Over and Above!

Our last 2 days are really indescribable. On Saturday, Mark Jensen was able to see Hradčany (Prague Castle) for the first time. Walking through the 700 + year-old castle hill and into St. Vitus Cathedral was a time of reminiscing and reflecting for me, and a time of awe and wonder for Mark.
We've posted a bunch of pictures in a web album. Simply click the link near the bottom of the right-side panel. -------------------------------->>>

I was struck by God's amazing grace in my life and the life of my family from 1993 - 1996 when we lived and worked in Czech Republic. I remember Zach and Abi at ages 11 and 9 giving tours of Prague to construction teams who had come to work on our projects in Central Europe. I remembered the times of prayer with missionary colleagues for the people of Czech Republic, and I remembered the ways that God kept our family and used us to enhance and advance his kingdom. For these memories, and for God's work in our lives that is over and above our greatest expectations, I give Him all the praise!

On the way out of the castle grounds, we ran into some old "friends!" As we gave tours through Prague in the 90's, we would often see this small "orchestra" playing just outside a gate. Well, much to my surprise ... and joy! ... they are still playing there today! If you want to hear a little clip of their music, simply click on this link!

In the afternoon, we rode the train to Cesky Tesin and were met by the Ellenwoods. They welcomed us into their home with wonderful hospitality and after some great conversation, we were finally all tired enough to settle in to some very nice accommodations in their guest apartment. What a great day ... but more was in store!

Today, (Sunday) Mel took us to the Josiah Venture retreat center/hotel Malenovice. This former communist hotel is nestled in the Beskydy Mountains in Eastern Czech. It was refurbished primarily to accommodate campers who come evangelistic English camps run by Josiah Venture. The little yellow dot in the beautiful mountain photo is the hotel/ retreat center. (click on the picture to see their website).

There we met Peter, the hotel manager, and he shared with us the plans for building some cabins and other "out-buildings" that would be used to expand the ministry of this facility. At this time, hundreds of students are coming here to learn English, and at the same time, they are exposed to the amazing love of God in Jesus! "JV" has a reputation in Czech of offering one of the highest quality English camps in the entire country! What a joy it would be for people to be raised up and come alongside this already thriving ministry and see their efforts produce even more fruit for God's glory! We are praying that this would become a reality for a number of groups, starting this summer! We left Malenovice very inspired and pumped for the possibilities!

OK, so if that wasn't enough, we drove to the other side of the valley, and up another mountain-side to a retreat house that Josiah Ventures wants to renovate. This place of respite, relaxation and refreshment would provide JV staff a place where they could come and step out of the mainstream of ministry and get the much needed "in-filling" that is so necessary for people in full time ministry. You can click this link to get more information on the Ellenwood's website.

Beskydy Retreat House

Mel shared his vision as to how this place would be used to touch hundreds of lives, through those who would come here and be refreshed. Again, short-term construction teams could play a big part in this renovation! Mark and I were overwhelmed by the potential impact on ministry that this place could have! So, what can we say??? ... Well, what comes to mind is that God is continually at work all around us in some ways that are above and beyond our imagination, and that He wants us to join Him in what he's doing! Would you consider joining Mel and Dave and Mark and others? The opportunities are here!!

Stroll Around the Grounds Until You Feel At Home!

A most amazing day is coming to an end in Central Europe!

After a wonderful night's sleep we had a delicious breakfast (chleb, or Czech brown bread topped with slices of cheese, salami, cucumber and tomato was certainly my favorite!). Marek Susta arrived and took us to visit his workplace, the Prague Psychiatric Center where he does research. This center is a part of Charles University, where I studied the Czech language in 1993. We had a very engaging conversation with Marek and his colleague Petr on the inter-relatedness of psychology and theology. They gave us a "mini-tour" of the grounds, prefaced by the warning from Marek S ... "I'm gonna show you around a little, stay close if you want to get out!" I as able to snap a picture of the 2 Mareks and Peter "strolling around the grounds" ... hence the title of the blog ... and they did let us out!! We then joined a former colleague of mine, Ritch Trca, for coffee and more conversation about what God is doing in and through our lives. I think it was a very encouraging morning for all of us ... but, there was more to come!

During our time with Ritch, Marek Susta received a phone call from one of my dearest Czech pastor friends, Jiří (George) Hofman. Jiří was the pastor of the Liberec church in Northern Czech Republic; which hosted many construction teams from 1993-1996. This picture of the "tower ceiling" and the cross are projects which God allowed me to work on. Actually, my Dad, Al, and I built the cross! Ask me to tell you the story of installing the ceiling in the tower!


Pastor Hofman and I became very close, and since I had seen him last, his wife had died of cancer. It was a joy to reconnect, and he invited us to come to his apartment just a short ways from Prague and join him for a bowl of soup and more conversation. My Czech was beginning to show signs of hope after a very long lay-off!

Reminiscing and praying with Pastor Hofman was, once again, very encouraging for all of us, but especially for Jiří and I. Bless Markie J's heart for putting up with hours of Czech conversation. If you ask him, he'll probably say that his brain is ready to explode!!

I believe that those of you who are praying that we would be a "Barnabas Team" are having your prayers answered as we move through these days. It seems like the opportunities to encourage are popping up everywhere and we're able to engage in some very worthwhile conversations! Tomorrow we will spend a little more time with Marek, and then take the train to Český Těšín, where we will meet up with Mel Ellenwood and his family. Keep watching for updates, and you can click on the link on the right for more pictures!!

Thanks and blessings,

Dave & Mark

Familiar Faces and Places

Greetings Blog-Land friends!

Mark Jensen and I arrived safely in Europe on Thursday morning!

Wednesday was a great day of getting hauled around, prayed for and traveling through the night (albeit, very short!!). The Cedarbrook Church staff sent Mark and I off with wonderful prayers of blessings for God's protection and leading for us, and for our families! It means a lot to us to have so many people holding us up in prayer. After the prayer send-off, my good friend and New Orleans Outreach Team Leader, Steve Jensen, took us to the airport in Minneapolis. We arrived in Amsterdam at 6:00 (Europe time) ... having very little sleep, but excited to be on this side of the pond!

With lots of time to spare, we took the train to the center of Amsterdam to hook-up with some folks that I met last year at the YWAM base. Click on the link and see how this committed group of people is having a huge impact on this notorious city. Unfortunately, the people I had hoped to see weren't around, but instead, Mark and I met a new brother in Christ, Franz, who we were able to encourage in prayer for his ministry to Muslims. This is one of the purposes of our trip, simply to be an encouragement to the body of Christ wherever we go!!


From there, it was on to Prague where Markie J was introduced to my closest Czech brother, Marek Susta. Friendships were forged even stronger as we relished the flavor of some home made venison jerky as we drove from the airport!! We checked into our hotel and then, Mark J got Marek S's 45 minute whirlwind tour of all the important tourist places in Prague. The quote of the day came from Marek "Well, that's about it for the tour. Anything else will cost you!" (sorry for the blurry picture, the camera phone had fingerprints on! We'll have some crisper one's tomorrow!

We are now settling in to our hotel in Prague, resting after an amazing day and seeing God's hand in a variety of ways.

Please pray for these items as you finish your day!

- Pray that we rest well tonight.
- Pray that Mark J's foot doesn't hinder him getting around (he has a torn ligament)
- Pray that we will continue to encourage those we meet!

Stay tuned for more adventures!! ... and keep in touch, we love hearing back from you on the blog!

Dave Johnson & Mark Jensen

Familiar Journeys

Hello to all my faithful (I think there are at least 3 or 4 of you!) readers of my blog! Please try to restrain yourself, but a few "whoopees!!" and high-fives might be in order as I return to the blogosphere!

On Wednesday, January 30, my close friend Mark Jensen and I will embark on a 17-day "project development and encouragement" trip to Central Europe. We will land in Prague, Czech Republic on Thursday, spend a couple days there with a very dear Czech "comrade," and then "train on" to Eastern Czech. There we will spend 5 days with Mel Ellenwood of Josiah Venture, looking at some projects, and dialogging with him about what kinds of things he could use help with.

On Wednesday, February 6, we're on the train again (click the link to hear Willie sing! ... I'm gonna re-write the lyrics and publish them in tomorrow's blog!) to Eastern Slovakia to visit some very special people we've known for over 8 years ... and encourage them in their work!

On Friday, February 8, we'll jump one more train and make our way from Slovakia to Budapest, Hungary. There we will rendezvous with a work team from Northern Wisconsin, which will included Mark's wife Cathy! While in Budapest, we will work on a variety of projects on the Olimpia Mozi, the ministry center where we've worked in the past and where Mark and Cathy lived for 3 months in 2004!

Our main goal for this trip is to "look and listen" for service opportunities for people to become involved in as we dialog with a number of leaders in Central Europe! If God would open up a door for our organization (NEXT International) to partner with some of these groups to help advance their vision and mission, we'd be delighted!

So, keep posted, we'll be sure to update as often as we can!

Bridges

I'm back in the "blog-zone" ... at least for a while. Life has been coming at us pretty fast these days, and blogging has had to take a back seat ... but not to worry, we're still here ... and we have, what we thing are some "newsworthy things" for people to engage with. So, thanks for keeping up with us.

The news of the collapse of the 35 W bridge in Minneapolis has captured the attention of many of us these past few days. People throughout the country and even around the world have been impacted by this most recent "reality check" regarding the fragility of our lives.

But, I'd venture to say that if we all take a close look at the world around us, we must admit that we truly live on a fragile planet, and that we need to recognize even each breath we take as a huge gift.

As this news has been on the front page this week ... another kind of "bridge work" has been going on. Over the past 3 months, we have been involved in helping to mobilize and equip people from our church, Cedarbrook, in Menomonie, WI for some summer outreach and service teams to New Orleans. It has been a real joy to see 29 people step up and commit to going to the Central City area of New Orleans and continue to serve and build relational bridges with our dear brothers and sisters in that area. (See my April post for a recap of our partners and work there).

Right now we have 27 people on the road!! 13 are returning from a hugely impacting week of God sightings and bridge building! They will be driving through the night to arrive back in Menomonie on Saturday afternoon.

You can follow all of these two teams' escapades on their blog ... and on Picture Album 1 and Picture Album 2 as well! Enjoy

There are another14 people making their way to St. Louis ... for a great overnight with our dear friends, Bill and Lori Younker in Farmington, MO. Bill is a pastor of a church there, and has been a gracious host for our groups over the past year!

These teams of willing servants amaze me! They take time off from their daily work in order to work even harder; serving others. And the bridges that are built are not prone to decay, deterioration or collapse, because they are being built on the firm foundation, the Cornerstone, which is Jesus himself!

So, for all of you who wonder what may happen next, take heart ... bridges between hearts are being built between the likes of "Stretch" and "Sarge" and "Deacon" and "Mama-Bear" and "Digga" and many others who are giving of themselves to make someone else's life better.


























For these and many others like them who are building bridges with Living Stones, you are my heroes!! I can't give enough praise or thank-you's! Your reward will truly be great!

Road Trip to Colorado

Yeah, it's been a while since we put anything up here. But, the time has come.

We're on a road trip with my mom and dad (Mary and Al Johnson) to Frontier Ranch in Buena Vista, Colorado. That's where Zach is working and where we visited in April.

Already this has been a fun-filled trip ... complete with an adventure sliding down a slide (with my mom, then my wife!!













Stay tuned for more! (oh, and you can check out more pictures at:

Road Trip to Frontier Ranch

See you on the road!!

Keepin' The Shine On!

I've just returned from a 3 day "whirlwind return tour" of Central City New Orleans. This time, Pastor Remy Diederich of Cedarbrook Church, and another leader, Amy Burns,were with me. The purpose of our trip was to seek out some possibilities for our church to be involved over an extended period of time in a "partnership" of sorts with some of the work going on in New Orleans.

As "whirlwind tours" go, this one didn't disappoint anyone! With all that we heard and saw in less than 48 hours on site ... well, it seemed like we were there 2 weeks! I'll outline a few highlights, with pictures.

Pastor Remy and Amy were able to meet Elder John Pierre of Living Witnes Church of God in Christ.

Elder Pierre is pastor of that church, as well as the director of the Nehemiah program, which is a drug and alcohol rehab program. Our team in February worked on starting the renovation of a facility that will eventually provide housing for 30 men who are in the 6 month resident program. It is our hope that we can come alongside with some practical help in this work.

A second highlight was Amy and Remy and I encountering an amazing work at Cafe Reconcile, just a block from Living Witness.







First of all, the food was incredible ... cajun catfish, shrimp etouffee, creole smothered okra, and good ol' fashioned gumbo were among the treats we tested. And, the desserts ... well, sufffice it to say that the South Beach Diets went out the window!!

But not only is the food incredible, but, this entire operation has been established and is being run in order to help teach kids "life skills" through positive influence and hard work.

And the coolest thing of all is that the foundational principles being taught are straigtht from the Bible, and straight for the hearts of those, like Craig, who have given their lives for the purpose of helping to reverse the cycle of poverty and all its effects on the lives of wonderful young people ...

... like Jeffrey like our waiter... who's momma and grandma are both drug dealers, but he wants to get his life on track and break the cycle that has enslaved the previous 2 generations of his family. But watch out!!... Jeffrey's smile alone is enough for you to order another helpin' of bread puddin'!!


And lastly, but certainly not least, we had the extremely humbling experience of sharing a meal with the folks at Castle Rock Church and their special guest, John Perkins.

Dr. Perkins is one of the most well known advocates for spiritual renewal and reconciliation in the world. His story has been told many times in many places, but to personally sit and listen to him teach from God's word, and then speak to him face-to-face was an unbelievable experience which I will remember for a long time, probably for ever!

For me, this truly was one of the most memorable people I've ever met. If you don't know much about Dr. Perkins' story, may I suggest that you start here by reading his biography and then, continue to read more about his organization.

His book, "Let Justice Roll Down" is a classic and a MUST READ in the area of spiritual, social and racial renewal and reconciliation.

So, we certainly came away from this trip with plenty of new ideas floatin' around in our heads! But, there is perhaps one "summary statement" that was spoken during one of our many meetings. We were reminded from Matthew 5:16 to:

"Keep the Shine On!"

And, by God's grace we will!!

Return to New Orleans

I am in an internet kiosk in Chicago on my way to New Orleans.

For the next 3 days, I will be a part of a 3 person contingency who are meeting with community leaders in Central City (a western urban area of New Orleans) to see how Cedarbrook Church may be able to come alongside the folks there to "help create a neighborhood where its safe for kids to ride their bikes." Take a look at www.urbanimpact.org for further information and watch the blog for updates.

The Rock

Yesterday I received word that the father of a dear friend passed away. My friend's words reflecting on his dad are simple, yet powerful:

"Dad was quiet, diligent, faithful and loved his God and God's word. He was a wonderful dad.

Dad's are often "rocks" in our lives. They provide the stability and strong foundation which holds in the midst of life's storms. A father's passing can shake our world, but ... for those whose hope and confidence is not in this life alone, we can all take comfort and be joyful when one whom we love has stood upon the Rock of Jesus Christ, and is now freed from this world and the temporary shell which imprisons us.

Guy Johnson was not only a wonderful dad, he was a man of quiet strength and stability.

He was a rock.


May we sing with Guy today!

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

Mountain Reunion

As our family has grown and started to live in different places, we have discovered just how much we mean to each other and how much we enjoy being together. At this Easter season, we had a hugely enjoyable visit with Zach where he works in the beautiful mountains of Colorado!

Joyce and Christi and I drove from Wisconsin on Saturday, March 31 and left Colorado to return on Friday, April 6.

Abi was able to get a couple days off for Easter and drove from Wichita on Thursday, so the whole fam was together for one day!

Our time with Zach was absolutely great! ... we did tons of stuff, and can't wait to return to Frontier in July as "Adult Guests" for a week when camp is in full swing! Oh, speaking of "swings" ... check out the blog posting below this one to see Dad and Christi on "The Screamer!" This, among other "high ropes" activities, will be Zach's responsibilities for the summer. If you want to learn more, just click HERE > (Frontier Ranch)

Oh, and if you really want to view the "Family Pics from Colorado" ... click on the words.

Stay tuned for more "building adventures!"

The Screamer

Dad and daughter #2 on The Screamer!

Just click on the arrow ... > ... on the left below the picture to start the video!

Its "New" Amsterdam for me!

After some great conversation and "vision sharing" with Brad Mullet in Budapest on Saturday morning, Chris and I flew to Amsterdam and arrived in fine shape on Saturday afternoon. Chris continued on and is already home! Way to go, Chris!! Unfortunately, one of his bags was lost in transition … oh, well … welcome to the world of international travel! I'm sure that his bag will show up today (Sunday) or tomorrow. The airlines are very good about that!

I have traveled through the Amsterdam airport more times than I can count, but never actually had the opportunity to stop and see the city. I have always wanted to stop and learn more about this beautiful city ... the home of Tyndale and Wilberforce ... and finally, because of a "divine appointment" at Cedarbrook Church this past December, I was able to arrange a 2 day stop-over to visit with some people from the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) organization here in Amsterdam . The people at Cedarbrook connected me with the YWAM people, encouraging me to stop and find out about some needs they may have in the reconstruction of one of their 4 ministry facilities here in Amsterdam.

Once again, God has gone beyond my expectations and provided some amazing opportunities … not only to see potential ministry projects, but also to meet some extraordinary servants of Jesus Christ. I was able to attend a "YWAM Revisited" event at their "base facility" called DePoort. The purpose was to cast some vision with YWAM alumni in Holland for what was going on. You can check out more of their work on their website.

In addition, I am being hosted by Johan and Carolyn Ros, an incredibly gifted couple who work with YWAM. Johan served in the military special forces as a "Dutch Seal." Carolyn has written a book about this couples' story, focusing on Johan's life and their battle with a severe brain tumor. I am going to recommend the book as "required reading!"

Also, I was able to attend a church service at Crossroads International Church Amsterdam. The worship service was exhilarating and inspiring, and the message from the book of Job by pastor Jerard Kelly (an Englishman) pierced my heart. You can read more about this exciting church on their website: www.xrds.nl.

So, I have part of one more day to do a little sightseeing in Amsterdam (Anne Frank's house?) and I will be flying back to the states. This has been, yet another, incredible journey, and I can't wait to see what things God will bring from it. Stay tuned for future developments!

Side Trip

Being part of a cross-cultural ministry changes a person's perspective on a lot of things ... especially God, people of other cultures and themselves. For many people living in America, crossing cultures is often limited to going out to eat to an ethnic restaurant. This is not the case for those who participate in a cross cultural ministry, whether its to an inner city context in the United States, or on the other side of the world.

Yesterday (Friday) it was the privilege of Chris and I to join with Gergu, a 20 year-old Hungarian, and take a train to Slovakia to visit some of my dear friends in that country.

The train left Budapest Keleti at 6:00 AM, so it was an early morning "get-up-and-go" for us in order to catch a bus and take a 15 minute ride to the station. Gergu brought some "cookies" that is mom made (actually they were kind of like buttermilk bisquits) for our trip. 4 hours later we arrived in Kosice, Slovakia. Pastor Peter Pristiak met us and we continued on by van for another hour to our destination; Hermanovce, Slovakia.

We spent a wonderful afternoon renewing old friendships (actually, Chris and Gergu spent much of their time listenting to Dave trying to recall his 10-year-old, mostly dormant Czech language abilities!).


Our "outing" for the day was a short walk up to the the "camp area" which the Hermanovce church is developing with the help of Timberlee Christian Center in southern Wisconsin. Watch this blog and the NEXT International website: (www.nextinternational.org) for future updates.

The Hermanovce church is truly an amazing place. God is using this church to literally touch the world. It will be exciting to see what things will be in store for people to engage in the future.

Chris will be back in the US today (Saturday), and I will be staying in Amsterdam for 2 days to meet with some people with YWAM. Hopefully I will be able to make one more blog entry.

PK's, MK's and Happy Guys!

Over and over again we've seen some amazing things happen in the course of being on a cross-cultural ministry team. Existing relationships are strengthened and new relationships are built between people who had never met a few days before. That's why we talk about "building with living stones!"















While Chris and Brian worked together for the first time, Geza and Dave renew an old friendship!

Jordan Lemmons (a missionary kid "MK" who lives in Hungary) met Jeremy 1 (Mlaker) and Jeremy 2 (Olson) who are best friends in college!












... and father and son (Brian and Al Jicinsky) get to work together and enjoy their first cross-cultural ministry ... together!






All-in-all, this is turning out to be a great week! Tomorrow, Chris and I are going to Slovakia, the rest of the team is going to Vienna, Austria. Stay tuned for updates ... probably not until Saturday!!

Still serving with joy!

Rhino Hungary Team 07

Fitting the Stones Together!

One thing about putting together a cross-cultural ministry team whose purpose is to do construction is that you never quite know what kind of skills people have before you start the project. It's kinda like baking a batch of cookies without a recipe. You might know what ingredients you need, but not necessarily how much of each, what order you put them together.

The amazing thing is that with nearly every team, after a couple days everyone finds a niche and begins to apply their individual talents to project at hand. Our Rhino Budapest 07 team is no different.

Today (Wednesday) Brad, (the cinnamon roll meister) treated us to those world famous home made treats and we were off! We were able to complete the floor system as well as get most of the drywall hung on the facade around the perimeter of the larger meeting room.



A real high point of the day was seeing "THE PASTOR and THE MASTER (builder) working together! What a hoot!!










Again, we want to thank all of you who have encouraged us and are praying and supporting our work here. People are expressing their appreciation each day, and we know that our efforts will produce fruit for the kingdom!!

Tools of the Trade

I have worked for over 15 years with volunteers serving on cross-cultural ministry teams and I continue to be amazed by just how perfectly God seems to put each team together with just the right skills, talents, abilities and personalities that make that team unique, as well as very effective in ministry. I have often said that performance is directly related to preparation!! Our team in Budapest, as with many other teams, has undoubtedly been prepared by the Lord to serve this body of believers in this place at this time. Seeing this team come together and "sharpen one another" is a joy and privilege.

1 Peter 4:10 says, "As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another." Our desire here is to serve one another with our greatest gifts and talents, so that the Kingdom of God may be enhanced and advanced in this part of the world.

Today (Tuesday) we saw more of those "tools of the trade" used. Of course, what group of construction-type people could go without a visit to "the tool store!" Brad, Allen and Chris were beside themselves as we went to a local supply store to buy concrete wall anchors!

On the "construction-side" of things, most of the demolition and "old dust" is done, and we've taken some big steps in putting things together. We've framed a floor (with WOOD!) for a "second story" meeting room and installed steel studding for a sheetrock facade in a larger assembly area (former movie theater lobby).


Days end with some great food and lively discussions ... with people still using the "tools of the trade" ... using their tools to build the body of Christ!

It is truly a joy to serve. Thanks for praying for us and encouraging us as we're here!

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Colossians 3:23-24

Rhino Dave and "Stretch"








Days end

"Coming Home"

From 1993 to 1996 our family lived in Central Europe. We adapted to the ways and customs of that region of the world and saw God work in and through our lives. Since we moved back to the US in 1996, it has been my joy to serve on a variety of projects in a number of countries in Central Europe, Hungary being one of them. The Olimpia Mozi or Kelenfold Ministry Center is the place where most of my efforts have gone in helping to enhance and advance the Kingdom or God in Hungary. During this visit, we are helping to expand that facility for even greater impact.

Dust, destruction and demolition were the order of the day ... and the sparks did fly!!

There were a few moments of "consternation" by the "bosses" ... but, we were able to make good progress and will begin to do some reconstruction today (Tuesday).


We will build a 20 foot by 20 foot floor system for a second floor "conference room" out of WOOD!!

Each time I return to this area of the world, there is some sense of "coming home." But, each time is just a little different as well. This time it is the availability of wood! Most everything here is built from concrete and steel, but today we build with wood!! Praise the Lord!!

One of the great joys of returning this time is to bring "new eyes to see with" as Chris has joined me for his first overseas mission. As we settled into our accomodations in the Olimpia Mozi and finished our hands to the first full day of work, we reflected on the privilege of being here and serving God with those hands. Thanks to all who are supporting and praying for us. It is amazing that we are here and serving God in this way!! Who woulda thunk it!!??


Stay tuned,

Back to Life in Budapest!

Chris and I arrived safely on Sunday afternoon in Budapest ... just a little over 24 hours after when he had intended to arrive. It's a long story, but suffice it to say that God met us in some huge ways during that time.

We joined up with Pastor Joe Mlaker and his group of 5 (who arrived on Saturday) for a quick and fun tour of Budapest,














We are now settling in at the Kelenfold Ministry Center (KEGY), preparing for the start of our work week on Sunday.

Please pray for the team and our Hungarian friends as we serve them this week. Watch for more updates!

Rebound - Up, Up ... and Away!

It's been just a month since the team from Cedarbrook Church in Menomonie, Wisconsin set their compass bearings for New Orleans (pretty much due SOUTH ...).

The impact that trip had on the people we served, as well as the team members remains strong! Not a day goes by where I don't have a conversation with someone about some aspect of that experience. I can truly sense the "building" taking shape!! Regarding the "rebound" aspect of the experience, there is a "scout team" from Cedarbrook being planned to return in April to meet with representatives in Central City and discuss what kinds of things we could do together in the future. If you'd like to read more about what's happening in that great city, check out Urban Impact's website.

So, as for me and my house, well ... we're heading towards a "Fifth Dimension" time ... again. (For the "younger set" ... listen to the song and check out some "oldie but goodie" information on that singing group!).

I will be going "Up, Up and Away" from my lovely wife and family for 12 days starting Friday!




My traveling partner, Chris, and I will be flying from Minneapolis to Budapest, Hungary to work for on a ministry center in the Kelenfold district of that great city!







Over 100,000 people live in that part of the "Buda" side of the Danube River, and this ministry center is THE ONLY EVANGELICAL CHURCH IN THAT AREA!

I have seen God at work building His Church in Hungary since my first visit there 10 years ago. A number of people and ministries have worked hard together in order to have the great Hungarian people be able to not only see and understand the rich Christian heritage that nation has, but also, that they can have a personal relationship with the God who loves them so much. It is a privilege to help in the work and encourage our brothers and sisters there.


It will also be a great joy to work alongside a great colleague, Brad Mullet, again! Can't wait to taste those cinnamon, rolls, bro!!

Another one of the great joys I have in being able to do this kind of thing is that a number of people have been hugely generous in providing finances for this trip. Actually, an anonymous donor provided most of the cost of the airline ticket!




So, with great humility and anticipation, I invite you to "go with us" as we travel across the Atlantic on Friday night and arrive in Budapest on Saturday afternoon.


We're excited to be taking still another NEXT step in
Building for the Master!

Fantastic Thursday and Super Friday

NOTE from DBJ:

I'm "backdating" some of these blog entries so that you can keep up with what happened in the lives of the Cedarbrook Team. Thanks so much to my "ghost-writer," Michele, for keeping the journal so we could share what God was doing in and through our lives. Last week was incredible, and I know that its going to take some time for everyone to process it all. So, we hope you are (and were) blessed by the information we've been sending out. We truly saw the Kingdom of God being built in New Orleans with "Living Stones!!"


It's Thursday, February 22 around 4:30 pm …the temps close to 80 degrees!!

We're convoying home from the site after another incredibly full day. Chris and Justin stepped up today to take the reins of "nucklehead construction crew."

Dave and Steve spent most of the day visiting other people and sites from previous trips ... Big Joe and Rita & Don. We're reminded that its not about the work, its about the people!!

Conversation of the moment…

"Is this level?" -Chris

"Is this temporary?"-John

"no."-chris

"Yeah, it's still good."-John

The rest of us worked at the site….well actually I sat with my foot in a cooler…

Jeremy C wandered off and was gone for a couple hrs…we got worried and started to pray….mid prayer Jeremy shows up…..God is faithful and in this case FAST!!!! A few of us visited the Reconcile Café again.

THURSDAY NITE

Steve found out The Camilla Café was the place to go…so we convoyed there for some good N.O. food. The host thought we were joking when we said ' table for 17'…he did admit he was up for our entertainment. We all wore our I love N.O. shirts…

As we waited on the front porch..we realized there was Christian music playing…

so, during the 45 minute wait for a table for 17, we became the "unofficial greeters." People stopped and asked who we were and what we were doing ... so we told them ... another opportunity to build the Kingdom!!

Much of the team partook in some raw oysters…..Nate almost made it…"I don't think I can swallow it."

We got back to Trinity Church around 9 PM and had our 'debrief' with one of the staff. We were all pretty jazzed up ... and maybe a little bit punchy. I (Michele) had to physically remove myself I was laughing so hard. Hopefully we will be invited back again.

FRIDAY

Dave lead the devotional this morning for all 130 of us at Trinity. Who knew Dave could transform into a local on queue…slang, accent and all. Down to the fire and brimstone yellin' of a true southern preacher!!!

Then we sang the song Pastor Pierre taught us. We profusely apologize Pastor Pierre for how badly we massacred your song!!! But as Deacon Cooper said…"Let everything that has "breaf" praise the Lord…not everything that can sing good."

Fridays are called Super Friday because all the people who are working with Trinity Church and Castle Rock Church go into Cental City (where we worked all week) to help with neighborhood clean-up. We hit the streets with shovels, brooms and wheelbarrows to help spruce up the neighborhoods. Our presence had a significant impact and again, we were able to build bridges for Jesus into peoples' lives.

We gave a photo album to the Guys and the Lord directed to us to buy flowers to plant in their yard. The day ended with one last song and prayer with Bishop Pierre and "the Guys." We're all leaving a good chunk of our hearts at Living Witness!!

Some of us are anxious to come home and some never want to leave. Pray that we will not leave anything here that God intends for us to take with us….that we all come home changed people. That we can carry on this mission that brought us to NO will continue at home and wherever else God directs us.