The Kings in Budapest - thekingsinbudapest

E12 Crepe Corner

This conference we did a Crepe Booth.  It was a happening corner of the food court and it was a fun time of food and ministry.

11.12 Christmas.wmv

Jesus or Religion

Poem on video with the gospel verses religion

11.11 Israel.wmv

11.11 GGCC.wmv

11.08 Sepsi Missions Trip.wmv

11.06 The School.wmv

A fun skit video from GGIS, Budapest

11.02 GGIS Ski Trip.wmv

The Link for our Main Church in 8th District

23 years ago I walked into a little Bible Study in England. Just a few people there. I'd never had the Bible opened to me before. That day my life was to change forever. The pastor shared from 1 Cor 15:1-4. The gospel...that He died...rose again according to the Old Testament. A price paid at the cross, a free gift offered to all. I knew this must be The Truth, not what I must do for God, but what He has done for me. Not what I would give to Him, but what He would freely give to me. That day, June 14th 1989, I opened my heart and received the greatest gift. People want proof? It's there. It's an open book. He died according to the scriptures. He fulfilled countless prophecies. Written, recorded, that we might believe. Tomorrow I will preach from those same verses. God has done so much over these precious years....

At our European conference this year, on the first night, about 30 Chinese believers and visitors stood up to be recognised and welcomed by the body of Christ.  6-7 of them had come from China for the conf, but the rest were local Chinese people that we have connected with during the last year and a half of ministry and bible studies.  A couple of them were leaders from other churches with some of their people visiting.  Then there was the core that have been with us at our Bible studies, a group of believers very hungry for grace.  This year we were able to have translation with headphones for them all.  My heart rejoiced as I scanned the group at the back, with note books and Chinese Bibles opened as P. Schaller began the message with a question "What is grace?".  Please be praying for us as we seriously consider God's heart, move, timing, next step for that ministry.  It's estimated that there are well over 20000 Chinese people in Hungary.  A GG Chinese church here in Budapest is definitely in our prayers.  Wouldn't that be awesome?  Thanks for praying.

This coming week is our annual European Conference.  This is a very powerful, special time for us all here in budapest and for our churches across the land.  People are starting to arrive from distant lands and the expectation is building.  We know, from blessed experience, that these times are so rich with life, grace, vision.  There are so many messages and connections in the body of Christ that impact and change lives.  Also Marina and I plan to do a food booth to try to raise some extra support and funds.  Thank you for your prayers.

At the last Chinese Bible Study we had about 12-13 people with us.  P. Rick Knight was with me and God the theme of Forgiveness, plus many other subjects and answers through the night.  We sat around the table for over 3 hours, preaching, teaching, answering questions and turning to The Scriptures.  Their Chinese Bibles open.  Their notes books open.  Their hearts open. Every verse that we would mention they would hungrily scribble it down.  It really was very refreshing, raw discipleship.  Later some of them type up all their notes and verses in full and give it out to the group the following week.  At the end of the night one man said "we have heard so much Bible teaching over the years, but what you have shared tonight has open up the Bible to us so clearly, now It all seems so simple, personal and powerful to me".  Another guy, who had returned for the second time said in his simple English "I remember last week, the room so very cold, but your words so very warm.  I come back to be warmed by those words again".  I cannot help but wonder, as God seems to be drawing new people who are enjoying the grace message, why couldn't we have a GG Chinese church here in Budapest?  We could have it bilingual in the beginning and pray God raises up a Chinese pastor here who could go through our Bible college.  Imagine that! Pray for that!

BELOW IS AN EMAIL I SENT TO SOME OF OUR GGCC TEAM: please pray with us....

I am writing with a deep desire and burden in my heart for our little local church and I write open and honestly to us all.  Like never before we need to pray.  I am asking us to pray for people, for the church, for the future work of God though and in our assembly.  There are so many Hungarians and local people who were coming or who have visited and do not come anymore or very seldom.  Our attendance has dropped over this past year.  From one week to the next I don't know what to expect.  Last week we were over 40 and this week were 30.  I know many people that are in my heart who are withdrawn.  They are not negative, they want to come, they love it here when they come, but it just never happens.  People need our prayers.  There could be a list of legitimate reasons that we might all understand, but often it is just opposition to God's call on their lives, natural thinking and demonically organized details of life.  We should always hope that God would be drawing people, that we would be growing, that every 1st time visitor would also be a 2nd time visitor and eventually find a home here.  I think follow up, investment, things like the Barnabas ministry may help encourage people, but mainly what is needed is for us, as the body, to be praying. I am asking us to seek God, to take time, to pray.  Let's pray this week that God would move.  That the church would be buzzing at 10:30am.  That we would see people come out.  That God would answer our prayers.  We should pray that people see their local church in terms of a divine calling and provision from God and that they would not choose lightly about missing a givin Sunday.  That is an understanding and conviction that I have had personally and many of you have had for a long time and I thank God for that.  But please let's pray for people.  That can make a difference.  P. Eric and I were moved to pray last week and will meet regulalry with others here and i would ask you to also see if you can meet with someone and pray, or pray at home alone for our church, for people.  Even though sometimes the atmosphere would like to discourage, when the church is almost empty at 10:30am, I cannot help have a vision and believe that God can do something beyond our dreams in His time.  Why couldn't we have a church exploding, a revival in hearts, hunger for the word like never before, where we would need to find another meeting place because there is not enough room?  Does that seem impossible?  would we dare to dream? Would we be moved to pray? 

As I sat around a table with 12 Chinese Believers late one night, in the back of a bag shop, with my Bible open on the table, next to my bowl of fish soup, I had to pinch myself.  I had to ask myself, what am I doing here? How did I get to be in this place?  Am I in Budapest?  As I drove away that night I laughed out loud with the Lord for what he had done.  We recently started the class for this new year open to the Chinese community and had about 15 precious believers come with bibles and note books hungry for the grace message and teaching.  They have come to see that "grace is the difference" and without grace its like "trying to eat soup with chopsticks".  After the class they wanted more and asked me to go back to one of their shops in the market for food and a rap with some of them.  We were there late, eating, talking, sharing, answering questions and ministering Christ's life.  His wisdom and presence was with us.  You could sense the understanding opening and God revealing grace to them.  It has been so amazing to me.  As I drove home to my sleeping family on that cold night, I wished there was someone else who was there to have shared that amazing ministry experience.  Next week I hope to take a few guys, a small team, and to see what God will do again.  God is awesome.  Reaching the Chinese with grace in Budapest.  Thanks for your prayers.

One creative, simple ministry we have started for our local church in Buda is called "the Barnabas Ministry".  The name came from a message a couple of months ago we preached on encouragement.  The basic idea is that we get a team of Barnabas' together from the church.  These are the perhaps stronger or more mature believers, the encouragers, if you will.  Then we pair them up with someone who is perhaps newer in the ministry or who has never been to Bible school.  We have about 20 pairs of people at the moment, almost everyone in the church some how involved.  It's a mutually encouraging time as they fellowship over a given theme and meet 5 times in two months over coffee and The Bible.  There are 5 given themes with basic handouts and verses, not to teach exactly, but to have a time of fellowship over that topic.  We have already had such great feed back on this and I really pray and believe it's going to be a strengthening factor for the church a time of encouragement for so many.  Please be praying for this ministry from now until March.  God bless

 Zech 4:14 very likely refers to Zerubbabel and Joshus (with a further reaching connection to the two witnesses in Rev 11:4 also) as the "two anointed ones" or literally the "two sons of Oil".  What a beautiful description for the spirit-filled believer.  These men were to lead the people in the rebuilding of The Temple.  This was a work to be accomplished "not by might, not by power by by The Spirit of God" (4:6).  They are pictured as being in the flow of the "golden oil" and therefore anointed for the task at hand.  On Sunday we spoke from 2 Kings 4: about the pot of oil that poured continuously while there were empty vessels to fill.  How easily that pot can be overlooked or neglected in a Christian's life, yet it is the key and provision for everything we are called to do and called have.  How powerful and instructive this is for us.  The vessels had to be borrowed (1 Cor 6:19, Act 20:24) and they had to be empty vessels, speaking of a crucified life and attitude that brings me to a spirit filled experience.  I cannot expect to continue in unconfessed sin and yet continue in a spirit filled life!  Clearly the scriptures declare that we can grieve the spirit (Eph 4:30), quench the Spirit (1 Thes 5:19) and resist the Spirit (Acts 7:51).  The oil is so ready to flow as long as there are borrowed, empty vessels that stand before it, but clearly if it is a preserved life, my own life, or if it is a vessel filled with some thing else it is not in a position to be filled.  The flow is sadly halted or hindered.  "Bring me yet another vessel" she cried as the oil did flow, "there are no more" her son replied and the "oil did stay".  But are there no more? Oh there are so many more, there are "not a few".  Many, who in this grace life, have discovered a ready flow of golden oil and there are yet other vessels yet to be brought to this spiritual fount.  What a blessed life we have as "the sons of oil" anointed for this ministry, this time and this mission field.  Thank you for your prayers for us here on the field in Budapest!

Recently we did a message about being "easily moved by the Holy Spirit". It was such a fresh word, so I thought I would also share it here on our blog.  In 2 Tim 3:16 the word "theopneustos" is used for inspiration, literally meaning God breathed.  2 Peter 1:20 says that these inspired writers were "moved by the Holy Spirit".  The picture being one of a ship moved across the surface of the water as the wind fills it's sails.  In that analogy, the key is there is very little resistance.  The ship can be easily moved.  It's the natural life and thoughts that can be a resistance to the move of the Spirit in our life.  But consider Simeon in Luke 2:25-27.  In these 3 short verses it says that "the Holy Spirit was upon him" (:25) and "It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit" (:26) and then that "he came by the spirit into the temple" (:27).  This was surely a man who was easily moved by the Holy Spirit. This was a man with an inspired life.  The principle is that if you have the word stored in your soul and you have a living faith, looking for and expecting the work of God, then you are easily moved.  John 3:8 says the wind blows where it wills...you cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes and so is every one born of the Spirit". Amazing!  So is the life of the spirit filled believer.  A spontaneous, inspired life.  Simeon was a vessel moved in the moment to see and experience the work and wonder of God.  Likewise Anna came into the temple "at that moment".  She was almost easily moved by the HS and came to share that divine appointment.  Then after wards she "spoke of him to all them who looked for redemption".  May this typify our lives this new year.  Easily moved by the HS, with an inspired life, and sharing with all who will listen to the message of our glorious savior.  Thank you for your prayers for the Kings in Budapest for 2012.

Have you ever considered what a strange tradition that is? A healthy, growing tree, cut down in it's prime, only to find itself standing in the corner of someones living room.  Lights, tinsel and decorations carefully added make that little tree shine with beauty.  But what humorous irony to beautify a dead tree.  The shedding needles only confirming the end is near.  A few short moments and that unfortunate tree will be abandoned in a trash can somewhere with a few pitiful strands of tinsel hanging on for dear life, perhaps trying to prolong that moment of glory.  But is has surely passed.  What vanity of vanities, all is vanity.  This world system, this "cosmos" with it's outward adorning and cosmetics, may draw the eye and capture the attention of men.  Mean while a babe in a manger or an empty tomb goes unnoticed, but for a few hymns or greeting cards.  As believers we may enjoy the festive trimmings of this world system, but we are not distracted, that is not our focus.  We know this glistening tree has no roots, no life, no fruit.  We know of another tree, to which this child in Bethlehem was to ordained to go.  That tree, at Calvary's hill, had no outward beauty to draw the eye, but a love demonstrated to draw the heart.  But Calvary's tree does have roots.  That tree has fruit.  That tree has promise.  That tree ....is the tree of life.  What amazing grace that, like the shepherds of old, we heard the message and we went quickly to Bethlehem to see what "The Lord had made known to us".  We may have watched our sheep, but now we behold the lamb.  We left the manger with a message.  God anoint our hearts and lips to share with others.  Thank you all for your prayers and hearts for The Kings in Budapest, this Christmas season and always. 

By the grace of God, I got to attend the Israel tour this year.  How deeply thankful I am to God for that time and opportunity.  This was my 3rd trip and among the most amazing times of my life.  I have been back a few days, but still glowing form the rich time we had there.  There really is no country like Israel, no city like Jerusalem.  We stayed in a Kibbutz which claims to be on the site of the house of Obededom.  P. Stambovsky & I both got a witness that our room was right where the ark was sitting.  Well, ...we were certainly blessed men, like Obededom.

The first couple of days we were in Jerusalem.  The last week of Christ became very fluid in my mind as we traveled from the place of the last supper, the broken bread, the poured out wine, to the mount of Olives, Gethsemane with betrayal of a kiss.  Then across to Caiaphas' house, where Christ was beaten and held in the dungeon overnight as Peter betrayed him in the courtyard above.  We then stood in the place of Pilates judgment, the washing of the hands and the release of Barabbas.  Finally, the "man of sorrows" journeyed the Via Dolorosa, his final steps to the cross. 

We had songs and communion at the garden tomb as we celebrated and considered the resurrection and also thought about Pentecost and the coming of The Holy Spirit not long after.  Not a dry history or empty theology, but our very experience.  At each site we opened the Word and connected the scriptures.  Our hearts were quickened.  The mount of Olives left such an impression on me.  Many times we read of it in the gospels as the place He prayed, rested and taught his disciples.  The place he stood and wept as he looked across the Kidron Valley, to the eastern wall, to the city of Jerusalem.

Each night I was up in the late hours with an open Bible and maps, walking through our route and itinerary for the next day.  We would then open The Word to connect the pages with the land as we went.  We passed through the circuit of Gilgal, Jericho, Bethel & Jordan, where Elisha followed Elijah to finally see him taken up in the chariot.  We stopped in the dessert together and read mark Chapter 1, John and the baptism of Christ.  I was very touched as we read the words "this is my son in whom I am well pleased".  Afresh I thought how Christ was and is the center of it all.  God chose a people and a land to bring forth a way of salvation, this beautiful savior for all mankind.  The big picture becomes so clear with a spirit filled walk through Israel.  As we passed Jericho on our left and Jordan on our right we imagined Joshua crossing over to Gilgal, the ark, the priests. The people would have crossed the very region we were passing.  Then Joshua's meet with the Angel of the Lord for that unusual battle plan to bring down the walls of Jericho.  Oh boy...this was the land of the judges, the kings, the prophets.  Every mountain, every valley, every turn of the river, every rock has a story, a connection, a song of Christ.  What a joy it was to have these rhemas burning in our hearts.

From Nazareth we stood on a view point that looked South West over the Valley of Megiddo (Armageddon).   Across to the right, we could see mount Carmel, with the land allotted to Asher beyond.  Sweeping back across the valley, the land of Manasseh, we considered that final battle ground as described in Revelation.  In the distance we could see the hills of Ephraim and then across the Jordan to the peaks of Reuben Gad and the other half tribe of Manasseh.  Then to our left, we could clearly see the solitary mount Tabor, bordering Issachar's inheritance.  There the stage was set for Deborah and Barak as they battled with Jabin's forces of 900 chariots of Iron.  We could glance back to the right, to The Kishon river to where Sisera, the captain of that host, fled to meet his end with the tent peg of Jael.  As we stood over looking the childhood city of our Lord, our feet standing in Zebulun, we gazed over to the land of Nepthali.  The borders, the allotments of the land (Josh 15:) all became so real and clear to me.  God has given this land to his people and after that final battle in that valley, they will fully inherit it all in the millennial Kingdom.  As you consider those thoughts actually looking at the terrain, it is very sobering and refreshing to the heart.

Then I should refer to our time in Galilee.  Ah, the beautiful ministry of our Lord as followed in the gospels.  Baptized by John at the Jordan, the Spirit descended upon him, marking the beginning of his public ministry.  Those few years, ministering, healing, saving people.  We shared some of those accounts at various sites and our hearts were touched.  I looked out over the lake and considered the walking on the water, the calling of disciples, the great catch.  I also considered the humility of God and the pride of men.  How awesome it is to ponder the heart, the love, the condescension of God, walking here as a man. to open the only possible way for us to know Him, to have eternal life. 

God personally showed me and gave me, so much.  The Bible was opened afresh to me in many ways.  Many things became so much clearer in the big picture.  This was a time to connect to god's heart for this land, for this people, for his time table and plan and great commission in reaching this lost and dying world.

I don't know how it happened, but some how "Twas I" who stumbled into this ministry opportunity over a year ago now.  I've taught weekly doctrine classes and their main service once a month for over a year now, sometimes taking other Hungarian guys or pastors to share there also.  This past Sunday was a very special time.  I had time to first stop in for the beginning of our church service to hear Pastor Marian Jozsi give a slide presentation on China and an introduction, then I slipped out the back to head over to The Chinese church to preach there.  It was so clear in my heart what to share that night.  I spoke on a persons value, their worth, that each one is so precious to God.  He came to seek, to find, to pay for, to save the lost.  Through the gospels he went after the one lost sheep.  I sensed this was a message that really connected with these precious Chinese believers.  I Thank God for these opportunities and thank you for your prayers.

This past weekend I lead a group of 12 teenagers to Prague for their GGIS 9th grade class trip.  Many years ago I lived in Prague as a missionary.  As we traveled by train through the Czech countryside passing towns and cities, I recognised names of places we had visted, evangelised, led Bible studies, preached in schools.  Such rich times.  Walking through the city so many ministry memories were revived in my mind.  As we stood with the teens on the Old town square one day, near the statue of John  Huss, I suddenly realized that when I moved to Prague all those years ago, none of those 9th graders were even born!! Wow, these precious years that we have been given pass us by so quickly.  May we spend them wisely.

This work was on hold for a couple of months, due to many crazy reasons, but now it is kicking off again with a fresh new start.  Tonight we will have a home study at our house and also talk through the schedule for studies, outreach, meetings and the vision for what God could do in this town through a few available vessels. 
1 Sam 14:6  "God is not retrained by working through many or a few"

What a historic weekend.  57 teenagers came to this retreat.  that's our whole high school missing only one, who really wanted to be there, but couldn't.  Thhis was not a mandatory camp, but something all the students loved last year and were looking forward to.  We had great sessions, with worship, then fiery messages to the heart.  Games, BBQ's, sports, tie-dye shirts, relays & team challenges and events, volleyball, soccer, base ball, basket ball, dorm life and fun.  We saw connections made, hearts amnd lives open and such health in the student body. This is going to be a rich year.  Class trips in a few weeks!!

Last year we started a school youth Group on the weekends under the leadership of Andy Lange.  God did an amazing work as we would typically see 20-25 students come out for bowling, games nights, boat trips and all kinds of things.  Each time we would share the word and see God minister to hearts.  We also did a youth trip to Brasov and a ski trip to Austria with groups of 15-20 students.  This year I have picked up the mantle for this ministry and with some fresh blood on the team we have great expectations.  We already had a bonfire, bowling and this year have our high school retreat with the whole high school signed up to go this weekend.  IN a month we will have class trips to different places, including Austria, Czech & Poland.  God bless us all at GGIS and in GGYG!!

As I walked into the main classroom Monday night to teach NTS the room was buzzing with life.  There are 165 student signed up this semester and over 45 of them are freshman! I teach a freshman class, so many new faces in the class, with a fresh expectation.  I found the attendance sheet waiting for me on the pulpit to see 49 people signed up for the class and also a few additional people visiting the class.  What greater honor than to be able to teach 50 hungry students the Word of God.  If Bible school was the only thing we did here in Hungary, it would all be worth it.  Seeing disciples raised up through the highest form of education.  Please be praying these precious students continue until the end.  Thank you

With a team of 9 of us from Budapest we descended upon the town of "St George" in Transylvania.  6 months ago we sent out P. Kornel & Ani as pioneering missionaries and it was a joy to now see a hungry group of young disciples there eagerly waiting for us in the class, Bible studies and services.  This was a joy.  Another great blessing was the team life: the joy, fellowship, rest and the oneness of heart, mind & vision.  Such high quality relationships we have in the body.  We evangelized in the main square and park there and thought we could have stayed there without end.  Open hearts and a ministry of life.  We visited the gypsy village to see sobering poverty and refreshing openness.  After about 30 minutes of being there we had a circle of about 6 men bow their heads and repeat the salvation prayer in unison.  We also got to visit the Brasov church, which was a special to be the and to preach there.  Pray for the work in St George!!

Hi dear friends, Thank you for reading these updates and for keeping us in your hearts.  Last Friday we had such a special Bible study again in Erd, the town outside of Budapest where we live.  Some new faces and really great fellowship.  We spoke about "Running well" (Gal 5:7) when we are not "so soon removed" from grace (Gal 1:6).  A grace believer "looks unto Jesus" (Heb 12:2) as we know his heart and character and can live a life pleasing to him through faith.  Eric Liddell (Olympic runner featured in Chariots of Fire) said "God made me to run, and He made me fast, and when I run I feel his pleasure".  How do we please him? bring pleasure to him? by faith (Heb 11:6). A faith that works by love (Gal 5:6).  When we run well, by grace through faith, we bring pleasure to Him.  Let us run, with our eye on the prize.  (1 Cor 9:24). 

Awesome week at Kaposvar for our annual Hungarian conference.  Each year all the Hungarian countryside churches get together for a week of fellowship, faith & family fun.  I especially love this conf because it's such a great opportunity to spend time with people in such a relaxed setting.  No one is going anywhere and we have time hanging out at this conference complex from early morning til late at night.  Marina & I set up an iced coffee booth which was also a fun way of meeting people ;-) P. Schaller was with us for a couple of these days and the messages were so incredible.  What a privilege. This conference really kicks us off for a new ministry year and our hearts are stirred up for Hungary, our mission field.  Let's go!

5 minutes down the road form our main Church in Budapest is a little slice of China.  There are shops, communities, businesses and.....also a little church!  As you may know I preach there once a month and also we do weekly classes for them.  This past weekend a team of 5 of us bundled into a car and went over for their service.  We always leave feeling as though we just had a missions trip to another country or something.  It's a fun faith venture and experience.  One of our GGIS graduates from GGIS came and translted for the first time and did a fantastic job for us as we ministered the grace message there.  We thank God for these these times of ministry and fellowship with these precious Saints from China.

In our Bible study in ERD this past Friday we considered how realizing a world wide vision does not come from programs, methods or continually preaching on the subject, but from a word of grace in the heart of an individual.  Over the years we have feasted on what we could call "deeper life" teaching.  Meaning, not a teaching that just addresses an outward life style but goes to the core, to the heart, the axe to the root, bringing us through the cross, through the Jordan and into the promised land experience.  Once we began to hear that certain sound, taste that the Lord is gracious, slowly and surely there is a grace awakening in our life.  Only grace sets people free to truly live in the liberty of faith, to really believe the promises, receive the love of God and to go beyond the natural boundaries of our own lives. Isaiah said "Here am I, send me" - but only after he heard the voice from the throne saying "your sins are taken away".  A finished work believer has ceased from his own works and entered into God's works through a walk of grace, yoked up with him with a perpetual rest in the soul.  We are blessed in deed.

What else could I entitled this journal entry? This was theme awesome theme of our international convention this year. A beautiful focus on how we are enabled for ministry and life through spirit filled living. We all have the anointing and where there is brokeness, faith, humility before the cross, that life, presence and power is manifested through us (2 Cor 4:10-11). When the vessel was broken the house was filled with the fragrance (John 12:3). This was not only the theme, but our very experience this past week, in the services, the raps and the fellowship. I am so very thankful, very broken in my heart for all God has done for me, all that He has given me through the ministry, by His grace. So many friends, a beautiful family and blessed ministry in Budapest. We are refreshed and look back to the field with great expectation and faith. God give us another year of amazing, anointed service!

Missions is a mentality. The foriegn mission field does not make us missionaries, but a heart attitude of faith turns a dessert into a fruitful white harvest field. People all around us, so many needs, doors that are waiting to open with the most gentle push. I guess where ever we are we could just coast, survive, skate across the surface?  Or we could avenge that surface life, redeem this precious time, go deeper, reaching forth, looking up, expecting more, having a vision for people and the work of God where ever we are. Surely this is the sobering warning we see through Israel in the OT? Our natural tendency is to gravitate to the dust, to become complacent, naturally minded, left with a natural form at best. Things like worship, evangelism, Prayer, personal time in the Word are things that are put aside if we are not guarded in heart. But when we are quickened in faith we see life through the eyes of eternity. We see divine appointments. We see the need to purpose, to schedule, to get up & go..by faith.

We may see people around us whose vineyards have become a bit overgrown (Prov 24:) and also we see others who sharpen us.  Here, this past year, I have been very thankful for the people around me that have been iron sharpening iron, keeping focused, moving in faith. Seeing opportunities, taking opportunities and even making opportunities. Opportunities of ministry.

GGIS, the school, families, teenagers, City of Erd,  Bible studies, The Chinese ministry, Evangelism, Missions trips, teaching in Bible school!  God bless us and lead us all.

This has really been a unique part of my last year here.  I don't know how or why I ended up being the guy to spearhead this whole connection and ministry, but what an amazing opportunity & learning curve it has been.  As you know, I have been preaching monthly there, at one of the Chinese churches in Pest, as well as doing a weekly doctrine class for them.   They really appreciate the grace message & are so thankful & hungry for the investment.   We just lost our translator and now are praying for a new one, which is not so easy to find.  Please pray for this.  God's will be done.  On one hand I could do without this as I have so much happening in other areas, but on the other hand, what an incredible opportunity to preach to Chinese people freely & openly here in Europe!!

5 Chaperons & 15 teenagers from GGIS took a trip to Brasov, Romania during the Easter weekend.  We did the sleeper cars on the train on the way there and back.  It was a really fun adventure and experience for our students.  There was a mix of students from 7-11th grades, from places from Korea, Nigeria, Belgium, Poland & other places.  The beautiful part of this whole trip was that students got to see the work of God.  Of course they saw the sights and just being in Romania was a 1st time adventure for them all, but in addition to that they saw our awesome GG church in Brasov.  I preached at the Sunday services and to see our students sitting there listening, receiving, meeting people, was a blessing.  This spring trip for our teens is now already on our calendar for next school year.  God bless GGIS

Blessed time last night. New couple. Fresh manna. Rich fellowship.  Hours together with the word, rap, coffee, rap, questions, songs, hunger and God's blessing.  We are very excited to see what God will do in this city as we evangelise and meet.  For May / June / July we are praying about concerts, evangelism , meeting etc. Please pray for God's wisdom & blessing.

Freshness after 20 years.  How can it be that we love this book and hunger after it after so many years?  How can it be that we are still instructed, fed, encouraged, corrected and blessed by the words from it's pages?  This "enduring freshness" is one of the points listed by Lewis Sperry Chafer considering proofs for inspiration.  Perhaps that seems one of the weaker proofs for some, but the spirit filled student of the Bible would say "Never a book spoke like this book" (John 7:46).

If we had "favorite books" in the Bible, right now mine would be Chronicles.  Yes, Chronicles, that "old history book of all the Kings of Judah".  I have had a season of study and personal understanding through that book that I have never seen before.  The Bible college classes we have had have been so refreshing.  Even though I have actually taught the OT over 5 times over the years, I have been so blessed, so broken, so thankful at the things I have discovered through Chronicles. The author pulls back the curtain, giving divine insight behind the surface-history of the Kings.  We see, not only the hand of God, but also the response in heart of the kings.  The author highlights points of humility, seeking God, acts of faith and also hearing or resisting the voice of the prophets.

How powerfully instructive this is for us in our life, our opportunity of stewardship, our "kingdom".  We all find the idolatry around us, the temptations, the voice of the prophets, the counsel of the ungodly & godly, the temple and the priesthood.  We all have extremes of potential between the "ways of David", or the "sins of Jeroboam".  Accordingly we are honored or resisted, as James 4:6 teaches.  Oh May we hear the prophets, humble ourselves, love the word, restore the temple, clean out the idolatry, revive the priesthood in our own lives again & again.  Daily psalms, devotion and heart orientation to the throne of grace with "rest on every side".

13 of us gathered for the 1st Bible study in Erd.  For over 3 hours straight we shared, preached, spoke, rapped from the word.  One lady was not a believer & had many questions.  By the end of the night, after tears & laughter, she bowed her head with the group & personally received Christ.  It was  powerful for every one to see that happen.  There is a definite excitement & expectation in every heart.  Not just for that meeting, but for what God could do in this town of 100000 people.  Why couldn't God do something awesome here?  The people were asking and hungry for another meeting, for evangelism and hoping for a church there in His time. 
Thank you for your prayers

Budapest is a field that is ripe for the picking when it comes to ministry opportunities.  There is so much for us to do.  Our hand is to the plough.  A few of the things you could be praying for...

1. GGCC:  In The Buda Church we have a fresh vision for prayer, evangelism, follow up, door knocking, raps & believe God for great things.  Why couldn't he double the church this year?

2. ERD BIBLE STUDY: Jan 14th marks our first meeting for a new Bible Study in Erd, a small town we now live in just outside of Budapest.  New tracts & new outreach starts this week.

3. GGIS: We saw great momentum build with the teens in the school last year.  Many coming out for events, Bible studies with the new youth group & student sundays at GGCC.

4.  CHINESE CHURCH: Continually invited to preach at one of Chinese churches monthly. Jan 16th next time.  Also restart the doctrine class for them this month

5. KETA: Our Bible college. I had over 40 students signed up for my Old Testament class last semester.  We will continue in OTS2 this semester. Pray for new students.

6. MADRID: WE have had a couple of trips now & plan for another in the Spring.  Not sure what God wants to do.  We are content in Budapest, available to God.

7. MISSIONS DEPT: As missions director, very excited for 2011.  Now over 12 Hungarian missionaries & about another 5-6 non HUN sent from here. Others praying.

Thanks for your prayers

When the shepherds heard the gospel that night (Lk 2:15) they said "let's go & see...what the Lord has made known unto us".  Then the next verse says after they had seen it, they went around & made it known to others.  Isn't this like the Christian life?  That we have heard the greatest secret, the gospel of Christ and we have seen him personally and now we have a message in our hearts.  The gospel may be hidden to many (2 Cor 4:3-4), but we preach Christ (4:5).  We "make it known".  We have this treasure in earthen Vessels. (4:7).  What a secret we have heard, what a savior, what a message.  This is what we considered as we handed out tracts in the snow on Saturday (see new pictures under outreach).  Maybe they would hear & also go and see for themselves.

The Silver Club is a weekly ministry to the elderly held at our main building at Golgota Street.  Every year at GGIS we have a food drive for them & then give out bags of food at their Christmas gethering.  There were about 100 precious elderly people gathered & waiting when we arrived with some of our students & our High School Choir.  The choir was made up of about 8-9 different nationalities, from China, Korea and around the world.  They sang a couple of songs and then I preached a message on the "secret of the gospel" and we shared the secrets of the manger, the man, the cross, the tomb and the throne.  God's presence was there & we saw the glory of God.  People listened with focus and open hearts.  When we gave the altar call, there was one hand, then 2, then 3-4, 6-7, then finally about 20 hands raised.  It was so powerful for our students to see, taste and witness the work of God like that.  They will never forget it, neither will I.  What a great time & what a privilege to be a part of His work in thiw world.

This past Sunday I was once more able to preach at one of the 4 Chinese churches here in Budapest.  (See the Chinese page for new pictures).  What a privilege!  Those who come with me are always so blessed and we leave feeling we have been on some distant missions trip, yet we're just round the corner from our own church.  It's certainly a ministry adventure and God blesses us and gives living words to the hearts.  It's amazing, really.   Warmly greeted with smiles and hugs by these precious Chinese believers.  They always have a dinner right before the worship where people gather before the fellowship and also they handed us a bag of Chinese food to takeaway after wards.  This really was a night of Rhema's and rice.

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1 Samuel, that was our class last night.  Over 40 hungry Freshman eagerly gathered and waiting on the word. (See new picture on Bible College page). What a rich time as we spoke about the transition from Judges to Kings. Samuel the last judge and first in the order of the prophets.  How God raised him up in a dark time to bring revival and turning in His people.  And then, of course, the powerful contrast of Saul and David.  One man who had no psalms, no song, no devotion, no convictions, no real faith contrasted to a man who had a heart after God, who walked, with rebound, with the God of all grace.  As Kings, the key to their lives was how they responded to the word, to the prophets, how they submitted their throne to the throne of God.  Also in our little realm of reigning, our sphere of influence, the key for our blessings is how we hear, submit, taking up our cross and follow God.  How God searched our hearts and breathed on that class. As with every week, we leave there so thoroughly blessed and thankful in heart.  May God raise up shepherd boys to reign with hearts after Him. Thank you God for your word and for Bible College.

"Student Sunday" is something we do by faith once a month with prayer and hope that students would draw near for a Sunday Service.  We promote it in the school and then have an emphasis for teens, like a guest intro, special song by the Teen worship team, message geared for teens & then follow it up with some fun event.  This week we went to an Indian buffet for a lunch rap & then about 20 of us went ice-skating.  Maybe God draw teens, reach their hearts & do a work in their lives.  Thank you for your prayers.

Today we woke up (very early) to our 4 year old girl, Emily, running in shouting "it snowed, it snowed, you'll never guess what, you won't believe it, it snowed, it's winter, Christmas is here!".  She was so excited (or as she so cutely says "so incited").  Sure enough when we pulled back the shutters there was a blanket of pure white snow over everything.  (See our "picture page") After some breakfast and some (essential) coffee, I took the kids out into the garden, into this winter wonderland.  There is something so beautiful, so pleasurable about watching children play, laugh with such simple joy. 
Surely our heavenly Father must find such pleasure in us this way.  To see us enjoying all that His grace has afforded us.  It seems so right, so fitting, that our lives would be filled with joy, laughter & thanksgiving.  And how he must delight in such a spirit filled life.  One of child like faith, appreciation & wonder.  We wonder at his gracious words (Luke 4:22), we are astonished at his doctrine (Luke 4:32) and amazed at his power (Luke 4:36).  We have hearts that stands in awe of his word (Ps 119:161). Surely a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving must be the fruit of our lips (Heb 13:15).  Though our sins be as scarlett, he has made us whiter than snow. A white thanksgiving. Hallelujah!!

What an awesome way to think.  To always consider the providential hand of God working behind the scenes.  Could we sometimes fail to see the hand of God because we do not look for it?  But if we expect the divine appointment, believe God works all things together, look for the open door, then we so often see the work of God.  Then we find we are surrounded by opportunities, by open doors, by moments of ministry, by miracles of God, by needy people.  Here in Budapest, that is what we are looking for & that is what we find.  Thank you for your prayers, emails & for the many hits we have had on this site.  It's very apparent we have dear friends all around the globe, living for such a  time as this...

With over 250 in attendance, it was such a time of refreshing in Swindon, England.  Pst Schaller brought some amazing messages to us.  One from Ps 19: "keep back your servant from presumptuous sin" was so powerful and defining for me.  The operation of the word keeps us from natural thinking, from idolatry and a "normal life".  So thankful for these times.
As I walked across the tarmac at Budapest airport, I caught myself as I said "ah good to be home...".  Strange that an Englishman returning from the UK feels like he's coming "home".  I felt a little disorientated with the thought and concluded that home for us is where ever the will of God is.

Chinese faces.  Bright eyes and Smiles.  Heads nodding, pens writing, Chinese Bibles open.  The translator echoing the words of grace in his own tongue.  At the last doctrine class for the Chinese, we had 12 thankful students who came out.  I taught on "Total depravity, total grace", considering how lost man was and how far God came for him.  How bad man is and how good God is.  We are debtors and have "nothing to pay with" (Luke 7:42, Is 55:1) and yet invited to freely receive!  This is a grace economy in which all can grow (2 Pt 3:18) and flourish (Ps 90:13).  It's such an honor to be teaching these precious Chinese disciples.  Please pray for this Sunday as I will go and preach at their main church service again.  God bless your day!

At an amazing Christian facility, we just had our 1st "GGIS High school retreat".  The whole high school signed up for it (apart from 2 kids!).  2-3 days of sports, games, fun, fellowship and, of course, The Word of God.  You must remember this is not the typical "Christian Camp" because these are not teens from Christian homes.  The miracle is so many do become believers in the school.  As one Chinese girl shared publically "I think it's God's plan that we are all at GGIS, so we can learn about Him through the Bible.  If we had not come here we would never had learned the Bible".  A testimony like that is so priceless.  They heard the word with focus and thankfulness and God did a work among us, in their hearts and in ours.  We are so honored to be part of such a great ministry of life.  I simply thought, "to live for and to die for",  Just awesome.  Pictures to follow - watch this space.

We are still unpacking boxes since our recent move.  The place needed a lick of paint, but is in pretty good condition.  It's perfect for our family, with a bit more space for the kids to bounce around in.  It's in a little town, called ERD, outside of Budapest, but with easy access to the main church & city center.  Maybe we could start a Bible study or something in this new area?