April 2026
April Update
April 04, 2026
HE is risen!
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” (1 Peter 1:3-4)
Over the past three weeks, we've had the privilege to share the good news to over 2000 kids in 32 public schools. As long as God keeps this door open in Hungary, we want to take full advantage of helping the next generation come to know God as their Father through faith in Jesus Christ.
Above: We praise God for mostly clear and beautiful weather throughout the three weeks. On one occasion while traveling, as we slowed down to approach a very sharp turn, a large truck came barreling through from the other side into our lane. If we had entered the turn just a few seconds earlier, it wouldn't have been good. Praise God for protecting us as we traveled together through many windy roads each day to each destination.
Above: The custom in Hungary is to remove your outside shoes and the kids wear slippers inside.
Above: The kids were quick to learn the song we brought this year that speaks about how the wonders of creation reveal the love of God.
This year's story begins with grandkids visiting grandma at the farm and sharing the terrible news that their parents had a fight. The grandma in the story teaches the kids about prayer and also shares the story of forgiveness and reconciliation found in the Easter message. And since they're on the farm, there is also a subplot of some of the animals also learning how to forgive one another.
One of the teachers at the school told us after the show: “Did you notice those three kids in the front row. They are the trouble makers! I couldn't believe how they sat there and paid attention the whole time!” This presentation for kids is a great way to keep their attention while also teaching them important lessons about Jesus and the invitation to know God through faith in Him.
Above: After the puppet show, teammate Erika shares the gospel with the kids referring to various parts of the show they just watched.
Above: Sharon showing the kids the gift magazines they would receive after the show. They have puzzles, more stories and a QR code for the kids if they want to watch the puppet show online at home with their parents. We also distributed evangelistic books for teachers in each of the schools we visited.
Praise God for the team he put together to serve and for giving us unity and the strength we needed for each show. Here is an brief highlight film that I hope will help you get a sense of how God is using this wonderful gift to kids throughout Hungary
Surprise visitor
Above: After returning from her mission trip in Asia, Kira along with her boyfriend Austin paid a surprise visit to Hungary in late May.
They were actually able to join in on some of our puppet ministry while they were here.
It was a joy to worship together and also hear Kira give an update on some of the highlights of her mission trip to those who have known her in our congregation since she as a child.
Surprise again!
Soon after returning to the U.S., we learned that Kira was now engaged to Austin! What a joyous time and we are full of excitement for both of them! They met while pursuing and serving Jesus together and will now continue a life following Him as one. Please pray for them as they make plans for their union this summer.
The growth that encourages me
Sharon and I have been serving in Hungary for over 25 years. Sometimes, looking back, I am saddened by so many that have fallen away after making some type of profession of faith and showing signs of growth. It's not a few, but many it seems just end up drifting away. But then God reminds me that He is at work and can cause growth to those seeds we have planted and watered in years past. The picture above is of Laura at a baseball camp from 2020. As the years past, she ended up having to move to Germany. She would come back now and then and still help out and participate in different summer camps but I wasn't sure how deep her faith was as she ended up moving so far away.
Recently Laura wrote such an encouraging letter that shows how faithful God has been to cause growth in her life. The wrote:
“Serving has really been on my heart this year, and I’m looking for more opportunities to get involved. I will also be serving in the church being planted here—we’re having our first service this week. I was thinking about sharing with my youth group, and maybe also in the church here, about the camps in Hungary as a prayer request—I’d love to hear your thoughts on that. I also know 1–2 people who are looking for outreach opportunities in different cities and countries, and I was thinking of personally sharing this opportunity with them to see if they might be interested in joining us for a week at one of the camps this summer. I would really appreciate your prayers for the church being planted here—my city really needs Jesus—and also for me, that I can arrange everything with work and flights and be able to attend the camps.”
Would you pray for Laura and for the church plant that she serving with in Germany. Pray not only for Laura but for other teens and young adults to have a faith that is flourishes in Christ.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. — 1 Corinthians 3:6-8
Thank all of you for your continued support and faithfulness to partner with us in this ministry in Hungary. May you have a blessed Easter celebration and may the living hope we have in Christ fill you with joy and peace this season!
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