Visit to Novi Sad, Serbia

Early this month I had a good 2-day visit to friends in Novi Sad, staying with Worship Leader Dario at his flat. Here is a pic of Dario and his 4-year old daughter Darija. It was great to spend time with Dario and give support to him and Pastor Nesha, as they seek to grow their church plant in the city. They are trying some innovative ways of reaching young people.

Darija posed for lots of pictures with her little stuffed animal horse!
Dario's dad is also an artist - and interestingly still holds to his Muslim background, but for Dario he painted this picture of Jesus and his 12 disciples by the Danube River, with the famous Novi Sad Fortress in the background.

The next day I went down into the city to meet Laki and Boba for lunch, and we enjoyed a special fish/seafood meal at a favorite restaurant in the city. In 2 months they will have the blessing of becoming husband and wife! I am so glad to see how the Lord is working in Laki's ministry. He continues to be our main contact for helping develop a growing network of church leaders in the region. Also exciting is that Laki and Boba are working together on a Children's Music Club business, in which Boba is teaching young school-aged kids how to sing and perform for festivals in the city.

Novi Sad Friends' Visit to Szeged

We had a special visit from friend and ministry partner Laki, his fiancee Boba, and her son Vujica. It has been great to watch how God has brought Laki and Boba together, meeting each other at the Novi Sad church plant in 2008. They are now planning an April wedding, and Rob has the privilege to be Laki's best man!

Highlights of the weekend were a big raclette grilling evening, playing the Apples-to-Apples card game, and a mini talent-show. Boba is a professional singer, and she was kind to give Sarah some pointers and encouragement on her singing.

Below you will also see the very high Tisza River in Szeged, covering the now closed river road. It has risen so much with the major snows that have been coming thru Eastern Europe this winter!

Zion Church Friends' Wedding

I had the privilege of being chauffeur (our 10yr old Opel Vectra was shining with pride!) for the Molnár-Mórocz wedding, a special day of celebrating with István, Veronika, family and a few friends. Mayor of Kübekháza, Robi, led the "civil" section, and Zion Church pastor, Botond, led the "religious" section. Both gave very good challenges and messages. Béla and Bea were the "witnesses" - they don't use "best man" and "maid of honor" titles. Their daughter Regi helped with the video. Botond's son Zalan (standing below by my car) was the official photographer. What a special day together!

Zion Church Leaders' Gathering

In our flat in early January, we had a special gathering of 12 church leaders for a 2010 planning event. Plus their 11 children came and our girls kept them busy for 3 hours! We are very thankful that Sarah and Hannah are willing to participate in the ministry too.
We are thankful for the men and women who are stepping up to lead more as Zion Pastor Botond and his wife Sarolta need to pass on more of the ministry to the younger leaders.


Popcorn is a favorite at our gatherings. Denes loves it! Hannah loves playing with little Greta!

Christmas!

The stoneware pot given to us by Robi Molnar--mayor of Kubekhaza.

The night before Christmas we opened new pjs from Grandma George.

Sarah loves her new music from Janet and family!

Look, Grandma Turner--more Barbie furniture from you!

Sarah shows off her new pocketbook and jewelry bags!

Hannah was really excited about her new paintbrushes and drawing set.

One of my very BIG surprises! Now, where will I put them???

Rob shows his new shirt from Grandma George.

The girls gave us this framed collage. On it is written, "Families are like fudge...mostly sweet with a few nuts."

Our big gift from Sarah and Hannah--a gift certificate for a whole day of servitude!

Blueberry Cheesecake for dessert!!

Rob, in his new Grandma T. shirt, putting paprika on the deviled eggs.

Rob and I couldn't finish the shrimp--there were too many!! We needed you, John!

Christmas Visits

Hannah and Lilli wait for Hungarian pancakes! Vanilla and chocolate pudding were the favorite toppings!
Sarah and Panni pose for the camera.
Boldi and Zsuzsi had some very special news to tell us!!
We enjoyed a nice visit with our neighbor, Maria-néni.

Rob and Gábor (Baptist pastor) wait for the Kubekhaza Christmas program to start. Sarah sang a beautiful solo in Hungarian and English.

The program was held in the UNHEATED Catholic Church.
The kids enjoyed seeing the live animals that were part of the Nativity.



Sarah and Hannah enjoy hanging out with Regi and Kristi just before the program.

Regi opens her Christmas gift while the girls watch with joy.

Béla, Bea, Regi with their "House Blessing" gift from us.