Signs of Life from Hungary Volume XII No. 97
Budapest, 24th September, 2005
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart.”
Ps. 27: 14
Dear Family and Friends
Attached to the frame of my computer monitor, I have a card, which I once received from a good friend, with this Bible verse taken from ps. 27 in Afrikaans. “Vertrou op die Here! Wees sterk en hou goeie moed.” It is a great encouragement to me. Will you please continue to pray for the process of change in the Missions Institute?
Sunday
Give thanks for the new students who have started their theology studies at the Reformed Theological Academy in Papa. In the middle of September, a retreat was held on the theme of mission and evangelism. Please pray for the continuing work of the Holy Spirit, so that they will begin this school year with new vision. The sixth year students have begun their year of practical work, for which I am responsible, together with another colleague. Last week we started with a fellowship evening in my new apartment in Papa, where I stay two days a week.
Monday
Give thanks for the summer camp of the Budapest/Gazdagret Church, my Hungarian home church, in July, which was attended by almost 120 Church members (of the 250-300 who now regularly attend the services). Give thanks that the Church is growing strongly under the leadership of the pastors, Rev. András Lovas and Eszter Dani. Please pray for the single people, who are often bearing a huge emotional burden, that they may experience the healing hand of the Lord Jesus.
Tuesday
Hungary is in a state of transition. More authoritarian methods of leadership clash with democratic developments, often causing conflict. As a reaction to joining the EU, there is a noticeable tendency for people to withdraw into their own culture, their own people and their own Church. Please pray for an openness to cooperation with others, even in the Church.
Wednesday
As you know, there are also processes of change going on in the Missions Institute. It is still not clear in which direction the reorganisation will develop. This causes uncertainty, for me as well as for the other members of staff. Please pray for wisdom for the board, and for a spirit of love and reconciliation in the team. Pray especially that the changes will contribute to the strengthening of the work of missionary training of the Churches, and that at the same time reflection on and study of key missiological issues matters and the missiological education of pastors and other graduates will not disappear into the background.
Thursday
Please pray for the students in the postgraduate Masters program, who often combine work and family with study, pray for strength and perseverance in rounding off their Masters theses. Pray also for the plans to start a new program next year. Pray that the hindrances will disappear.
Friday
Give thanks for the many hundreds of people, young and old, who have participated in the courses and conferences of the Missions Institute over the years. Please pray that they will be useful instruments in God's hands, among the unchurched and the dechurched, and also among the Romanies and the refugees. Recently dozens of young Christians from the Middle East have been baptised.
Saturday
Like any other missionary worker, I notice that I am constantly in the midst of struggles and conflict. Please pray for good health, for strength to stand firm in the battle, and for protection. In this time of change in the Missions Institute, I sometimes feel discouraged and disappointed. Pray for much blessing and joy in giving lectures and supervising students, which I enjoy doing so much. Now in particular, your prayers and support mean a great deal.
Yours in our Lord and Saviour,
Anne-Marie Kool
