Salt and Light - January 28

Greetings from Debrecen:

Thank you for praying for Sophia, God is working in her life. We are thankful for God's provision for us this week! My friend "M" said that she officially has a new job! Darrel is continuing with his language studies.

Please continue to pray:

• "Z," that he would see his need for God  and have an openness to know more about Jesus. Darrel will have some time with him on Tuesday so pray for them.
• Our friends and co-laborers "D & A" as they prepare to have their second baby. God's timing for the birth; health and safety for "A" and the baby.
• Arianna has been sick, pray that God would restore her health and strength.
• We heard from "D" this week so we continue to pray that he will have an open heart and eyes to who God really is and his need for God.
• "M" would see that her job is from God and that she will want to know more about Him.
• Wisdom and clarity as we seek God.

Thank you so much for praying for us!

One of His servants,

Kimberly Hathcock

Hathcocks' prayer update excerpts

Greetings from Texas!

God continues to give us His strength each day! He is awesome in the way that he puts together the seemingly random things of our days and creates something amazing. Darrel made it safely to Pickneyville, Il. He spoke several times today and will have some meetings tonight and tomorrow as well. The girls and I have been working on school. It was good to hear from Z who we prayed for last week and I can see God at work in her life! I saw R again, the wiccan lady at Walmart, but did not have a chance to talk to her; I ask that you join me in praying for her. We plan on continuing with school this week, and Darrel will visit family then drive to another mission conference in Mississippi.

Please pray:

• The transition continues as we prepare to return to Hungary in January. It can be stressful but pray that God will give us clarity and peace. We continue to see God at work in the lives of students in Hungary and we desire for God to use us in their lives.
• God would give Darrel the words and stories to share as he speaks in churches and also safety as he travels.
• Our former pastor and his wife, Josef and Csilla, that God would strengthen them and raise up others who will join them in serving.
• Wisdom for me as I teach and God would give Abigail and Sophia the ability to learn and understand what is being taught.
• Denes and Alyssa, God would use them and show them in whom they are to invest, and doing life with a baby.
• Arianna would focus on the Lord as she desires to serve Him but not sure what that will look like in terms of her degree. God would affirm or change her degree choice so that it falls in line with His purposes for her life. She would have peace as she waits to hear from Him.

Monday, September 12 

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23:3
 
Lord, intervene, heal and restore marriages and families in Europe. 
(Taken from "40 Days of Prayer for European People" )

One of His servants,
Kimberly

Hathcocks' prayer update excerpts

Greetings from Springfield!

It seems like forever since I have last written. We are thankful for safe travel visiting family, Richmond, and Kansas City. We were greatly encouraged by our time in Richmond during the debriefing that we had with IMB. Thankful to hear from David Platt and the things that are evolving. We also enjoyed hearing from other missionaries about what God is doing in other parts of the world. Our girls were blessed to be with other MK's who get who they are because of their similar experiences.

God is good! We have enjoyed speaking with some sweet kids from our church and with the WMU. We so appreciate the prayers, support and encouragement from these godly women. It is exciting to hear about how God is working in people's hearts. This week we will continue with school and finish up some doctor's appointments.

We will head out again next weekend for Florida so I am not sure what kind of connection we will have as we are traveling. As we have been sharing, I am reminded of the people in Hungary that we can be praying for.

Please continue to pray:

• J as God continues to speak to his heart that he would respond obediently and completely surrender his life.
• M, a young lady of another religion, that she would continue to respond to God as He reveals Himself to her.
• God would continue to give the IMB leadership wisdom as they seek God and His direction.
• The missionaries that are retiring who are waiting on God to show them what to do next. They would have peace and clear direction from God. They would be encouraged!
• D, K, M, A, I, Z, and others who do not yet know Jesus, that their hearts would be responsive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
• Our friend and GCC partner, Alyssa, who had her baby last week! God would give her peace, strength and wisdom as a new mother. Also for her husband Denes as he finishes seminary and trusts God for wisdom and direction.

Thank you so much for your prayers!

One of God's servants,

Kimberly

Betsy's update for the week

Hello, Everyone.

I hope that this email finds each of you well.  Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and soon Christmas will be upon us.  I am always a fan of Christmas and this time of year.  Everything here is going well.  We have been meeting with students and getting to have some great conversations with them.  I have two new students, S. and K.  Please be in prayer for them.  Pray that God would open their hearts to hear the gospel.  We also had Sunday House Church this week.  Eszter taught for us completely in Hungarian.  It was great to be able to follow along about what she was saying.  Please also be in prayer for our group.

We have been talking with another group of believers in the city.  They attended house group this last week, and are seeking about what the Father would desire of them.  Please pray that God would reveal to us how we can best partner with them so that the gospel goes forth.  Finally, please also be in prayer for me, personally.  I have decided to accept a position with the company when I return to the states.  I will be acting as a J3.
My job duties will include partnering with a church in LaGrange Georgia, and working with the company on helping recruit people to serve in Europe.  Please pray for me as I make this transition.  I am confident that this is the next step for me, but please pray for me as I say goodbye to everyone here, a quick hello to my friends and family, and then move onto work in Georgia.  Please pray for peace within my heart.

Thank you all so much for the prayers.  I appreciate them so much.

In Christ,
Betsy

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Prayer Requests:
-believers to be strong and mature in their faith
-devotion and commitment from believers
-wisdom on how to partner with this other church
-my future steps

Hathcocks' prayer update excerpts

Greetings from Debrecen.

God continues His work in Debrecen. Last Sunday there were so many who attended the Super Sunday service who heard the Gospel. Thanking God for all the seeds that were planted over the last two weeks. I get excited and encouraged when I see how students are serving and inviting their lost friends to know more about Jesus. God is working in and through the lives of students. Last Thursday's coffee house was very interesting because one of Darrel's former students came with a friend, and for two hours they had a respectful discussion about Christianity and his own different religion. So thankful for what God is doing -- it is amazing.

Please pray:

• That God would soften the student's heart to the truth of the Gospel, and that his eyes will be open so he can see clearly what his own religion is really about. 
• For a medical student, that he would realize that he needs someone (God) greater than himself to help him with his struggles. 
• For another student, that he would completely give his life to Jesus, and that whatever is hindering him would be removed. 
• For a student who indicated that he gave his life to Jesus; pray that he will grow and have the courage to talk to others about his decision. Ask that his life will reflect the commitment that he made in his heart. 
• That God would draw the students He wants to come to the Thanksgiving outreach dinners. That they would clearly see and hear about Jesus during the time that they are with us. 
• For the church that hosted the MGI team to see the importance of contacting those who attended the English classes and continuing that relationship that began over the last couple of weeks. Pray that people would respond to God's invitation to go fishing and make disciples. 
• That God would continue to enable us to learn Hungarian as we meet with teachers this week. Our exams will be December 4th and 5th. 

Thank you so much for praying for us!

One of God's servants,
Kimberly Hathcock

Betsy's update for the week

Hello Everyone,

I hope that this email finds you and yours doing well.  My apologies for being a bit tardy this week; however, better late than never I suppose. :)  Things here have been going well.  The weather has been quite nice and the leaves are falling leaving the trees bare, a sure sign that winter is approaching.  I was able to meet with several students the past week, and the Father blessed me with some wonderful conversations with them.  Please be in prayer for R. and Z.  I was able to discuss spiritual topics with both of them.  However, both agreed that it was very interesting, but they aren’t quite ready to make that step yet.  Please pray that the Father would open their hearts to the gospel.  I also got a new student this week, A.  Please be in prayer for her that the Father would open her heart to hear the good news and believe the gospel.

Sunday, our house group met and continued in our study of Luke’s gospel.  Please be in prayer for this group as they consider what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus and how they can be obedient to that.  Please pray that they would have a great desire to reach their own and the people of Nagykanizsa.  Finally, this week we celebrated Eszter’s birthday!  We are so thankful for her and her vital part in our ministry!

The holiday season is upon us and with that comes Lottie Moon Christmas Offering!  Please consider giving this Christmas season.  One hundred percent of this offering goes to the IMB to fund missionaries like myself and others to proclaim the gospel where it isn’t known.  Due to your sacrificial giving, I am able to live here and completely focus on working with Hungarians.  I don’t have to worry about support or fund raising.  This offering really means so much to me and others, especially with the changes that have taken place at the IMB.  If you would like me to give you a video telling what we do here in Hungary for showing at your church or small group, please let me know!  I would love to help in anyway that I can!  You can also search #whywego and find many videos from others around the world, explaining exactly how Lottie helps us in our everyday lives!

Also, as many of you know, many of our fellow colleagues have taken the Voluntary Retirement and have felt God calling them back to the states to further the gospel there.  With that being said, many transitions are upon the horizon.  One is that probably around 800+ individuals are returning to the states by the beginning of the year.  Many of them didn’t have this in the plans.  So many are returning and have some needs that need to be met quickly, such as housing, cars, jobs, etc.  If you or your church would be interested in helping returning missionaries, please let me know or contact the transitions team at transitionsteam@imb.org.  They will be able to let you know more specifically what currently needs to be met.

On another note, unfortunately, my time here is winding down.  I now have less than three months remaining in Hungary before I return to the states and to the next chapter of my life.  I am overfilled with a mixture of emotions during this time of change.  My hearts breaks knowing that I have to leave this place that has grown to become home and the people that I have grown to love so deeply.  At the same time, my heart longs to return back to those that I left and give some very long overdue hugs.  Also, added to this mix, is the anxiety of my next step.  Please pray for me in the days ahead.  Pray for guidance, assurance, and comfort from the Father.  Please pray for the people that I have met and with whom I formed relationships.  Pray that the Father would work greatly and mightily in their lives, and pray for good times ahead and good “goodbyes” and closure.  Finally, pray for my next step that I would be faithful and obedient, even though I don’t necessarily know the way, but that I would lay myself down all for Him to use as He sees fit.  I greatly covet your prayers in the days ahead.  Please know that I am so thankful for each and everyone of your prayers.  They mean so much to me and to the ministry that we do here.  Please feel free to respond and let me know how the Father is working in your lives and if I can pray for you in any way.

Until He comes,

Betsy

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Prayer Requests: 

-Students: R. and Z., Anikó

-Sunday Group: obedience and growth

-Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

-Future of IMB

-My time remaining: I would finish the race, strong

-My future steps:  God would show me and give me assurance and comfort

Betsy's update for the week

Hello Everyone,

I hope that this email finds each of you doing well.  I am so sorry that I haven’t written in almost a month.  Things got quite busy, but now they are getting back into our normal routine.  With that being said, I have so much to update you on!  First of all, my godparents were able to come and visit me along with their friends!  To say that this was fantastic is an understatement!  We spent a week in Budapest where I was able to show them part of a city that I have come to love.  We then traveled onward to Nagykanizsa and I was able to show them a bit of what life looks like from day-to-day for me.  I am so thankful and blessed that this could happen during my time here.  Although, unfortunately, parting had to come and it was quite bittersweet.  So please be praying for all of us in the days ahead.  Pray especially for me to remained focused during my finals months and weeks.  

Towards the end of my godparents’ time in Nagykanizsa, we also had a jazz group from America come to put on some concerts.  This group was about 25 individuals from all over the states.  They played concerts in Nagykanizsa, Lenti, and Körmend, as well as some orphanages and care homes, while they were with us.  We were able to strengthen our partnerships with some national Baptist churches in the area, as well as pass out over 300 Bibles and testimony tracts.

Please be praying for those who received a Bible or tract.  Pray that God would use those resources to open their hearts and that they would not be afraid to contact us with further questions about spiritual things.  I was also able to share with a believer that we met in one of the cities.  Her name is Anna.  She really needs to be encouraged in the Lord and His word.  So please be in prayer for her and her walk with the Father.

After having to part again with some great people, we were able to get back to teaching students and somewhat of our daily routines. We had a halloween pumpkin carving party with the youth and had about 13 attend.  Each one got to carve a pumpkin as well as make s’mores and play games.  Finally we passed out comic-book gospel plan tracts and information about our English lessons and Bible studies.  Please be in prayer for these kids who attended.  Pray that we would be able to strengthen and deepen relationships with them, and pray above all else that we would be able to either grow them in their faith or help them understand and come to know the Father.

This past Sunday we traveled to Székesfehérvár and attended the Baptist church there, as they had 7 people choose to follow in obedience and be baptized!  Praise HIs Name!  In addition to that, this church seems very open to working and partnering with us as we attempt to reach Western Hungary.  Please be in prayer for this relationship, that it would be glorifying to the Father and furthering to HIs kingdom.

 Teaching time with students finally got into high gear again this week.  I have been able to have some great conversations with some of these students.  Please pray that many more opportunities would present themselves and that I would be bold and courageous to seize such opportunities.  Pray that the Father would continue to work on hearts as they come to learn English.   Sunday group is continuing as well as Friday night.  Please pray for these times and that they would be glorifying and kingdom-building.  Also, please pray for our Tuesday and Thursday night groups.  Pray that more would show interest and attend these groups.

There is so much more that I could share with you, but since it is getting a bit long, I think I will cut it here and continue on next week.  Thank you all so much for your prayers.  Please know that they are felt and appreciated more than I can express.

 In Christ,
 Betsy

Adams' prayer update excerpts

Hello,

Solomon advises his sons in Proverbs 4:26 to “Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.” This verse describes what I was thinking as Mike and I prayer-walked Torokbalint this month. Our colleague and friend, Betsy, accompanied us one day and took the attached photo of this colorful fence and straight sidewalk. Many of the sidewalks, however, were not so straight. They were broken and overhung with ill-cared for trees that blocked our way. I was careful to watch for holes and low-lying branches so I would not stumble and fall. Sometimes we had to walk in the street, which made us feel like Hungarians. In the book of Amos, the prophet calls the Israelites to repentance when he said, ”Seek the Lord and live,…” . I prayed that verse many times as I strolled through Torokbalint this month. One man we met seemed to be a seeker of wisdom, if not God. He listened as Mike shared the salvation story with him and he allowed us to pray with him. He even asked if he could pray for us. You can pray for him. His name is “Frank.”

You can rejoice with us, because two of our campers became believers this month. One of these, “D,” attended a subsequent Christian camp where the seeds planted by the team from North Carolina were watered and we saw the fruit for which we long desire . Please pray for her mother, who told us the news about her daughter, but admitted that she herself is not a believer.

Mike and I had the opportunity to sing with a friend who officiated at a funeral this month. It was the second time we have been asked to sing at a  funeral of someone we had not known. The three of us were standing outside near the wall where the ashes of this lady were going to be placed. As we started singing the 4th song, two of the cemetery workers came forward, took the urn and placed it in the small opening in the wall, covered it with her marker, and then started sealing the grave. I didn’t know whether to stop singing or keep going, but opted to continue just as our friend Pisti was doing. Our singing wasn’t that bad.  We were so glad that Pisti was able to share the gospel with the family during the ceremony. What a joy to know that they still have hope.

By now many of you have heard that IMB has had to make the decision to offer voluntary retirement, available to 600 – 800 field personnel and office staff in Richmond, Virginia, in order to become more financially in line with our budget. Our age and years of service in Europe make us eligible for this opportunity. Please be in prayer for us and our colleagues as we seek to know God’s will for our future in ministry here in Hungary. We need to make a decision in the next few days and this is very difficult after pouring our lives into the lives of the people we have come to love over the years. We are so grateful for the support we have received from each of you and ask that you offer up additional support during this time of decision and potential transition.

Mike and Terry

Hathcocks' prayer update excerpts

"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow."  I Cor. 3:6

I really like this verse because it reminds me that it is God who causes things to grow, and we are also blessed by the different people who have come and helped plant and water the seeds.  I am thankful for what God is doing in Debrecen.  We see Him at works in the lives of students. Some know Him and some are in the process. We are excited that the details of Darrel's class have been finalized and he will have the opportunity to teach again next semester. God is giving me wisdom with the girls as I teach and help them with school. We said goodbye to "K"...and so is the reality of working with students whom we get to invest in while they are here with us. May we be good stewards of our time with them.

Please continue to pray:

• Pray for us and our co-workers as we each consider what God will have us to do. Here is the link for the information - http://www.bpnews.net/45376/imb-leaders-announce-plan-to-balance-budget
• Pray that we would fully invest in the people God is sending to us this semester and keep our eye on Jesus.
• Lift up "Z," one of our students who is preparing to be a pastor and possibly start a new church. Ask that he would continue to let God direct and prepare him for leading and serving.
• The refugee situation has become more intense. Pray for the leaders of Hungary to have wisdom. Pray God would show us opportunities for service and sharing the gospel with these people as well as meeting their physical needs.
• Ask that God would already be drawing people to sign up for Darrel's class, and that hearts would be open.

Blessings,
Kimberly Hathcock

Adams' prayer update excerpts

Dear Friends,

We are grateful for all you do to contribute to the Lord’s work. As I read stories about summer camps and outreach events here in Hungary and across the globe, I am reminded that Mike and I are just a very small part of a much larger team of believers intent on using our gifts and talents to spread the Gospel and make disciples. Thank you.

We finished our second camp on July 3rd and were able to follow up on a few of our campers. One is a strong believer, one is looking for a church home and answers to difficult questions, and one is not yet a believer. Please join us in prayer as Mike and I meet again with these teenagers in the weeks and months ahead to encourage, disciple, and once again share the love of Christ.

Our third camp experience this summer occurred this month in Erd. We were invited to help our IMB colleagues, the Browns, teach English for a short time each morning. It was a joy to work with the students and to come alongside other believers in sharing Christ.

The month ended with a beautiful wedding we attended in Balatonszemes. Tunde, who has helped translate in several of our camps in the past, married David. The high point for me at the seven hour wedding and celebration time came when I introduced myself to Tunde’s mother. She threw her arms around me and thanked me profusely for our prayers for Tunde. It took me a minute before I realized why she was so thankful. A year ago Tunde stayed at our house during camp week and asked us to please pray specifically for God to lead her in finding the man he wanted her to marry. We did not know about David at the time, but we prayed earnestly with her over those days. I believe God answered by giving her a wonderful and Godly husband.

Mike and Terry

Update from the Browns

Dear Friends and Family,

We would like to begin with a huge Thank You!  to Southern Baptists for giving $153 million to the 2014 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. It was the second-highest total in the 126-year history of the offering. This speaks volumes about your commitment to global missions so that people around the world will have an opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ!  Thank you!!! You make it possible for us to be here and serve as Christ's ambassadors to Hungarians.

Also, we are grateful for your prayers on our behalf. Last Friday, we completed three weeks of summer camp at the public primary school here in our community with the Érdliget Baptist church. An amazing three weeks of camp: first two for children, grades 1-5; the last week for teens, grades 6-8.

Attached is our newsletter with photos and descriptions of the first week. Please share this with your church, Sunday School class, Bible study or missions group.

Again, we appreciate your prayers, encouragement and support of the Cooperative Program and gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering!

In Christ,
Ron & Robin

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Adams' prayer update excerpts

A yummy new pizza was introduced to an elementary school in Törökbálint in April.  Mike and I were invited by Krisztina to watch her marketing students (some of our English students) as they prepared their new sardine-topped pizza for sampling among the kids and their parents.

The high school students from the Bálint Márton School asked that those participating fill out questionnaires about the new food item. These were collected, tabulated, and made into a class presentation.

Mike and I were asked to check the written part of the presentation for English mistakes. This was a fun way to help students and meet new people.

We are grateful for our friend Zoli, who secured locations for the two camps we will have this summer. Please pray for faithful friends from North Carolina who will minister with us.

Our first camp in Budaörs will be for children. The second camp will be for teenagers, and it will be located in Törökbálint. Our desire is that those who come will clearly hear the Gospel and make decisions that will honor Christ.

Update from the Browns

Dear Friends and Family,

Thank you for your prayers! God is at work doing great things and we know that it is because you have partnered to pray with us. Your support of the Southern Baptist Cooperative Program and gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering make it possible for us to serve here. Thank you!

Attached is our newsletter for April. Share this with your church, Sunday school class, Bible study and mission group.

Grateful for your prayers and encouragement,
Ron & Robin

Update from the Browns

Dear Friends and Family,

Hi! Greetings from Hungary!

We are following up on the prayer request from our last newsletter for the children's program "Full Circle," hosted by the Érdliget church as a way of loving, blessing and connecting with families in the community. A few years ago, the congregation adopted a local elementary school to assist and serve. And it would be with this school that this children's program was developed and implemented after learning that a Christian musician was available to do a children's concert on Saturday, March 28.

We asked you to pray for this program that the church would connect and interact with the children (grades 1-5), their teachers and parents. And that happened. We greeted a lot of parents on Saturday, spoke with some, and had opportunities to visit with some of the children and the teachers. Teachers and the school administration was very pleased with how well organized the event was and how many children and parents came for it. This program also gave us an opportunity to also promote this summer's two weeks of camp for grades 1-5: June 22-26 and June 29-July 3.

It is through events like these that we get to meet and connect with Hungarians, develop relationships, exchange life stories and explain the hope we possess in Christ and the power of the gospel to save, redeem and reconcile us to God. 

Below are some pictures of the event.

Again, thank you for praying!
Ron & Robin