Prayer for revival in Southern Hungary

The mayor of Kubekhaza, third from the left, is a Christian believer and a true visionary and evangelist! He used to serve in the Hungarian Parliament and the Lord called him back to this small village just outside of Szeged to serve as mayor! MANY in this village have come to Jesus!

Today I had the privilege of being a part of a discussion/prayer meeting with leaders from a number of different churches and fellowships in the Szeged area.

What has already started is 24-hour prayer! Hallelujah!

What is on the heart of all of these leaders is that God would bring revival, especially to this part of Hungary. This is considered to be the most difficult territory in the whole country. Depression is at its highest here, and of course, the center of witchcraft is located here as well.

Today's meeting was encouraging as each leader got to share and we stood together hand in hand and prayed for one another and for God to have His way!

There will be a city-wide worship event on March 15th in Szeged and everyone is invited to come worship, pray, and seek the Lord! Location is yet to be determined, so stay tuned!

ICF on Friday night

Our Hungarian group...Judit is the master translator!

Our Swedish, Nigerian and British group!

Our Nigerian, Hungarian and British group.

Our American, Dubain, British, Swedish and Nigerian group!

Our American/Hungarian flag waver, Nathan!!!

We had a sweet time of worship, fellowship and group discussion on Friday night as we learned about the spiritual gift of teaching.

Erik did a great job leading us in worship, and it was fun to see people digging into the Word and discuss this spiritual gift.

One important question which has come up again and again in our journey through talking about spiritual gifts is "What is the difference between a gift and a talent?" With regard to teaching, "what is the difference between a talented teacher and a gifted teacher?"

Any feedback from blog land?????...........................

Ministry

Bela, a man being led by God! He faithfully attends ICF on Friday nights as well as hosting a home group each week of people from his church and neighborhood!

Last night, I was invited to share at a "hazi csoport"...home group...in a suburb of Szeged, called Szoreg. Bela and Bea, good friends, host this group each week. Sorry, no pictures from the evening. Most of those who attend are members of Sion Church, a church I used to attend here in Szeged, so it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and be together once again.

My wonderful and faithful friend, Eszter, came too along with her husband, and she served as my translator, which is just so much fun because we truly are sisters in the Lord and in His Spirit.

I'd thought there would be a number of non-believers there, but it turned out there were only two, so I pretty much chucked what I'd planned and instead shared from Luke chapter 4. This is where Jesus is FILLED with the Spirit after His baptism, then LED by the Spirit into the wilderness, and then afterwards, returns to Galilee in the POWER of the Spirit. Amazing...how we respond to temptation in our wildernesses is crucial in coming out in the POWER of the Spirit!

More importantly, it was wonderful to see these Hungarians continuing to meet, encourage one another, love one another, be unified in the Spirit, and continue to cry out to God for His revival in this nation! How wonderful would it be if all missionaries in all countries were indigenous people?

My boys!

This is Simon, who hangs out on my bed about 20 hours per day!

This is Toby...somehow, this position does NOT look comfortable....

These are my boys...Toby turns 11 in May and Simon in June. Little do they know what awaits them in just a few months...fun airplane rides back to the U.S.

More from Bill Johnson

"Since thanksgiving keeps us sane and alive by connecting us to the source of our life and purpose, it makes sense that Paul instructs us to give thanks "in everything." Thanksgiving keeps us sane and alive." (from Strengthen Yourself in the Lord)

I love this quote; it's not easily digestible, but then again, much of what Jesus Himself says is not easily digestible either.

"If you don't forgive others, you will not be forgiven."

"They will know you're my disciples if you love one another."

"He who comes after me must take up his cross daily and follow me."

What I love most about the thanksgiving quote is that it's so very true: thanksgiving keeps us sane and alive. We have to give thanks TO someone, and obviously it's God, our ultimate source of everything!

I don't think David was too keen on giving thanks as he spent days hanging out in caves, hiding from the insane King Saul who was out to kill him...but David gave thanks!

I don't think Joseph was gung ho about giving thanks for being thrown into a pit by his own brothers, then into prison, accused unjustly, but from all outward fruit in his life, it seems he gave thanks.

Paul doesn't say 'give thanks FOR the situation', but rather "give thanks IN everything." Have you got a situation that is downright hard right now and the last thing you want to do is give thanks IN it? Try. See if the Lord is not able to meet you right there IN that situation, not necessarily to change it, but rather to change YOU!

Policeman

As I was preparing to walk out the door this morning, I could hear someone incessantly ringing the bell of my neighbor's door from down in the street. No one was home. Then my bell began to ring. Mind you, it is 8 a.m. and I'm not about to answer the door...call me skeptical, but I thought it might simply be someone trying to get into our building who really doesn't belong here and so I ignored it and began walking out my door.

As I turned to lock my front door, a policemen appeared in my hallway, asking for my neighbor. "I don't think he's home. Is there a problem?"

"Yes, his car was found in New Szeged and the window has been broken out of it. Do you know where he works?"

I hate to admit I was relieved by this news...for some reason, when I see policemen here, I don't automatically think, "Oh, they are here to protect and serve." I have no reason to think this way, but I do. It's the same for me at customs or passport control...I know I've done nothing wrong, and I know I don't have anything illegal, but still, I am not comfortable in those places. Not sure why....hmmm....

New look for the blog

Oh, boy, what a challenge it has been to find a new look for my blog. This all started when a friend suggested I put together a "rental blog" for my house in Kansas City. Well, I have not done that yet...I wanted to play around with a cool background another friend told me how to get. So, for now, this is the "new look" for my blog, mainly because I am too tired at this point to continue searching, AND I need to get started on the house blog! Whoo hoo!

Professional basketball

Michelle tossing in a free-throw.

Michelle, #5 in white, jockeying for rebound position.

It's not always about offense!

I've now been to two women's professional basketball games here in Szeged. A new friend of mine, Michelle Maslowski, is an American who has played pro here in europe for the past 7 years. She recently was acquired by the Szeged team and it's been a fun new diversion to go see a couple of games and hang out with her a bit. Here are some pictures from last night's game, which they won handily.

Details vs. Big Picture

Anyone who knows me well knows I'm not a detail person. I like the big picture! I like visioning! I like possibilities and dreams. If I have to deal with too many details, I can get overwhelmed sometimes, and I get tired. Those people who get energized by dealing with details...more power to ya!

These days, I'm having to deal with a lot of details. I was sorting through things yesterday, stacking books I will sell and those I will take back with me to the U.S., and I finally 'hit a wall', as I tend to describe it. I have to stop because the task gets to be too much for me.

I take after my dad. He had and still has lots of piles...and he knows where everything is in those piles. I too have lots of piles and today, in my living room, there are piles of papers and piles of books. That's because I'm purging and cleaning and tossing. I don't mind the piles so much...it's the final step of tossing that I don't like...."what IF I need that?" Pack-rat-itis I think it is called.

Too much clutter...JKF, are you gonna come help me? Please?????

More from Bill Johnson

Here's another thoughtful quote from Bill Johnson's book Strengthen Yourself in the Lord.

"The enemy uses lies to make problems appear bigger than the solutions we carry."

How true. Recently, I was pondering the future, and found myself getting concerned. Thoughts seemed to begin spiraling and the 'future issues' seemed to grow in size.

The Holy Spirit gently reminded me to look 'back'...."Have I ever left you? Forsaken you? Not met a need?"

How quickly I can forget that He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world, and the one in the world is nothing but a big fat liar!

ICF blessings!

Could it be that there were nearly 30 people at ICF tonight that made it special? Or could it be that we had chocolate chip cookies and fresh fruit? Maybe it was the excellent teaching on the gift of exhortation given by Cathy? Or was it the praise and worship time? Could it be that we had people from 7 different nations that created such a sweet atmosphere? Could it be that the youth from Sion church here in town came, worshipped and stayed to the end and then beyond...we left at 10:30 p.m.....that made this evening a bit different?

Maybe.....

However, I think it's because, as usual, God showed up and He had His way in people's hearts!

He is a sovereign God and He is raising up a people for His name....here in Hungary and to the nations!!!!!

(modified lyrics from Derek Louxes' CD and the song "Sovereign God")

God's set-ups!

I don't particulary like "set-ups"...but nearly 4 years ago now, I sat in my living room with a precious group of people, and one of them said to me, "You've been set up!" I looked at this person quizzically and thought, "What does that mean?" It didn't take but about 20 minutes to figure out what "You've been set up" meant as the Holy Spirit showed up and changed the entire meeting and my entire life...for the much, much better!

Last night I picked up a book which I've wanted to read, but have kept putting off because I've had other books sitting next to my bed which have been waiting patiently 'in line' for me to finish before starting this one. Well, last night I thought, "I need to start this book!" It's called Strengthen Yourself in the Lord and it is by Bill Johnson.

Nearly every page and nearly every line is echoing what I've been experiencing learning and growing in over the past two years! I love this line:

"God never sets us up to fail---only to grow." (p. 41)

Pause for a moment and re-read that sentence again....and again...and again. Do I truly believe that? When I look back over the challenges of my life with my faith rooted in Jesus Christ, I see how COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY TRUE this statement is!

Every challenge, every lost relationship, every hurt, every rejection, every abandonment....NO, God does not cause these things, yet as we can easily see in the book of Job, He will allow things...He will set things up, but it is for our GROWTH! It's for our growth in Him, that we become utterly dependent upon Him alone, His grace, His mercy, His love, and everything that He longs to pour out into our lives.

It's ALL about Him and how He longs to transform our seemingly lowly lives into what He originally intended us to be...His children, receiving everything from our heavenly Daddy, and as we grow older physically, growing in increasing dependence upon Him alone and walking in the authority that lives within us: Jesus Christ Himself!

Have a look back at the set-ups in your life...and for those of you who are followers of Jesus, know that you know that you know that they have been for your growth!

Cat fights and vet visits

Two weeks ago, I came home to find my cat Simon with a very tender left leg. He hissed at me and anyone else who tried to pick him up or touch his leg. It seemed to me he may have gotten into some thorns or something, so here we were off to the vet once again.

Turns out, my shy little Simon had gotten into a cat fight and gotten a good bite from another cat on his leg. Poor little guy! Thankfully, they have long-acting anti-biotics now and he has been sporting a cool new look...one shaved leg! I think it will be a new fashion amongst cats in the neighborhood quite soon!

Since then, he's not wandered out of the yard to visit the neighbor cats. He's also cuddled up quite close to me at night, and during the day, wherever I am in the house, he wants to be close to me.

Amazing what being hurt and living in fear will do. It's not difficult to make the leap from a cat to a human in this situation. Every one of us has been hurt, deeply, in our lives. We've suffered wounds and when people have tried to come close and help, we've hissed cuz it hurts for them to touch it. At the same time, though, we know we need healing and help. Even though we are hurt and afraid, we long for a healing touch.

While Simon didn't come running to me for help and healing, I as his 'master' knew what I needed to do to help in the healing process. There was more exposure as his leg had to be shaved in order to see what the real problem was, and then there needed to be balm applied for healing.

We humans are sometimes afraid of being healed...I'm not sure why...I think it's because we have gotten used to the coping mechanisms we have developed, and we've coated the wounds ourselves for so long that the thought of someone shaving off the outer covering and exposing the real problem will be too much, too painful, and we are afraid.

To me, this shows just how little we (I) understand WHO my heavenly Father really is. It's tough to explain to an animal that the vet and I want the very best for him. Simon knows where he can find comfort and love and security and safety....near his mom.

Do we really know where we can find comfort, love and security that will never, ever fail? Let's curl up next to our heavenly Daddy and let Him bring that healing and love and safety we so desperately need every day!

Yes, this is a picture of my "boss", the deputy headmaster at my school here in Hungary. Yes, she is holding a mini keg of Heineken beer. Yes, she WON this prize at the high school prom. Yes, they have raffles at our prom. Yes, they raffle off alcohol at a high school prom, and if a student had won it, he or she could have taken it home! Mind you they also raffle off pen drives, baseball caps with Jagermeister imprinted on them (another famous alcoholic beverage here in Hungary), and bath products as well as weekends away, etc.

Cold weather, snow and sleep

I fully understand why bears hibernate. When it's cold out, while it is invigorating, it's also tiring, and I want to sleep. Today, I wanted to swim after work, but ended up coming home and taking a long nap. It was sweet and I highly recommend this!

Busy and fun weekend!

Friday night ICF, Saturday afternoon, wedding, and Saturday night prom! I'm a bit tired, but it's a GOOD tired from having had a lot of fun! See blogs below for details!

The Bal....or in American English - Prom!

My 12b class performing Michael Jackson's "Thriller".

My 12a class performing and Indian song.

Laci and Agi from my 12b class.

Ah, the beauty of young people waltzing!

Luca and Bence from my 12a class waltzing!

I was keenly aware that this could be my last prom celebration in Hungary for a while! So, I drank in every moment and tried to capture some of the best memories! More pictures will appear on my facebook page, but these few give you a taste of prom here in Hungary. I've written about this before, but for new readers, here are a few details.

Seniors have their prom before they take final exams in early May. Parents and other family members are invited and the dinner takes place at the prom location. Teachers are also invited and included in the festivities! I love the way prom is done here in Hungary!

From 6 p.m. til nearly 8 p.m. this year, students performed special dances, including the Vienna Waltz, the English waltz and others. This year, for a change, each senior class also performed their own choreographed dances!

Following the dances comes the champagne toast, offered by the headmaster of the school, and then the classes retreat to various classrooms in the school where they and their parents enjoy dinner. Teachers also enjoy dinner together in the main staff room, decorated especially for the occasion.

A disco follows the dinner and students, teachers and some remaining parents (most have gone home by now) enjoy dancing the night away! I will miss this event!

Wedding

Mary, Badri and their pastor, Kyle.

Many from the nations gathered to bless and celebrate this special wedding!

Mary....a beautiful bride!

During this busy weekend, I squeezed in attending a wedding ceremony of a couple from India who are doing research at the university here in Szeged! Badri and Mary were joined in holy matrimony at the Alsovarosi Kulturhaz here in Szeged, after having a civil ceremony this past summer in their home country of India. Their desire was to have a Christian wedding here and the pastor of their church here in Szeged did the ceremony which was attended by people from many nations!

A slice of my life in Szeged

Yummy fresh veggies!

This is where I usually buy my boneless chicken breasts and where I got my 17 pound turkey for Thanksgiving this year!

The sign says: "Vegetable - Fruit Island"! Again, fresh, fresh, fresh!!!

This is a typical crowded Saturday morning. It truly is a place of fellowship for many!

Yep, that's beer they are drinking at 9:30 in the morning.

Since I'll be departing this beautiful country this summer, I've begun carrying my camera around to capture memories of life here.

This morning, I had to go get some fruit from the market which is about 1/4 mile from my front door. (I will REALLY miss this place!)

You know you have been in Hungary a long time when you walk into this hall where there are many little shops selling everything from lottery tickets to cheese, from fresh fruits and meats to pizza, and you are no longer surprised to see elderly men (and sometimes women) gathered around tables and drinking beer at 9:30 in the morning (or earlier)! Sadly, alcoholism is a huge and growing problem in this nation.

Going to the market is a Saturday morning routine for me, and it is definitely a cultural experience. Today, I realized I had no stockings for tonight's prom, so I knew there was a place at the market where I could select a pretty pair...indeed, you can find just about everything here.

The CEO of CEO's visit to Szeged

Laci, Tom and Arden.....early Saturday morning.....it's cold!

Laci and Tom outside their favorite breakfast meeting place!

Tom scurrying off the train trying to get a picture!

Tom and long-time friend, Gabor!

I love calling Tom Foley my "boss"...he doesn't like it...that's why I like it and do it. hee hee hee!!! We had a good meeting Friday afternoon, discussing present and future, and this morning, with friends Gabor and Laci joining us as we all enjoyed breakfast goodies at Z-Nagy Cukraszda. (a yummy bakery)

International Christian Fellowship - Szeged

Rob George, Regina, and Tom Foley enjoying fellowship time!

Fun fellowship time!

Franci reading from James during worship.

Toby, Klari and Chuuks help lead worship.

18 of us from 6 different nations gathered on Friday night for our weekly time of running hard after Jesus! Franci from Italy and his wife, Klari, from Hungary, along with Chuuks from Nigeria, led us in worship. Tom from the U.S.A. spoke about God's calling from the story of Moses and the burning bush. The key for me from the message was this: "I will be with you!" (God)

It's exciting to see and know that God is working in people's lives here at ICF. I was not here last week, but heard from a number of people that it was a VERY, VERY BLESSED TIME! Hallelujah!

Where I am now!

A rather chilly looking chaise lounge chair!

Snow-covered yard!

The neighbor's trees!

My little Honda Jazzie...forgot to put her in the garage last night. :-(

Woo Hoo!! It's a winter wonderland here in Szeged, and according to the weather forecast, this could go on for a couple of days!

Having grown up in Colorado, I am LOVING this! I'm sure many of my friends here are not, though...some of them sort of expect February to be the beginning of spring time!

These pictures are taken from the balcony of my building, looking out into my backyard. I love the freshness that snow brings to a place; it's always a reminder that our sins are washed white as the snow by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ!

Where I will be in 6 months

Here is a worship service on Saturday night.

On the back wall, which is to the far left of the picture, there hang flags from all the nations!

This is the outside of the global prayer room, which has been engaged in 24/7 worship and prayer since 1999.

This missions base is growing quickly...on this trip I learned they are now doing inner healing and deliverance ministry and have begun a world missions school, in addition to the orphan ministry I already knew about. So, my three "heart-loves" when it comes to ministry are being developed and growing here at IHOP.

Some people are starting to ask where I will be doing my furlough in the U.S.

I will be in Kansas City, MO, close to the International House of Prayer, Kansas City. Why there? It is a great place to 'rest', get rejuvenated in the Lord, be around internationals and others who have a heart for the world, seek the Lord and His next station for me, and whatever else the Lord may have for me there! I hold my time there with an open hand, desiring to surrender completely to the Lord and His plans for me!

I look forward to having many visitors!

Conversation class

Today was interesting in my 11th grade bilingual class. I asked them what is up in the Hungarian news and they told me about the latest "incident" in the city of Vesprem, which is about 3 hours away. Mind you, this is from my students, so it's not official, but still kinda disturbing news.

Apparently, members of the Romanian men's handball team had gone out to celebrate one of their members' wives' just having had a baby boy. They were at a local restaurant in Vesprem, Hungary, when a group of gypsy men began causing a bit of a problem. The waitress tried to get this group to leave when they turned on her and began beating her. These handball players began to intervene on the woman's behalf and in doing so suffered tremendously. One of the Romanian men was killed and another man lost his kidney in the brawl.

Let me explain...for decades there have been tensions in this country between different ethnic groups, much like we have also experience in the U.S. down through our history. The challenges are great (as they are in any country) and are now compounded by economic stresses (as they are in every country!). Needless to say, the above incident has ignited tremendous anger, threats which appear to be very frightening, and rumors that Hungary could be headed for civil war are apparently bubbling up.

Why do I share this on my blog? To ask those out there who are believers in Jesus Christ to pray for this nation. Pray for God to break in and change people's hearts because I do not believe that political changes will change people's hearts...only the God of the universe can change people's hearts. There is much fear, anger, frustration, misunderstanding, and lying going on....note none of these are even close to fruits of the Holy Spirit, but instead reek of enemy tactics to undermine this nation and its people. I pray the forgiveness of God will invade people's hearts that they might first come to know Jesus as their personal savior and Lord and second, the forgiveness that only He can give them for others. Indeed, it will take a miracle...just as it takes a miracle in each person's life for that person to turn to the Lord!

Father have mercy, first on me, and then beyond to all those around me, in Jesus' name, amen!

Confused? I'll fill you in......

Ok, I realize that some people out there might be a bit confused. So let me bring some clarity to the situation.

First, yes, I am still in Hungary, teaching and doing ministry with some special women and helping lead an International Christian Fellowship!

Second, yes, this is my last 1/2 year in Hungary. This has been brewing since January of 2008. Of course the Lord could bring me back to Hungary, but we'll see.

Third, yes, I am returning to the U.S. for a season of furlough/sabbatical time. Yes, I am still a full-time missionary while there, and with where I am going, I will have to learn to say NO during my "rest" time because there are soooooooooo many great opportunities to serve in various ministries!

Fourth, yes, I will be living very near the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, MO. In fact, 1.5 miles from the "main building". IHOP is a fantastic place to rest and live before the Lord in an atmosphere of worship and prayer, seeking God for His next station for me!

Fifth, Yes, I've bought a house, as I see this place as a 'home-base' from which the Lord can send me anywhere He likes! My house is going to be a house of rest and refuge, with open doors to all who wish to come visit!

Sixth, yes, I am still 100% in Hungary, and pouring 100% into life and relationships here! Having been here nearly 9 years (11 if you count the early 90s), I have precious friends I will have for a lifetime, I'm sure! Plus, there is much I believe the Lord wants to do in the next 5 months here!

So, hopefully this clears up some questions and gets you as excited as I am about what is next on God's agenda for me!

WHEW!

Living room! Warm and inviting!

GREAT kitchen!

Welcome home!

Well, I just made a whirlwind trip to the U.S. Amazingly, no jet-lag there and so far, feeling pretty good back here in Hungary as well!

I had a short break from school and decided to take advantage of it to go see a very cute house in Kansas City...

Well, as the Lord would have it, I ended up with a totally different house! I'm excited for the GREAT possibilites this house will offer to welcome travellers, guests, friends and family, not necessarily in that order!

A Dangerous Prayer

Below, you will read a very "dangerous" prayer, often prayed by Jill Austin. My heart's desire is caught up in this very prayer. May it challenge us all and may we too pray such a prayer from the depths of who we are...if we really mean it!

A Dangerous Prayer

God, tenderize my heart again so that I desire to return to You as my first love. Wherever my heart has drifted or gotten lukewarm, return me back to You. God, I give You permission to do whatever it takes to make me wholly Yours. Set my heart on fire for You. Send a holy ambush of your Spirit into my life to usher me out of the ruts that have hindered me from being a dreamer, a lover and a warrior.

Please forgive me for [here be as specific as you can be and take as long as you need]. Thank You for Your total forgiveness of my sins. That is such a precious gift to me.

How I ache to know You more! Draw me close and speak tenderly to my heart. I want to develop a secret history with You, Lord. Captivate my heart with the gazes of Your eyes. I want to see You face-to-face and not through the lattice, as your Word says. Put Your seal on my heart so I am fully Yours.

Now, Lord, I ask You to release the fiery whirlwind of Your presence with a fresh impartation of Your heart into my heart. I ask You to revolutionize my life from the inside out. Let an earthquake in my heart break up the fallow ground. Let the lightning of God strike me so that I become God-conscious instead of self-conscious.

Jesus, I am ready to give up control of my life and put You in charge again. Forgive me for thinking that I know what is best for my life. It is hard for me to let go; the warfare has been so intense and the storms of life so great. But I can see that my way is not working. I am heartsick about my life. I want to run to You and not from You. Give me grace and humility to accept Your timing in my life.

Burn in me a holy desperation and craving for You. I need a profound touch from You, a fresh baptism of fire from the Holy Spirit. I want a force field of Your glory surrounding me so I am dangerous for God. Will You radiate Your love and power through my life so I can do exploits as You promised?

I want to be a carrier of Your glory and go outside the walls of the church, touching people in every arena of life. Lord, I want to know the times and seasons we live in.

Let me see people through Your eyes and not my own; help me feel Your heart for those around me. Break my heart for the lost. Cause revival to burn so deeply in my spirit that others cannot help but be changed by coming in contact with me.

I do not want business as usual, Jesus! I want a radical visitation from You. I must have a visitation. I want an open heaven over my life. Will You help me to legislate Your mandates from heaven, to bring them to earth so I see things from Your perspective and not my own? I am asking You for divine strategies so Your Kingdom will come.

Open my eyes so that I can see what is happening in the realm of the Spirit. How I need keen discernment for the days I live in. I want to get Your plans, Your blueprints so I do not build on the "land mines" the enemy has planned for me.

I want my heart to bless Your heart and give You the love that You deserve. Awaken my heart to worship You. I want to be one who desires You only.

Lord, I want to give You my life no matter what the cost. Even as You died for me, help me to be willing to die for You. You are worth everything I have.

All I am-my past, present and future-is at the foot of the cross. Take all of me.

Help me to be a big dreamer with You, dreamer God.

Help me to be an extravagant lover of You, my Bridegroom.

Help me to be a fierce warrior for You, my King. Amen.

Blessings

Each time I drive home from Debrecen, Hungary to Szeged, I drive by this beautiful synagogue!

Scripture is clear that we are called to bless the Jewish people...those who bless will themselves be blessed! I speak out now blessing on the Jewish people in their savior's name, Yeshua, amen!