kingdom travelin'

Over the years I have developed a list of rules, tips, whatever… for traveling abroad… AT LEAST one of my friends actually gets it… read these words…

“Expectations often determine how difficult the shock will be and how long it will last. What I’ve found is that when those expectations are kept in check, Croatia has a lot of pleasant surprises.”

These are the words of Jeremy Bohall, who I wish I could write like…

YOU can read the rest of his awesome essay HERE!

I received a call from a friend this afternoon, he is losing his job. 

He has faithfully served his employer for over a decade. A more helpful, encouraging soul one could hardly ask for. Indeed, as I reflect on his character, I realize what a Christlike character he has. Indeed, before I began thinking my way through this post, I had not really considered that before.

Consider the Fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” Yup, these are a fair sketch of my friend. Oh, he is not perfect, far from it, none of us are. But if the fruit of the spirit is a measuring stick, he measures up better than I. 

Time rolls on and things change, companies change direction, institutions change course and, if you, as a member of that organization, don’t change with it, you may find that you have to step aside. It seems my friend will have to step aside. In the last few years this has happened to many people and happens around the world all day, every day… progress or…

It is a sad reality. For his character is such, that his soon-to-be former employer and all who are associated there will miss this kindly gentleman. Indeed, if ever I have met a gentleman, this friend certainly does befit the modern use of the term. He is truly a gentleman.

Sadly, my friend, who is about my age (you know, older than dirt) may have difficulty finding new employment with things being what they are in the world these days. I certainly hope this is not the case. Indeed I will be praying for him and I ask you to pray for my friend as well. Pray that God would give him trust and would provide for my friend. 

It was interesting, when he called, he was filled with such grace. As he told me the story, there was no harshness, no bitterness. I can’t say that about many people. I certainly know that can’t be said about me. Indeed, this friend may be one of the kindest souls I have ever met. 

In the annals of life my friend will go down as one who was kind and thoughtful, admired by many, beloved even.

Yes.

Beloved.

Perhaps moreso than any human I have had the privilege to know during my years travelin’ this sod.

For my kind, beloved friend, as he begins a new chapter, I offer my prayers for a bright future and my profoundest respect for such a gentleman.

Since I’ll be down in DelPest tomorrow night, I offer the last pic this evening… now to pack.

Just updated the trip plan which is more a report of God’s faithfulness than anything else now. In 48 hours I will be in the air over the northern Atlantic headed home!

Here’s the final prayer letter:

Greetings from Budapest.

This will be my last update on this trip. I am grateful for your prayers. God has answered. He has shown himself faithful as always.

This faithfulness has been seen in the way he has met us along this journey. On numerous occasions he has worked through his people, through the Scripture and in the inexplicable.

When I had the flu in Zagreb, the timing was such that Anna was with me and we found a doctor, thanks to our Croatian partners, who spoke English and gave us peace of mind that it was just the flu. Though the hotel was full, we were able to keep our room for the extra day we needed. I’m always thankful for God’s excellent sense of timing.

Your prayers for the March Gathering of our ministry partners were answered, as these dear friends who serve so faithfully had a weekend of rest and encouragement.

Your prayers for the pastors retreat were answered as these brothers came away with a sense of rest and the reminder of God’s grace. One of these brothers and I have begun a disciple relationship using Gospel Centered Life. He and I are planning my visit to his city in Serbia in July.

This week we were blessed that Ruslan, who is one of CEO’s ministry partners from Ukraine, who is an expert in developing ministry partnerships to benefit orphans, came to speak to Hungarians who are interested in orphan ministry last night. It was a positive first step in a conversation geared toward developing further collaboration in Hungary.

Faithfulness in provision, faithfulness in open ministry doors, that is our God. Of course there have been lots of good conversations and a fair amount of preaching! I am grateful for the opportunities He gives us.

Thank you for your prayers to our faithful God!

I head home in two days. Please keep up the prayer support as the last days are always packed with last minute meetings, packing, teaching and preparing.

Peace from Grace,

Tom

Across the planet people view and react to the orphan problem differently. Some care, others don’t. Some ignore it, others get involved.

On Tuesday, a leader in a movement to end the orphan problem on the planet will speak to leaders here in Budapest.

My good friend Ruslan, from Ukraine Without Orphans, will speak to, and hopefully, facilitate the beginning of a Hungarian conversation among leaders about the collaboration of efforts for orphans. Ruslan literally travels the world advocating for orphans through helping develop “country movements” as he did in Ukraine.

I’m pretty excited that he could come to Budapest. I’m pretty excited that some Hungarian leaders will gather Tuesday at 6pm to hear and dialogue with Ruslan.

GET INVOLVED

– Wherever you are, please pray for this meeting to be a good beginning.

– If you’re in Bp or nearby, Fb msg or direct tweet me for info on location and join in the conversation.

– Give to support this cause at http://www.ceokids.org (preferance Abandoned Children’s Fund)