A new little one

I have a huge praise! My dear friends, Kristen and Kevin Yaiko, whom I met at PFO this summer just had their first baby while in their first semester at the International Christian School of Budapest! Mom and baby are doing well, resting, and eagerly awaiting the grandparents' arrival. Dad is working with customs to get a much needed crate of baby stuff (ah yes, life international...). Please welcome Seth Norman Yaiko to the world:

Plugging away

Typically, I've focused on the intensely rewarding personal side of ministry partner development. This time has been rich with mutual encouragement, affirmation, and love--an atmosphere for which I am very thankful. There has been a logistical side to everything, too, the results of which bring God glory just as the relationships have.
Currently, as I plug away with sharing this ministry to international students with those who might be interested and finding those God is challenging to join me, I've reached 32% of my monthly support need and 65% of the special, one-time need! These results are a reflection of God's care and ultimate purpose in world mission and in me.
Now, may more people choose to join in this important work in Budapest through prayer and giving! God's blessing to you all.

how God used a cup of coffee

I was eager to have a steaming mocha at Java River. A visit to this cafe that had offered many hours of quiet contemplation, coffee sipping, and friendly conversation was a long time coming--five months coming, actually. The proprietors had been friends of mine, fellow Jesus followers interested in missions.
After a surprised reunion and the soothing hiss of milk steaming, Dan asked about my new life venture regarding international missions. And the door opened: the joy of being called to a specific ministry with international students, the encouragement of believers as God challenges them to support me, the struggle of faith as December is fast-approaching and my financial totals are not, the faithfulness of the Father to catch me as I "step out on the water" (Matthew 14:22-33) all came gushing out at the counter of a coffee shop. And Dan was interested.
This kind man whom I had hoped to support over the past few years was eager to help me by introducing me to his church leaders!
Thrilled, I sat down for some quiet time with the One who provides moments like this. I felt rested, loved, and ready to go because of this whole trip including the visit to Java River. As I stood to go, Dan stopped me. Why? Because his pastor had walked in, and we needed to be introduced. Shortly thereafter, a date was set to speak to the church!
I left the coffee shop energized and beaming--not from the caffeine, but from the graciousness and provision of our God over a cup of coffee.

On the road again

Gosh, I'm cheesy with using song titles for blog post titles. Sorry, but I firmly believe that life is one big game of Encore, and I am determined to win it. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, go find the board game and thank me later.)

Well, I am indeed "on the road again" to Carthage. Not a cross-country road trip, but a significant time with friends, ministry partners, and prospective ministry partners gathered together to speak with me, see where God is working, and join Him there. I'll be gone until early next week but I'll never be too far from a computer or cell phone. Looking forward to it!

The faith of children

Just a couple of pictures celebrating the faith of children as well as their love and excitement for spreading the good news of Jesus with kids from around the world. Sorry that the adorable group shot didn't work online.