"For the Least of These"

"The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40



All last week and many weeks before, much planning had been taking place to get everything in order for Word of Life Hungary's 2011 Missions Conference. Whenever someone asked if I was excited for it my reply would be a quick "Yes, but I can't wait for it to be over." There was so much planning and preparation that had to be done. There were days I would leave my room at 7:20am and not return until 10pm at night and I was just helping.  I can't imagine all the long hard hours those who were on the leadership team and missions committee. Nevertheless, God did great things. 

I spent most of my time helping paint the back drop.

We had an amazing speaker, who was saved during the hippie movement. He had been on drugs for 3 years straight when someone share the Gospel with him and then invited him to come to Word of Life Island in Schroon Lake, New York. Tom Mahairas' life changed for the glory of God. He is the founding pastor of Manhattan Bible Church in New York City. He is also the founder and president of CityVision, whose sole purpose is to make, motivate, and equip disciples to impact cities with the Gospel. With over thirty years of experience in NYC, Tom has a unique perspective and passion in reaching out to those in cities who desperately need the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many students, staff, and guest were all challenged to dedicate their lives to Christ.

Kadar, Laci [translator] and Tom Mahairas [speaker]

We also had a "FAITH PROMISE" offering. This is a commitment between you and God to support a ministry with whatever amount God has laid on your heart between "now" until June 1. This years ministry was called "For the Least of These". David and Felicia Lee are graduates from Word of Life Hungary.  Now they serve in Bucharest, Romania. Their ministry focuses on sharing the Gospel with the street children. Here is a small short clip of a documentary made about the street children. David and Felicia actually know some of these children.

Our Goal was to raise 1.600.000 HUF [8,000 USD]. Below you can see our final amount raise during our faith promise. To find out more about the Lee's ministry please go to www.4theleastofthese.org 

Praise God we almost doubled our goal.



 

My support is still the same, but I am trusting that God will provide the remaining funds. I also wanted to let you know of another opportunity that you can give to. One weekend in March the ladies in the Deans department would like to take the lady RA's on a special retreat. We have been planning for sometime now, but are changing are plans because we lack the funds. So if you would like to help out with this retreat, please contact me! Thank you so much.

I have a few prayer request:

      -My personal faith promise commitment: God laid an amount on my heart, but I have no idea how I am going to reach it. Please pray that my faith would increase and my commitment would be accomplished. 

      -Spring break: I am planning on going to the Czech Republic to promote WOLHU as well as do a little sightseeing. Please pray that all the detail will come together for this.

      -Personal growth: God is doing great things in my life please pray that i would continue to desire more and more each day.

      -Missions Reality: A group, just like the one I came to Hungary with, will be here before you know it, so please pray as they are preparing.

      -My future: I am still seeking guidance from the Lord, although I am pretty sure what my next step will be. Please pray for peace and clarity. 

      -Financial support: Not only for me, but also for so many other families on staff in Hungary. The Lord has laid the following people on my heart to pray for: Andy & Tabitha Mater, Laci & Zsuzsi Deli and Monca Rakossy. These each one of these families hold a very special place in my heart. I know that you may not be able to give financially, but would you consider praying for their support as well? And if you would like to give to one of them, please contact me and I will gladly give you their information.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. I am truly blessed!

Hello again Hungary!

Hello again Hungary! Finally, [actually the next day] the airport contacted me and rebooked my flight. I flew out on Sunday, January 9th. Which had me arriving on Monday, the day classes began for students. So all in all, I didn't miss too much! Jet lag was pretty much nonexistent. Praise the Lord. I made myself stay up all day on Monday, once I arrived back on campus. No naps for me. This allowed me to be exhausted and ready for bed around 7:30. Luckily, I still needed to shower and around 8pm I crawled into bed and passed out. I woke up only once in the middle of the night. I looked at my ipod for a quick time check. It read 11pm and I thought to myself, "Oh no! This is going to be a long night." But that thought didn't last long because I rolled over and didn't wake up again until I heard my alarm going off at 6:15 the next morning. I actually hit snooze for another 15 minutes.

This week has been off to a great start for the students, as well as myself. Hearing about everyone's Christmas break has been a great time of fellowship.The student body welcomed 2 new students this quarter. The intern program will also be welcoming a few more interns this new year. We have had one already arrive and we are waiting for the arrival of one more tomorrow. They rest are still in the support raising process, but it wont be too long. Today we had our first mentor chapel of the new year. It was amazing to get together again with such a good group of ladies. They all desire to grow and to change. They are truly pursuing holiness with their whole hearts.  I must say I wasn't too excited to go back to Hungarian classes. I enjoy learning the language, but the process of learning this language is so difficult for me.

Next weekend, January 21-23, Word of Life Hungary will be having our Missions Conference.  This years theme is "For the Least of These." Pray the Lord will work in the hearts and lives of all who attend. Also please pray as those who are preparing and planning the conference as they finalize all the last minute preparations.

Below is an outline of my support:

                  Total Amount Needed: 8,818.00
                  Amount Raised [to date]: 8,040.00
                  Known Monthly Support: 600.00

                  Amount Needed: 178.00


When I look at the above amounts, I can't help but be amazed. I can clearly see God's provision. It is such a blessing and I must take every opportunity I can to say "Thank you" and even that's not enough. But please know that its from the heart every time, no matter how often I say it. Thank you once again for your prayers and support. Both are very important aspects of the ministry and I wouldn't be here today without them.


With love and prayers until next time!

Why? Why this? Why me?

"Why? Why this? Why me?" have you ever been in a place where you had to ask yourself that? I found myself in that exact place yesterday. I woke up yesterday morning all eager to return to my friends, ministry, job, and life in Hungary. The problems earlier on in the week with my passport were solved, so I thought. When I got to the check in counter the lovely Delta assistant told me I didn't have the proper documentation to travel internationally. "What else do I need? I have my passport and that is all I have ever had when I traveled to and from Hungary." The airlines said their security policy would not let me travel without a visa or permit. Well, I did obtain a residency permit once I arrived in Hungary back in August, but I didn't have one to travel there. They noticed I was traveling without a return ticket therefore they asked if I would be staying longer that 90 days. Well, I wasn't going to lie, because I didn't think it was a big deal. I would just get a replacement permit once I arrived back in Hungary. That wasn't good enough, so with many tears and mixed emotions I gathered my luggage and returned home. After communicating with WOLHU and the Hungarian Embassy here in the US, I found out that Hungary only requires me to have a passport in order to travel because I must go in person to gain the permit the airlines are asking for. Since then I have contacted the airlines, but they are standing firm on the fact that their security policy needs proof. They asked me to get a letter of invitation which I have since done and sent it to them. Now I am just playing the awful waiting game.

Now you may be wondering why I just shared all of this with you… and here is why. Things do not always happen as we plan them. I am still wondering why God allowed this to happen to me. My family and friends here in NC are thankful I have extra time at home and so am I, but still my life in Hungary is beginning again without me. Part of me feels like Hungary is going to suffer because I will no be there on time. I wont be there to do my job. Who will fill my spot, but thats just the thing. My thinking is all wrong.  God can and will do great things without me there.  He doesn't need me, but rather He chooses to use me. No matter what happens Gods perfect plan will be accomplished. He is in control, but am I willing to allow God to use me no matter where I am? Hungary, NC, anywhere? This lesson I am learning right now through this very situation is so applicable in other areas of my life. As, most of you have probably read in my earlier posts. I have a very important decision to make about my plans next year. I have gotten great advice and input from many Godly people. But I can view of myself, ultimately  pride, makes my choices harder. I think Hungary needs me. I think my family needs me, my church and the list goes on. But I must humbly admit to myself that God doesn't need me, but rather he chooses to use me.

Also if you think about it please pray that things will work out smoothly and no matter what happens I will trust that God is in control! Thanks in advance for your prayers.

I will try and post more later on once I find out more.