A Day in the Life of Danube International Church

Worship Team

Sound Guy Mate

Chairs getting set up for church

European Air Conditioning

Attending church each Sunday at Danuble International Church is a big process. We don't own our own building so we rent a facility for a few hours on Sunday morning. It takes a lot of people to set up things for the worship team, put out all the chairs for 200+ attendees, and move around all our fans to keep us cool. It was around 80 degrees today and we're in a building with no air conditioning and no windows! But despite the work to get things ready to go in time for worship, we always leave with a sense that we have been privileged to be in God's presence and to bring praise to Him. That's the real reason to have church!

brannons4christ@yahoo.com

Proud To Be Americans

It's holidays like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and July 4th, that make us even more proud to be an American. Obviously, those are not days celebrated in Budapest, Hungary! As we go into the Memorial Day weekend, we reflect on the privileges and benefits of being a citizen of such a great country---the United States of America. We remember the great sacrifices of our men and women in the military that allow for us to wave the red, white, and blue.

Curt and Shay were at the home of some friends this afternoon. Their flat has a "U.S.A. corner". The husband and wife are American missionaries that go to our Budapest church. The U.S.A corner is all red, white, and blue American-decorated. Flags, quilts, pictures, and signs that all proclaim that they are proud to be Americans! It made us feel right at home and reminded us that just because we live in another country, we don't have to give up our patriotism and love for our home country.

This weekend, let's don't forget to thank God for our wonderful country!

brannons4christ@yahoo.com

Good-bye to Friends

One sad thing that we've learned about being here in Budapest is that there are so many good-byes. Budapest is like a central "hub" for many missions organizations. There are missionaries that are stationed in Budapest but serve more regionally in their ministries. Others come specifically to serve in Hungary. Still others have ministries that include both Hungarians and other European people. With that much activity going on, it's a blessing that there are quite a few Americans that we can interact with and get to know.

But the downside or maybe the sad side with that many Americans being here is that there comes a time that some have to leave. Some leave because they believe God is calling them to a different part of the world and different ministry. Others leave because their work is finished in this region and it's time to return to the states. We know of some missionaries that are leaving for furloughs or to go and raise more support. Hopefully, they will return to Budapest. Another couple that we are friends with might have to leave Budapest because both sets of their parents are in failing health. They may have to become the primary caregivers for their parents thus honoring them in a proper, Christ-like way.

For many reasons, May is a natural break for people to leave and say their permanent good-byes. And that's happening again this year. So, although we're completing some of our ministry reponsibilities here, we also have to face the reality of saying good-bye to special friends. What helps us get through this sad time is to remind ourselves that believers have the hope of eternity to spend together and that wherever we go, God goes with us.

So, good-bye to you, our special friends! How grateful we are that we had the privilege of getting to know you, serve with you, see God use you, and rejoice with you in the truth of the gospel.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. " Joshua 1:9

brannons4christ@yahoo.com

Wrapping Things Up

May is such a full month. It's probably that way for most everyone! Maybe you can relate?? It seems that everything comes to an end in May. And that makes for hectic schedules. It's that way over here in Budapest, too.

During this month, we will see the wrapping up of many things. Curt's two men's Bible groups have come to a close. One of those met at our house and the other one met at the Campus Crusade Headquarters. The men would probably view those groups as successful and meaningful. Also, the mission team from the states has come and gone. What a great time we had with our friends from First Bible Church. All that planning for them to come and then it went by so fast! Continuing with ending things for Curt, he rotates off the Elder Board at Danube International at the end of this month. It has been a blessing for him to serve with such godly men.

Shay finishes up the BSF class on May 29th. Olivia has already completed her work for the FEK ministry. Their last meeting was this past Friday. (see Olivia's blog) Now, her next project ahead with this ministry will be the SpeakOut camp and Korea this summer. Also, the girls will finish homeschool on May 25th. There will be a couple of school things that will spill over into June but for the most part, they are done.

So, the "finish line" is ahead and God has sustained us by His grace and your prayers. Please continue to pray for us as we make ministry decisions for this summer and beyond. Although many things are coming to an end, we don't plan to take a "vacation" from God this summer! There are many opportunities and much work still to be done in this part of the world.

brannons4christ@yahoo.com

The Work in Serbia

Some pictures from the work done on the church in Erdevik. Thank you for praying for all of us here. The guys were put safely on the plane flying back to the states. They'll arrive late tonight. They'll still have a little time to say Happy Mother's Day!

Team Doing Well

Our interaction with the guys in Serbia is pretty limited. But what we have heard is what we definitely want to hear----they are safe and healthy. Certainly, an answer to many prayers. Apparently, the weather has been terrific for them which has allowed for busy, full days of work on the church in Erdevik. Curt said they have had very meaningful interaction with the nationals there and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ seem pleased to have had the team come. Looks like lots of things are being accomplished and our prayer that the team would be a blessing to the people there is being clearly answered. Thank you for your prayers and please keep praying!

brannons4christ@yahoo.com

Internet Issues

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to alert you to some Internet problems we've been having. We've lost our Internet off and on in the last 24 hours or so. It makes us think that we might have missed or lost some of our emails. So, if you've sent us an email in the last 24 hours and haven't gotten a reply from us, please resend your email. We would hate to miss your contact! And we're pretty good about replying when someone contacts us. The way we feel about it is that if you take the time to email, the least we can do is answer you! So, if you don't get a reply, it means we didn't receive your email.

We hope to have an update soon from the crew in Serbia. We'll post that info as we receive it. Thanks so much for your prayers for us!

brannons4christ@yahoo.com

First Bible Team Arrives

We're glad for the safe arrival of Kevin, Steve, and Bob! Here they are with Curt right after Sunday lunch in Budapest. All of us enjoyed worshipping together at Danube International this morning and hearing Ronnie Stevens preach. Thank you for your prayers for their safety in travel. Please continue to pray for them as the 4 guys leave tomorrow for Serbia.

brannons4christ@yahoo.com

Prayers for Serbia Trip

We're looking forward to our team from First Bible Church arriving tomorrow. They bring the rain with them since it's supposed to start raining tomorrow through all next week! But that's ok since they bring love and prayers from people back home.

They will have from Saturday until Monday morning to get acclimated to this time zone. Then they and Curt leave early on Monday headed to Serbia. Hopefully, before they go, we'll be able to squeeze some sightseeing and visiting in with the guys.

We would appreciate your prayers for all of us over the next few days. Please pray for:

*Safety in travel.

*No one to get sick or injured while in Serbia.

*That the team will be a blessing and encouragement to the church at Erdevik.

*That the team members will be blessed and will desire to glorify God even more through missions.

*Safety for Shay, Olivia, and Meredith while Curt is away.

Thank you so much!

brannons4christ@yahoo.com