Stories and Pictures

Glen and Clista Adkins:
CELEBRATIONS AT THE GANDHI SCHOOL, HUNGARY
Glen writes: We video recorded the recent Christmas performance debut of the Gandhi School Choir. A couple of friends in the states asked about seeing the video of the choir. Therefore, after showing the video to the choir at our first rehearsal in January I asked the students if they would mind if I posted one of the songs on YouTube. I especially wanted to know if it was OK with the two students singing solos. The students were so excited about being “published” on YouTube. It made them feel that this choir thing is official. The video is also posted on the blog CBF Portal.

Clista writes: This was the first year in over 30 years that Glen did not lead a church choir Christmas concert, but he did preach at the Baptista Templom (Baptist Church) in Pecs. In his sermon on the love of God in Jesus, he managed to include the story of “Silent Night” and to have the congregation sing the hymn in all three languages: German, English, and Hungarian. Our friend, Szilvi Gobl translated, and I think he enjoyed the whole preaching experience. Istvan, the pastor, came up to him after the service to speak with Glen. Istvan speaks no English, so when he finally got frustrated, he just grabbed Glen in a big bear hug and pounded him on the back. I guess he liked the sermon!

Wes and Susan Craig:
NEW FRIENDS AT THE RUTH SCHOOL,
Susan writes: Over the last semester I have gotten to become close with a few girls from the Ruth School. Making frequent visits to the school and to their classes has really helped.

Susan and Estera after the School Program; Estera is a 5th grader at the Ruth School. She is one of 14 kids in her family and 3 of her siblings are at the school.

Every time I go they holler, “Susie, Susie, Ce Faci (how are you)?” They have decided to give me this nickname, which before coming to Romanian I have asked people to never call me. But coming from them it sounds more endearing. It means one of my sweet new friends is calling out to me and asking how I am. What really touched me was one of the girls got my cell phone number from a lady at the school and called me. She called me the night before the Christmas program inviting me to come and making sure I would be there. She wasn’t aware that I was already planning on coming, but it touched my heart how she went to the effort to call and invite me. Language continues to be a barrier for us. We are able to semi-understand and have short conversations. But there are so many more things I wish I could tell them and share with them, like how it means so much to me that they have chosen to befriend me and make me feel welcome.

Wes writes: Every year the students at the Ruth School receive Christmas presents from supporters in Germany. The kids get filled with excitement as

There’s just nothing like a child’s smile!

they open their gifts filled with school supplies, hygiene products, toys, and small articles of clothing. As you can see in the picture, the presents brought beautiful smiles to their faces. I wish everyone could be present for such special occasions because witnessing such happiness and excitement is a gift in and of itself!