A change of seasons is in the air!
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| The proud papa |
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| The new baby bed |
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| Put the camera away Jillymamma, let me finish this yawn and go to sleep! |
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| Otto and Sharon |
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| Mary Jill being anointed as lead elder on ICB team |
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| Sharon has Word for Mary Jill |
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| MJ and Ago prayed and anointed as Trustees of ICB |
The season of change at home is new life and a new baby. He may only be with me for 3 weeks but already little Jacob is causing changes in all of us - our schedules, our activities, our sleeping and eating patterns. We delight to see him grow and respond to mom and dad. And the local body of Christ is ministering to us all with phone calls, visits, e-mails, facebook posts, advice, food, gifts and doing laundry! You are welcome into our family, baby boy.
The season of change at ICB
Otto and Sharon Bixler who have been in Hungary 18 years and have been called by God to return to America. All they know is that this seasonserving with Ellel Ministries and basing out of Hungary is over.
They know no details of the assignment ahead of them but this couple of Great Faith know and obey the Voice that calls them.
Otto and Sharon have also been part of the International Church of Budapest (ICB) for 18 years. They have been assistant pastors, home group leaders, teachers, mentors, counselors, confidants, elders, trustees, friends and mom and dad to all over these years. We are experiencing sadness, of course but that is mixed with great anticipation to see how God will lead, guide and provide for this next season of their future.
Of course, this change of season for them caused a change of season for us at ICB but I believe God has prepared us for this. And I believe God has really graced us to also anticipate great things for our future as an International Church in Budapest. At one time our church was "the only" International Church here, but now we feel our "niche" is as the only Spirit-filled English speaking church in Budapest. In addition, we feel like we have a heart and a grace for international/ cross cultural couples and families to feel at home with us.
Because of the upcoming leadership changes, I was asked a few months ago if I would consider being a trustee of the church to take Otto's place. That would automatically give me a place on the leadership team as an elder. I agreed since it was not just an administrative, official Hungarian legal position, (which it is) but it would also allow me to minister spiritually and speak into the life of the church. As I positioned my heart to seek God for this position He began to stir an excitement and even a passion for this new season and assignment. I am so blessed to be a part of a great company of faithful, wise and Spirit sensitive co-laborers on this leadership team. I have been further surprised by being named the chief elder of the church. I feel that God has given me a "mandate" to see ICB "Established" and "Moving Forward" . Last Sunday, January 30th we saw "established" Sandor & Patrica Varga as ICB's own worship team and Kafui Tse as Deacon, and Margaret and Selena Omoregbee prayed for to begin a ministry to children from toddler to 6 years old. At that service I was also voted in as Trustee and chief elder and we are being established and are moving forward!!
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| Selena, Felix and Margaret |
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| Margaret, Kafui and Grace saying goodbye to Bixler's |
More exciting news will follow as we are believing God for an increase in the Presence of the Holy Spirit and for new growth. We would like to have new babies this spring at ICB, too.
You be sensitive too, to the winds of change and the hint of new seasons. Where ever you find yourself today, embrace "now" and delight in it as God delights in you! Happy Valentine's Day, too
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