibour, the other leader's home, and began to report what had happened, Ralph began by shaking his head and saying, "Ah-h-h-h, the devil cried today....". He then told the story. Tibour liked the way Ralph described what had happened and the thought of putting Satan on the run by bringing healing. We now enjoy when Tibour calls on the phone and begins by saying, "Ralph! The devil cried today!" He then goes on to relay the good news he has called to share.



Just a day in the life of Roma missions here in Hungary...

Families, Good-Byes, Tears, and Hugs

As I sat on the front step of the Gandhi School waiting for Glen and Clista, I enjoyed watching the people around me. The Gandhi students come to school in shifts over the weekend before the first day of classes. Many of the students were moving into the dorm that day and they came with parents and a sibling or two in tow.

As I watched them I noted that some things are the same the world over. When the time for good-byes came there were hugs, tears, and "I Love You" 's being said as the parents prepared to leave. I watched it over and over and was reminded of having just said good-bye to our daughter at the airport as she returned to college. I knew what those parents felt. Even though our language is different, our cultures vary; I felt a bond between us. Parents are parents no matter where they are in the world and letting that young one go is always a bit difficult.

Now I feel like I should break out into song "The circle of life...." (Those of you that know me personally know that is a scary thought!)

Daniel's Dedication

It is customary here when an infant is six weeks old to bring them to church for their "introduction". Sunday night we were privileged to be present for Daniel Csuhai's introduction and dedication. Daniel is special to us because his dad is our partner in ministry. Jozsi and Ralph often travel together to visit the Roma missions around the country. They confide in one another, seek counsel from each other, and have become close friends. They serve on the Hungarian Baptist Roma Missions committee together as well.

Daniel's grandfather, a retired pastor, held him before the Lord and prayed over him during the service. It was a touching moment as Bro Pauly introduced his grandson to the congregation.

We were glad to be included in the family celebration.

Adkins Apartment

Praise for this answered prayer! We had prayed specifically for an apartment not far from the Gandhi School - either walking distance or an easy bus ride. We asked for two bedrooms and a modern kitchen. Not only did we find all of this but the landlords are very accommodating and all the appliances are brand new. The apartment will be a great place for entertaining and a refuge on stressful days. Thank you for joining us in prayer! Glen and Clista are now settling in and finding their way around Pecs.

On the Road Again

Ralph is making a day trip to the village of Szakmerkecke. This Roma congregation desperately needs a meeting place of their own. They have been meeting in members' homes and have outgrown all of the small living spaces of the Romany (Gypsies). While their dream is a building of their own (refer to past posts on converting existing houses into churches), the reality of the present is that they are adding a room onto the main layleader's home. Ralph has gone to look over the construction and help solve the problem of a leaky roof. This larger room will give them a place to meet while they continue to pray asking God to provide them with a house to renovate. It is through the generosity of CBF supporters that this project is happening and the prayers of the Roma are being answered. Thank you!

Everyone Needs a Little Vacation

Everyone needs a break from their jobs, ministry, and routines now and then. Ralph's older brother, Lee, his wife, PJ, and their daughter Lara came for a visit. This was their first trip to see us and we wanted them to see all the sights and experience the unique Hungarian culture along with the delicious Hungarian food. Both families then packed up and headed to Arosa, Switzerland for a week. We were blessed to have the use of a chateau owned by friends. We had a fantastic time enjoying God's beautiful scenery, hiking the mountain trails, riding the trains, buses, and cable cars, and just relaxing together.

All too soon we were back in Budapest putting daughter Amy on the plane to head back to college. Lee and family followed as they returned to North Carolina. Next Josh started his senior year of high school. We are back into our normal routine with fond memories of an enjoyable time.

Picture: Ralph with brother Lee, sister-in-law, PJ, and niece, Lara.

All-Team Meeting

Every three years the CBF teams coached by Jim and Becky Smith meet. The Romany team is one of those. This July we met in Prague at the International Baptist Theological Seminary. It is a beautiful campus and with a great location just far enough from the Prague center to provide peace and quiet yet quickly get to the downtown action.

It is fun to meet others ministering through CBF to various other people groups. We enjoy the fellowship and the exchanging of ideas. It is also an opportunity for several staff from the Atlanta office to come and speak to us about various thing within CBF life.

Picture: The Gypsy Cluster enjoying a meal together.