Summer time!
Dear
friends and family,
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.
Summer is officially here! As
if the 97 degree weather and no air-conditioning wasn’t reminder enough, we
have been running around like crazy people and loving it! So much has been and
is going on I’m not sure how to fit it all in one letter.
A few weeks ago we were
blessed by a team of 21 from Scottsdale Bible Church; they had an amazing
ministry in the short time they were here. They taught conversation English
classes in three local schools to promote our summer camps as well as the
teahouse ministry. I didn’t get an official head count but the largest number
of students I have ever seen turned up for this group, it was amazing!
They were also very helpful in
the reconstruction going on at the teahouse. We had them cleaning out sheds,
stacking and chopping wood, doing yard work, making a sandbox for our
Sunday schoolers and replacing another broken down fence. The work they did was so helpful and
they saved us more then we can say in time and money.
Again we
spent our afternoons doing VBS in the gypsy community here in Veľký Krtiš.
During the weeks leading up to the team’s arrival so many children would chase
me down on the street to ask again and again when they were coming; and every
day they all turned up to play soccer and do crafts. This year we were also
able to book the Van4Life. It is basically a mobile carnival used for outreach
here in Slovakia. So for two days we had bouncy houses, a sound system and were
smack dab in the middle of town, it really was a blessed time. One young man in
particular, Gabriel, was definitely moved by the team this year. He even wants
to come to our summer camp if he can get the money together. This is a big
prayer request for us because this young man has a good heart and a lot of
influence among his community. I so badly want him to hear the gospel and put
his faith in Jesus.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Another
amazing thing about this team was the time spent with friends. When I moved to
Veľký Krtiš I left behind my sisters, dear sisters in Christ and a great support
system. For whatever reason God has not provided girl friends for me in Veľký
Krtiš. Outside of work and ministry I don’t have a good God fearing sister in
Christ to journey along with me. But for 9 whole days I had my dear sweet
Ashleigh here just to love me and to talk about life, marriage, family,
ministry and whatever. And what made it even better is that Devin (Ashleigh’s
husband) is also close with Chello. It was just an awesome and encouraging time
for us to have them here. Our time with them really left us feeling uplifted
and ready to keep moving forward in the work the Lord has for us to do here.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do
goodworks, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
This year
Chello and I also had the privilege of serving at an English camp for our
sister ministry in Cinobaňa. It is a village about an hour from VK where the
ministry is made up of primarily gypsies. During the morning we taught in the
schools so our classes were mixed race. I taught two classes with Chello as my
translator and it was a blessed time. Our students fell in love with us almost
immediately, which made teaching them a breeze.
One
afternoon we also had a women’s party in their teahouse. We did some crafts,
ate cupcakes and my mother, Peggy shared the gospel. I was also able to
practice my Slovak a lot!
And to
wrap the whole week up we ended with a carnival. It was really great because we
had a lot of white and gypsy kids show up. Slovakia is still rampant with racism
and it is hard to get everyone together for an event. Also, all my students
from the week came and we were able to run around playing duck-duck-goose and
red light-green light. I was really encouraged by what the Lord did in that
week.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those
who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Prayer requests~
That the
Lord will lead our steps and we will let him.
During
this busy season Chello and I have been talking about and praying about getting
a car. As the ministry is expanding and our responsibilities are growing we
really think it would serve us and the ministry. Also it would be great in
helping us manage our time better, give us more time and increase our ability
to serve. Currently we are not in a financial position to by a car, but we know
our God knows our needs and He has all the money in the world. To get a good,
reliable car would cost around $3,000 to $5,000. Please pray that the Lord will
provide the perfect car for our family and the funds we need to purchase it.
In only
10 days we will be heading back to Budapest to pick up the team from Grace
Community Church for our English camps. Please pray for traveling mercies for the
team. That the Lord will have His hand in all the work we do. That we can bring
glory to God as we serve and young people will come to know Jesus as their Savior.
Please
pray that we will be able to work out the money to get Gabriel to our camp to
hear the gospel.
Praise
God Chello has been able to get some part time jobs here and there to bring in
some extra funds for us. And amazingly, so far he has not had to miss any
ministry opportunities. Thank you all for your diligent prayer for us. The Lord
has always met our needs and kept us in a place where we are able to bless
other with what we have.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Once
again I must thank you all for your service to us and this ministry through
your financial support and faithful prayers. We are blessed to have you going
to the Father on our behalf. God bless you all!!!!
Chello
& Meghan Johnson
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