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.