That's how long it has been since we left the United States to live in Budapest, Hungary. We left the Huntsville International Airport on March 30th, 2004, and arrived in Hungary on March 31st. Things seem a little hazy to us those first few days. We were experiencing major jet-lag and were also sleeping in an interesting hotel situation. Plus, we didn't have our bearings as to where we were in Budaors. New people, new food, new landlord. NEW!! And DIFFERENT!! But God can even work through new and different and make those characteristics things we would love and cherish.
We're very thankful to all of you that have stuck by us and cared about what we were doing and how we were feeling. Many of you gathered at the airport that day and prayed for us and sent us off to Europe. Your support has meant so much to us. Thank you!
brannons4christ@yahoo.com
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
A Letter From Serbia
Below is a recent prayer letter from our First Bible Church-supported missionaries in Serbia. Jarko and Elena are Serbian nationals and have become very dear to our hearts. God is using them to reach their countrymen for Christ:
Novi Sad, Serbia
March 28, 2008
Dear in Christ,
Dear brothers and sisters, warm greetings from Elena and Jarko Jurik in Serbia.
Thank you for your continuous prayers, support and financial gifts for God's work here in Serbia. It is very encouraging to have such strong support from you who are physically far away but feel spiritually near by.
The situation in Serbia is very tense since the independence declaration of Kosovo on February 17th. The current government has fallen apart and new elections are scheduled for May 11th. Essentially people are split into two camps - pro west Europe or pro east Russia.
Economy is very unstable, inflation is high and prices change and go up every day. People are dissatisfied and the government employees are corrupt.
We think this is a great opportunity to tell people the good news about the Gospel in this time of turmoil. My wife Elena and I are traveling a lot visiting local churches to support, teach and encourage members to go out and tell the good news. The number of born again believers in Serbia is very small and there are few churches. The Serbian Orthodox church has a stronghold on people and an orthodox priest told me personally that the second coming is close and that us evangelical should change our belief before it is too late.
Please continue to pray for this country and the people in Serbia that they have an open heart for the Gospel. Please pray for us on our travels across the country and our soon occurring move to smaller town outside of Novi Sad.
In Him,
Jarko and Elena Jurik
If the Lord leads you to partner with us financially, a check can be made out to PIONEERS and mailed to:USA - PIONEERS, 10123 William Carey Dr., Orlando, FL 32827
Serbia – Jurik Account # 136005
Canada - PIONEERS, 51 Byron Avenue, Dorchester Ont. N0L 1G2 Canada,
Serbia – Jurik Account # 31160
Novi Sad, Serbia
March 28, 2008
Dear in Christ,
Dear brothers and sisters, warm greetings from Elena and Jarko Jurik in Serbia.
Thank you for your continuous prayers, support and financial gifts for God's work here in Serbia. It is very encouraging to have such strong support from you who are physically far away but feel spiritually near by.
The situation in Serbia is very tense since the independence declaration of Kosovo on February 17th. The current government has fallen apart and new elections are scheduled for May 11th. Essentially people are split into two camps - pro west Europe or pro east Russia.
Economy is very unstable, inflation is high and prices change and go up every day. People are dissatisfied and the government employees are corrupt.
We think this is a great opportunity to tell people the good news about the Gospel in this time of turmoil. My wife Elena and I are traveling a lot visiting local churches to support, teach and encourage members to go out and tell the good news. The number of born again believers in Serbia is very small and there are few churches. The Serbian Orthodox church has a stronghold on people and an orthodox priest told me personally that the second coming is close and that us evangelical should change our belief before it is too late.
Please continue to pray for this country and the people in Serbia that they have an open heart for the Gospel. Please pray for us on our travels across the country and our soon occurring move to smaller town outside of Novi Sad.
In Him,
Jarko and Elena Jurik
If the Lord leads you to partner with us financially, a check can be made out to PIONEERS and mailed to:USA - PIONEERS, 10123 William Carey Dr., Orlando, FL 32827
Serbia – Jurik Account # 136005
Canada - PIONEERS, 51 Byron Avenue, Dorchester Ont. N0L 1G2 Canada,
Serbia – Jurik Account # 31160
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Pictures From Recent Serbia Trip
Jarko and Elena's House Being Built
Igor and Anita's Church in Ruma
Erdevik Church
The Material DID Arrive in Erdevik!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
He is Risen......
HE IS RISEN INDEED!!!!!! Happy Easter from our home to yours. We pray God's glorious blessings for you on this special day. The most important day on the Christian's calendar!
"Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and saw the stone already taken away from the tomb....." John 20:1
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Eventful Week Continues.....
Our week continues to be an eventful one. Curt returned from Serbia last night. He had a very productive, SAFE trip which we're thankful for. Thank you to all of you that prayed for him and for his travel into Serbia this week. Although, yesterday, we did hear that Serbia had recalled their ambassador to Hungary. Hungary, on Wednesday, declared support for Kosovo independence which is against the government of Serbia. It was good that we didn't hear about that until today! It might have made crossing the border be a little more nerve-wracking.
We'll be posting pictures from his trip. Some of the pictures will have snow in them--something Curt didn't expect! Especially since he didn't take a heavy coat. He left Hungary in bright sunshine. Curt also got several completed copies of the Picture Bible given to him by Dane. The Bible is just beautiful. The copies will go to the family from our home church that financed this important translation project. Hopefully, they'll be pleased with the finished product.
The packing continues this week as we're heading toward a Tuesday deadline to get our U.S. stuff ready to go. We're sharing a container with two other families and so we have to be ready to go when they're ready to go. Our house looks so strange with many keepsakes already packed up. What a blessing this house has been for us!
Tomorrow, Curt goes back to the border to meet Jarko who's bringing Pastor Ronnie from the Bible School in Opovo. This saves Curt a lot of time and he doesn't have to go all the way into Serbia.
Thank you for your prayers for us!
brannons4christ@yahoo.com
We'll be posting pictures from his trip. Some of the pictures will have snow in them--something Curt didn't expect! Especially since he didn't take a heavy coat. He left Hungary in bright sunshine. Curt also got several completed copies of the Picture Bible given to him by Dane. The Bible is just beautiful. The copies will go to the family from our home church that financed this important translation project. Hopefully, they'll be pleased with the finished product.
The packing continues this week as we're heading toward a Tuesday deadline to get our U.S. stuff ready to go. We're sharing a container with two other families and so we have to be ready to go when they're ready to go. Our house looks so strange with many keepsakes already packed up. What a blessing this house has been for us!
Tomorrow, Curt goes back to the border to meet Jarko who's bringing Pastor Ronnie from the Bible School in Opovo. This saves Curt a lot of time and he doesn't have to go all the way into Serbia.
Thank you for your prayers for us!
brannons4christ@yahoo.com
Monday, March 17, 2008
Eventful Week!
The Lord's Day yesterday was a wild and crazy day. We started the week off with a bang! On "Mind Control Conference" Sundays, it's always going to be a little different because this conference meets in the building next to our church about 10 times a year. So, when they meet, there is no parking to be found around our church. It's a hike to church but certainly worth it! Yesterday was no different and it was a little challenging getting to church on time--even for those of us that arrive early to set things up. Also, with a guest speaker, that adds some stress because things don't usually go as smoothly as when Pastor Ronnie is preaching. But Dr. Stanley Touissant certainly blessed us and he added much good to the worship service. And as a positive note to the Mind Control attendees taking our parking places, the Adult Sunday School class decided to turn the situation for good. Several of the class members arrived early and gave out bottled water and invitations to the attendees for the Danube Easter service this week. According to the class members, it was really positive and they believe that some of the Hungarian attendees will visit us for Easter. We pray they will and we know they will hear TRUTH.
To continue the crazy Sunday, Curt's car had began to die on him on the way to church and that wasn't good. He was planning on taking that car to Serbia on Sunday afternoon. A rental car had to be hastily arranged since he couldn't take the van! Curt was responsible to get Ronnie down to the Bible School in Opovo in time for Ronnie to teach. So, leaving for Serbia HAD to happen. Praise! Curt and Ronnie arrived safely in Serbia even in a rental car and even with the car stuffed with things for people in Serbia. They sailed through the border and got to the Bible school late Sunday night.
Then we had another adventure this morning--Monday. Sarah Duggan, the daughter of Shay's good friend, came to visit for a few days. Sarah is an Auburn student and she is studying Spanish for 4 months in Spain. She flew over to Budapest from Madrid on Thursday. We had a terrific time with her over the weekend. Since Curt was in Serbia, Shay and Olivia were planning to take Sarah to the airport this morning. Sarah's family was also flying into Madrid THIS morning to visit with her for a few days. So, of course, getting her to her flight was important. We left in plenty of time but oh no! The traffic was at an incredible level. We inched along. A 40 minute trip to the airport turned into a 2 hour trip. It truly was looking like Sarah would miss her flight. We were really praying that wouldn't happen! She just couldn't miss a minute of being with her family. But Praise! After some "speeding" on Shay's part, we arrived at the airport about 20 minutes before the flight was to take off. Sarah and Olivia ran in and checked in. The lady checking her in was shocked that Sarah was just checking in. They ended up esorting Sarah to the plane and told her that her luggage wouldn't make it. Oh, well. At least Sarah made it.
Whew! What a week and it's only Monday. We're busy packing to send stuff next Tuesday so that will make our week full. Plus, with Easter Sunday coming and so many logistics to work out for that, it could make for an interesting few days. We're sure you've had crazy weeks like this, too! So, you'll know how to pray. It truly encourages us to know that people read our blog and pray for all of us. Thank you! Your prayers are appreciated.
brannons4christ@yahoo.com
To continue the crazy Sunday, Curt's car had began to die on him on the way to church and that wasn't good. He was planning on taking that car to Serbia on Sunday afternoon. A rental car had to be hastily arranged since he couldn't take the van! Curt was responsible to get Ronnie down to the Bible School in Opovo in time for Ronnie to teach. So, leaving for Serbia HAD to happen. Praise! Curt and Ronnie arrived safely in Serbia even in a rental car and even with the car stuffed with things for people in Serbia. They sailed through the border and got to the Bible school late Sunday night.
Then we had another adventure this morning--Monday. Sarah Duggan, the daughter of Shay's good friend, came to visit for a few days. Sarah is an Auburn student and she is studying Spanish for 4 months in Spain. She flew over to Budapest from Madrid on Thursday. We had a terrific time with her over the weekend. Since Curt was in Serbia, Shay and Olivia were planning to take Sarah to the airport this morning. Sarah's family was also flying into Madrid THIS morning to visit with her for a few days. So, of course, getting her to her flight was important. We left in plenty of time but oh no! The traffic was at an incredible level. We inched along. A 40 minute trip to the airport turned into a 2 hour trip. It truly was looking like Sarah would miss her flight. We were really praying that wouldn't happen! She just couldn't miss a minute of being with her family. But Praise! After some "speeding" on Shay's part, we arrived at the airport about 20 minutes before the flight was to take off. Sarah and Olivia ran in and checked in. The lady checking her in was shocked that Sarah was just checking in. They ended up esorting Sarah to the plane and told her that her luggage wouldn't make it. Oh, well. At least Sarah made it.
Whew! What a week and it's only Monday. We're busy packing to send stuff next Tuesday so that will make our week full. Plus, with Easter Sunday coming and so many logistics to work out for that, it could make for an interesting few days. We're sure you've had crazy weeks like this, too! So, you'll know how to pray. It truly encourages us to know that people read our blog and pray for all of us. Thank you! Your prayers are appreciated.
brannons4christ@yahoo.com
Saturday, March 15, 2008
March 15 National Hungarian Holiday
Today is a national holiday for the Hungarian people. This holiday marks the 1848 Independence Revolution against Habsburg domination. After the Habsburg rule ended, the first Republic of Hungary was established.
Today is a beautiful day with lots of sunshine. There will be events around the city marking this day. Flags and bunting will be flying all over the city. Hungarians are very patriotic and enjoy marking important days in their history.
We celebrate with them and salute their country!
brannons4christ@yahoo.com
Monday, March 10, 2008
Last Things
Our Yang Ming Container full of our stuff finally arrives!
Learning to mow the yard with an extension cord??? 
Oliva had the first birthday in Budapest (her 14th)
We found TGIFridays early in our tenure! (Big cokes WITH refills!!) 
Learning about Budapest (Nice hair, Mom!)Yesterday marked 2 months until we leave Budapest for an extended stay in the states. Well, actually, it's the 3 ladies of the family (four ladies if you count Tessa!) that leave on May 8th for the states. Curt will stay a few more days in Hungary and wrap things up with the house and other logistics.
So, we recognize that we're in the stage of "last things" to do and experience. And that stage has been harder than we thought. The four of us went out to dinner a couple of nights ago and had some interesting table conversation. We talked about the TOP 3 things we would miss the most about Hungary and the TOP 3 things we would NOT miss about Hungary. What was the best "high point" of our 4 year stay? What was the worst "low point" of our time here? And we all came to the conclusion that we were going to really miss being in Budapest and in this part of the world. Amazing! Who would have thought we would have felt that way as we prepare to leave? But it did encourage and remind us that it could have only been God that worked all that out and made this place our home. We celebrate Him and marvel at His Work in us!
So, we recognize that we're in the stage of "last things" to do and experience. And that stage has been harder than we thought. The four of us went out to dinner a couple of nights ago and had some interesting table conversation. We talked about the TOP 3 things we would miss the most about Hungary and the TOP 3 things we would NOT miss about Hungary. What was the best "high point" of our 4 year stay? What was the worst "low point" of our time here? And we all came to the conclusion that we were going to really miss being in Budapest and in this part of the world. Amazing! Who would have thought we would have felt that way as we prepare to leave? But it did encourage and remind us that it could have only been God that worked all that out and made this place our home. We celebrate Him and marvel at His Work in us!
Talking about these things made us fill very nolstagic so we decided to post some pictures from our first weeks in Budapest. Laugh away!
brannons4christ@yahoo.com
brannons4christ@yahoo.com
Monday, March 03, 2008
Moving The Church
Well, not the actual building! But the people of Danube International Church. At least for one Sunday morning. And that was a "test drive". Not a permanent thing yet. But we need space. We're outgrowing our current facility. Certainly a good "problem" to have. But one that has to be addressed. Curt has been working on the "problem" for months and was asked by the Danube Church leadership to find the next facility for our church. That's a pretty big project with 300 people and a children's ministry to accomodate.
So, yesterday, March 2, we tried out the building next door to our current building. This building has so much more to offer us. A 500 seat auditorium. A large atrium for the foyer with lots of light and openness. A terrific place to hang coats. Nice bathrooms. (Ladies' bathroom STILL smaller than the men's. ???) Chairs already set up and we don't have to set them. Good stage area. So, you can see, a real possibility. The problems? A challenge for rooms and their configuration for our children's ministry. A 10 week contract that the building already has with a "Mind Control" Conference that meets there about 10 times a year. But God can work it out if this is our new place!
Curt meets with our church leadership tonight to get some feedback on the "test drive" from yesterday. All we got yesterday was positive feedback from the church members that we talked with. So, we shall see which direction the leadership feels we need to go. Pursue this possibility? Or keep looking. We'll keep you posted....
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