This fall we have been in the US.  Our primary reasons for being here have been to get Michael, child #3, transitioned into college and life in the U.S., to reconnect with friends and family, and to build up our team of ministry partners (those who invest in the Lord's ministry through us).

It's been a GREAT time together as a family!  We have felt very, very blessed.  All 7 of our immediate family members have been in the same town (College Station, TX).  We've had many times of fun fellowship together as a whole family.  Truly, it's been more than we could have hoped for!

Now we're making final, last-minute preparations to enjoy a family Christmas together!

"How I Spent My Summer Vacation" Ever write an essay on this theme when you were in school?  Our report on the summer would feature one BIG THING.  Speak Out Evangelistic English Camp!

What is Speak Out?  It's a fun-filled week of camp where students can strengthen their English skills.  Students in Europe want desperately to improve their English. Our English Camps offer an opportunity to stretch their English abilities and learn of God’s sacrificial love for them.

We traveled to Balaton, Hungary to join our sister ministry as part of their Speak Out camps.  Our goal was to learn ways to strengthen our own English camps in Slovakia next summer.

Speak Out is a little wild and crazy (what else could it be with so many students?)!  It's also very serious from a spiritual perspective. Doug led a small discussion group of 3 Hungarian guys each afternoon.  He had the great privilege of leading one of these young men to faith in Christ!  Matt, the guy wearing red (to the right of Doug in the picture above) trusted in Jesus as his Savior!

Students love the fun evironment of Speak Out.  It's a great context in which to safely discuss deep topics like eternal life!

Small group discussion (right) is the heart of what makes Speak Out such a effective and fruitful way of sharing the Good News of God's love with students.

Our staff conference was a very encouraging time!  We spent 3 days with all of our co-workers in Slovakia, both Slovaks (14 staff, 2 "Jesus" film workers) and Americans (3 staff). (Click on any of the pictures here to see them larger).

We worshipped together, and played games together.

We talked and ate together.  (Obviously, some of us were less than impressed with certain me nu offerings at meals.  Maria, one of our "staff kids", expresses her opinion of the beets).

We heard ministry updates from all of our teams: Campus Ministry (2 locations), Athletes in Action and the "Jesus" film ministry. 

We also heard challenging, encouraging teaching.  Our  dear friend, Tomas Kriska (a local Slovak pastor) and his wife, Ester taught on being authentic in relationships and in ministry. 

Now that our Staff Conference is behind us, we're focusing fully on getting back into the regular rhythm of life here.  It's not easy after being gone for just over 4 months!

Please also pray for us as we seek to be available to help our 2 oldest children, Jonathan and Anna, who are in college back in Texas.  Thank the Lord for the way we are able to use the internet to stay connected over a distance of 5000 miles!  It makes missionary life and parenting a whole lot easier!

Thank you for your prayers!