The Mission is Done

Monday morning saw some very tired people down at breakfast but a restful day today will help recharge batteries. A few people are heading home today but because of the Hungarian Grand Prix yesterday air fares are extortionately high. Consequently most of the team are taking a day to enjoy Budapest and fly home tomorrow (Tuesday) on much cheaper flights.
After breakfast we had a final team meeting to give thanks in prayer. We then started our feedback by having an. Informal time for people to give some thoughts whilst it was all fresh. It is great praise to the whole team's efforts this week that lots of comments were offered and none was negative in nature - everyone is praising the good and seeing how we can improve. More formal feedback will come in written form from each of the team leaders following consultation with their teams over the next few weeks.
After the meeting Andrew had some useful tips of where to go and what to see, including some group activities for us to join if we want to ... like a lovely meal that 12 of us shared in a super restaurant. Most of the youth team and the younger ones in the school team have joined up and are having fun in a place that has probably the best views in Budapest; they all deserve it.
So that is it. The Ukraine Summer Mission is now over and we will be home tomorrow.
We have clearly seen the Lord at work this week in the hearts and actions of everyone.
Once again Andrew, myself and the whole team want to thank you for your support and prayers ... and comments on the blog; and may all the glory go to Him!
Until next time.
Yours in Christ
Andrew and Ian
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The Day is Done - Sunday

We arrived at the hotel about 2am and most should by now be showered (how good does that feel!) and ready, if not in bed. I took the minibus on a tour of Budapest dropping off a few of our Hungarian translators and Andrew should be back soon having done the same in the car.
Going back to a little earlier on ... just before the border we stopped for the traditional team photo at the memorial and the we crossed the border. As mentioned in the earlier blog this was not too bad and then it was the long drive to Budapest. We stopped off for a meal in our normal stop-off restaurant but did not get there until 11pm, they kindly waited for us. Many of the team were a bit bleary eyed but it did not take them too long to be full of life again.
Well last blog tomorrow but for now I am in need if rest.
Yours in Christ
Andrew and Ian
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All Through

Minibus, coach and car all through the boarder in just under 3 hours. People are hot, tired but generally in good spirits. Heading for supper then to Budapest. It is going to be a late night.
More later ...

The Day So Far

As I am sitting at the border I thought I would talk the opportunity to give you an update if the day so far.
We had a lovely service in Akli at 8.30 that started off with 2 Christenings. This made us overrun a bit so it was a bit of a dash to Uj Akli at the end. However those from Akli were able to get the coach packed and some headed back to their host families. A few went to a local village Nevetland (Atilla's main village that is not part of our mission) to show some support to Atilla, largest parish.
Uj Akli is the smallest village and they meet in a converted shop but inside you can feel spiritual blessings. There is hope that one day a purpose built church building will be possible ... sadly funds and Christian partners to make this happen are not available.
Again it was a dash for me to Gyula and we made up a little time so that we arrived just as the final church bells were chiming. After the Uj Akli service some went back with their hosts but many made it up this final service. Andrew was doing a magnificent job being part of the services and also finding time to ensure that as the coach left each village for the next no cases etc were left behind.
The Gyula service ended about 12.45 and the it was back to host families for lunch .... not much time when some had quite a walk.
The services were lovely and we involved the villagers in some of the readings and the singing of songs in 2 languages simultaneously is just wonderful.
The gospel message was heard at each service and I just pity the poor people who were each service as they heard it all 3 times!
I will share a few thoughts with you about a couple of the services; at Akli we started with the welcoming of new life with the Christenings only to be told in the notices at the end that one of the long serving ladies from the church had died early this morning aged 99.
Then at Gyula, at the end of the service, Jeno's wife gave an emotional thank you and farewell and tears flowed. She was having to speak on behalf of Jeno who was deputising at Bela's church so that Bela could be with us in Gyula.
At each of the services we received gifts and some of these will be presented to the church on our return. Jeno gave us a beautifully wooden engraved plaque with one of the key mission verses upon it - John 20:31 explaining why some of Jesus' miracles were written in the bible.
After a very quick lunch we were back at Gyula church to do the final loading and say the final very tearful goodbyes. All the host families were there along with Bela, Atilla and the Mayor. Lots of tears and hugs and we eventually dragged ourselves away at about 2.30pm.
It is hard to leave.

Just arrived at the border

Hi everyone we arrived at the border about 5 mins ago - 5pm after some emotional farewells back in the villages.
More later...

The Day is Done - Saturday

Well it is another late night following the Youth bonfire and we have had a great time. Many of the school team joined the youth team and they had a great impact. Lots of local youth came along with those who had been to Youth Camp during the week along with some of us still young at heart! A brilliant way for them to end the week.
As I am sure you recall it was our Family Day today but the medics missed most of it as they tirelessly worked through all the patients and booked home visits. Some of them managed to break late afternoon to catch the last bit of the fun before returning to pack up. Over the week they did almost the same amount of blood tests as last year but with 1 less doctor - they are such an amazing, handworking team.
The school team did an exception job all morning compiling an inventory of materials left behind. It was decided this year that unused materials would be stored for future use; demonstrating good stewardship of resources and will mean that any funds for similar items in the future will not be needed.
Andrew and I have really valued your comments. Best wishes and prayers. The last days get even more busy for us as we tie up financial matters and plan the way forward with Adele and Bela. As the teams pack up the logistics increase but is a challenge we both enjoy.
A comment on the blog asked if the roads have improved ... definitely not and are getting worse, some very nasty holes.
The Family Day was a great success and another sunny day. It was a first for the mission as we went to a splendid, huge house at the top of Akli Hedge (looking down on the church/camp area where we had the bonfire party tonight) with stunning views out over the fields to Romania. The lady who owns it was involved in the gas explosion a little while ago and has some nasty burn scars. She heard of our dilemma with the rain and how we would cope in the woods if it did rain. So she contacted Atilla and offered to let use her whole house any grounds - it easily swallowed us, host families and a few others. Atilla has been visiting her regularly and she gave her life to Christ quite recently. She gave a moving testimony to everyone and then to Andrew and I she said how wonderful it would be if God had a good use for the house and garden,
Well the practical part of the mission is now over. Tomorrow we go to the village services which are led by Atilla or Bela but we provided the content. We have people leading worship, prayers and reading the bible passage at the service for the village they live in; I am giving a talk at each. The logistics is interesting as the coach follows the services collecting the team and their luggage as it goes .... so the service times are Akli 8.30 the Uj Akli 10am (both with Atilla) the everyone is at the Gyula service, if we fit in, at 11.30am. We then go to have lunch with the Gyula host families who now have several extra from the other villages - they organise this with little input from us and just shows how warm, hospitable and caring people they are .... they really love us coming. Then it is back to the Gyula church were the coach, minibus and car take us on am emotional farewell as we head to the boarder. We do not usually have too much difficulty going this way and we would value your prayers that this is the case.
Time just to read my talk through and the sleep.
God bless
Ian and Andrew

Friday - continued

Well here I am again and have sat down for an iced tea and thought I would finish last night's blog updating you on Friday ... sorry I fell asleep!
The medics had a really busy day with a full list of patients to see from the previous day's registrations ... and still they were queuing at 7.30am for more registrations. The dentist had a similar busy day and also managed to fit in a quick visit from another local dentist to see how we might build a relationship there too. Sasha and Tony are getting on really well and working well together.
As we brought the whole program one day forward today (Friday) saw the last day for the school team and the youth team. The school had a fun filled morning followed by a final assembly outside, now that the rain has stopped (it has been a beautiful day - scream and water to drink now rather than muddy feet and water falling as rain). With all the children sat under a gazebo songing and listening to the gospel message during the assembly, I stood a little over at one side with Pastor Bela and an translator just watching and listening. About half way through the talk Bela just broke down in tears .. He said he was so pleased we were here and doing so much with the children, medical, youth and all the other things. The youth team had a great final day too with lots if fun games and enjoyment.
The school team started tidying up during the afternoon to start getting the school back to how it was.
The Winter Mission follow up in Gyula was fantastic and we have re ignited their passion to move the church forward with some things for them to aim for. They are so grateful for the teaching and encouragement from the winter visits. Pastor Bela was there too and it was great to see that he has the same drive as us to see the Elders more involved and to work on a vision they can push forward with. The Winter Mission has really helped them and they are now seeing the difference between short term planning, which they are food at, and a long term vision. They understand more of how they must work with, support and sometimes substitute for the pastor.
The Gyula Thanksgiving service followed and Drew captivated the congregation with a great service including a very moving testimony from one of the Medical Team.
Then we headed to the Akli Social .. and I think that is where I fell asleep last night and the blog ended a bit prematurely.
More tonight to give you an update from Saturday .... it has been a good day and the sun was shinning.
Yours in Christ
Ian and Andrew

Last Blog Late

Just checked and my blog from last night did not go .... I fell asleep and did not check ...... it should have gone at way past midnight.
Will update you on the rest of Friday soon ... just catching my breath on a busy Saturday.

The Day is Done - Friday

What a great evening we have just had at the Akli social. Most of the team were there, including the medics who came straight from work. The team did us proud on stage with solos from Jonathan Tarcy, Fiona Darling and Aeona Winchcombe. Aeona and Freya Winchcombe the did a duet followed by Simon (Dad) making a trio for their 3rd number. The Howe's stole the show with an hilarious sketch where Lucy teaches ballet; Andy in a ballet dress is something to behold (look out for evidence on You Tube. The team did 3 songs with "Doe a Deer" being the finale with actions too.
.... more later: just cannot keep my eyes open.

The Day is Done - Wednesday

We have had a brilliant day in splendid weather - what a transformation the sun has made. The teams are doing great and energy levels have been restored despite no "Family Day" yesterday when many can have a rest. People are feeling tired but work rate is still phenomenal everywhere.
We have made the decision to have the "Family Day" on Saturday despite the fact that the weather is likely to deteriorate a little ... tomorrow looks like it is to be a sunny day. Leaving this "Family Day" until our last full day means that the School and Youth can end their program without a bang and not have a separated last day when the momentum of the theme would be lost - they build up to the last day as the week progresses and looking at both of the venues the children and youth are having great fun .... about 127 in the school and a whopping 110 at the youth camp!
The medics had a good but very busy day with as many patient registrations today as we had in all 3 days in Akli during the first part of the week; now it is just up to the doctors to see them all. There will be more registrations tomorrow. The dentists had a great day and got set up very quickly after the village move. They also were able to send one of the team (Lucy) into the school to do some oral hygiene teaching; which is badly needed.
Talking of the school; Cath and Simon run this and it is no mean feat, especially right at the end of their school year back home. They celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary today ... congratulations to you both.
The Community Team continue to run a very varied program and today put on an extra afternoon event in Gyula that was run mainly by the villagers ... and darts made a return appearance after the success last year; not quite ready for a Ukraine -v- UK tournament but we are still working towards it. In addition to this, helping with the dental setup, daily help at break time in the school, film nights, supervising medical queues and pastoral visits a plenty are keeping the small team very active.
Sunny Friday (we hope) will see final days for the school and youth camps, as mentioned above. The medics will plough on all day seeing as many as possible and doing some home visits - several instigated by the Community Team pastoral visits.
The evening is going to be very busy with the Winter Feedback in Gyula followed by a Thanksgiving Service, led by Drew again, and similar to the one in Akli on Tuesday. Everyone then piles onto minibuses (there are only 3 run by locals and buzz between the 3 villages all day, getting a rest when they can) and heads to Akli for a Social .... this is the only social and it is chance for the villagers and us to sample some of our entertainment prowess ... more of this on the blog tomorrow.
Please pray for all these happenings tomorrow.
We had a lunchtime meeting today at the Gyula pastors house where Jeno remains for only a short time longer. Andrew, myself and Lyn (representing Petersfield URC). We met the Dean, Jeno and Chilla (Jeno's wife) to tell them the magnificent news that the money needed to make their "new" house liveable would be given by an incredible donation from Perterfield URC and the small remainder from the mission fund reserves. Tears flowed.
I am very tired again so must close for the night .... have only fallen asleep twice whilst writing this.
PS We are conducting a search of Zoe's host family house to find the missing shampoo! (see Janet's earlier blog comment)

Youth Camp

Having Fun!

The Sun is Out

It is late morning and it has not rained since breakfast. It is drying and spirits are lifted now the sun can been seen occasionally.
Praise God for the sunshine and thanks for your prayers.
Please also pray for good health ... the medics have warned us that after such a long period of rain the risk of illness increase as "tics" will be on the rampage.
More later ...

The Day is Done - Wednesday

Another day of continuous rain but we are not defeated or disheartened at all. It has been a tough day and all teams are having to dig deep. Please pray for us all to keep Jesus at the centre of all we do and to do it for his glory.
The School numbers went up again today to 137 and the Youth lept from 60 yesterday to 88 today - and they are determined not to turn anyone away.
The Medical move went well and they were seeing patients in Gyula by about 3.30pm, normally first patients are not seen until Thursday.
The Community Team continue to do an amazing job and I have yet to hear how the Bingo went, but I have no doubt it would have been brilliant. They support the other teams in so many ways too. They have been joined by a new team member today (Peter) who did battle with delayed trains to arrive at about 5pm, work commitments preventing him coming out with the rest of the team. He will join Jan doing some pastoral visits and some of these can be difficult; translators play a key role in this part of the mission and. Andrea (from the Ukraine College) is doing a phenomenal job with Jan.
All the translators do such a great job and without them no part of the mission would be possible.
I have just finished a meeting with Andrew as we met Pastor Bela, the Dean for the area,the mayor and a representative from a Christian organisation who support building projects. We discussed the nursery project and how we can support them to pay for the roof construction ... a very long day.
Please continue to pray for the whole team for grace, unity and a desire to serve in whatever way is needed.
Tomorrow is likely to the medical queues bigger as Gyula is a bigger village. It will be interesting to see how many children/youngsters turn up as both the school and youth are near capacity. Please pray that they receive wisdom and strength to tackle these numbers with virtually no access to run around outside.
The second visit to the remote village is planned tomorrow afternoon and it is hoped that this can build on Tuesday's visit.
Okay, time for sleep - it has been a long day.
Yours in Christ
Andrew and Ian

The Day is Done - Tuesday

Well it is still raining and it has been fairly relentless. The roads are very muddy too as you can imagine. But ... we are far from defeated or low in spirit and the teams are rising to the challenge.
The medics are working very hard and despite the lack of long queues outside the number of patients seen is larger than normal and we believe this is because the villagers cannot work in the fields because of the rain so they are taking the opportunity to see the doctors and dentists. The dental team had a better day today following a very frustrating day yesterday when 4 out of the 5 sterilising machines did not work - a vital piece of equipment for them.
All the events went well and the Community Team's "Beetle Drive" in the afternoon had them shouting for more ... even Pastor Bela (the temporary Gyula pastor) won a round. Great fun. The visit to the village a little way away by the small team went very well and this is a great encouragement.
Winter Feedback followed by the Thanksgiving service went really well in Akli tonight and Drew led a wonderful service with songs, prayers, testimonies and Drew's talk; it is so good to celebrate like this at the end of a busy but fulfilling day.
The school and youth continue to rise to the challenge of not being able to do any activities outside. The behaviour of the children/youth is good and this is in small part to the excellent leadership and dedication of the teams.
Gyula had it's village meal tonight hosted by Pastor Bela in Jeno's house. It was great to have Jeno there too and also the mayor. After a lovely meal, prepared lovingly by the ladies most of the day, we were invited to give the ladies a "present" by singing to them. Cath and Toby led us in a couple of worship songs accompanied by the guitar and our hosts then sang a reply. What followed can only be described as a Christian bash with both sides singinging after each other. The Mission team topped the bill with 3 songs from the Sound of Music closely followed by a rendition of "Father God I Wonder" with both sides singing at the same time ... everyone in Hungarian first time round and the second time in English and Hungarian together! What a joyful sound ... who said Christians do not know how to have fun!
As I mentioned earlier tomorrow is a working day and we move the medical team during the mid/late morning with the aim of getting patient registration open at 2.30pm.
Please give thanks for 2 great days so far and that tomorrow goes well and everyone's energy levels remain high and frustration levels low. Please also pray for the rain to cease and everywhere to dry quickly.
Weather update - I will let you guess .... still raining.
More later; I mean blog, not rain.
Andrew (my co-writer on the blog) and I want to thank you again for your encouraging blog comments and prayers.
God bless.
Andrew and Ian

Challenging Times

The weather is still very wet and proving a challenge for all the teams as so much relies on being outside - school activities, medical queues etc.
We have decided that we are changing the programme schedule and moving the Wednesday "rest" day and so will continue with the work days without the midweek break. We will have the break at the end of the week; which day will depend on the weather. The forecast is for some improvement during the week.
This will be a real logistic challenge for our team and the villagers with all the arrangements that need changing. We believe it can be done and would value your prayers to make it happen.
Communication is the key and it is not that easy out here especially with such short notice.
More later
God bless
Ian