First Thanksgiving at the church plant

In Hungarian culture there's no tradition of a nationwide Thanksgiving Day like we have in America, but the churches do have their own version of Thanksgiving.  The way it's celebrated and the date varies from church to church, but on the designated day they bring things that represent God's goodness and provision...often fruits, vegetables, a loaf of bread, a bottle of water...and place them on the table at the front.  Sermons and songs of thanksgiving are shared, then afterward there is usually a fellowship dinner or refreshments.

On Sunday, October 2, the Tiszafured church plant had its first Thanksgiving service, and friends from some of the area Baptist churches came to celebrate it with us.  What a blessing to see another "first" in the life of the developing church there!  As we worshiped together and thanked the Lord for His blessings, high on my "thankfulness" list was this small group of people; what a privilege it is to be able to be here, to see God working in lives and changing hearts...mine included.

      
Church plant group on Sept. 30, 2011                         Group photo after the Thanksgiving service