BEATTY BULLETIN: Spring 2014, Diosd, Hungary

The Gospel and Eastern Orthodoxy

Apart from the Muslim areas of Eastern Europe and Russia, we also train workers in the Eastern Orthodox areas like Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Romania and Bulgaria. Part of this training includes understanding the world view, and presuppositions of Eastern Orthodox followers in these geographical areas. This understanding was recently accomplished by a one month course culminating in a one week modular training here in Hungary. In this course, we better understood how an Orthodox follower may believe it’s more idolatrous to claim to know God than to venerate (very close to worship!) icons. This course will help our national full-time workers in Orthodox areas to communicate effectively the gospel, and to disciple deeply those who come to faith. Journeying Together Towards Christ – Women’s Retreat

Evan and Tosha are learning about the journey of a Christian. Particularly one named “Christian” from John Bunyan’s classic, “Pilgrim’s Progress.” The theme of journeying towards Christ was also the highlight of a recent Women’s retreat that I, Yulia, was asked to organize. After weeks of planning and praying 45 ladies representing 13 countries came together in a town of Visegrad to share with each other about our journeys. One of those women, a non-believer named Luca, sat next to me and heard testimony after testimony of Christ faithfulness through pain, sorrow, and even death. One of testimonies she heard was by my friend Ann. 2 months ago Ann lost their 15 year old son in a tragic accident. Although she grieves it is not as those who “have no hope” (1 Thess.4:13). “Don’t waste your sorrows, let God accomplish His purposes in you as you journey through valleys” was her message. At the end of our time together Luca asked for a Hungarian translation of the Scriptures. She shared where she needs to grow writing this: Finding God. Please Pray that Luca joins our journey towards Christ! The Gospel and Easter in our neighborhood

How do we reach out to our Hungarian neighbors who don’t speak English? An Easter Egg hunt became the occasion and every Hungarian family we invited event responded positively and… came. Six families with thirteen kids ran around our yard looking for hidden eggs. Many had Easter related objects inside along with something sweet J. With these objects we were about to share THE wonderful story! …the story of Christ’s resurrection. We hope that as our Hungarian gets better, this neighborhood event will help build closer relationships. And then this would lead to more opportunities to lead our neighbors to Christ. What’s Next: June: Yulia’s mother’s visit. June-July: Speak out – evangelistic camp for Hungarian students with our nephew who’s coming from PA, USA. July: Coaching new generation of missionaries going to Eastern Europe. August: training Albanians in the Old Testament and how it helps them reach Muslims.

Grateful for Your Partnership with Us! David & Yulia, Tosha & Evan Beatty