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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus!
We may not know each other but we both came to know - by God's grace - some
wonderful people. They are Rob and Carol Greathouse. They are doing a wonderful
and very fruitful ministry here in Eastern Europe, especially Hungary and Romania,
ministering to people both spiritually by sharing the gospel with non-christians,
encouraging christians and practically by feeding people, giving them rides in their
vehicle (since many people do not have cars) and financially. We appreciate their
faithful service over here. Thus we appreciate you, as well, for being "behind them"
by supporting them any way you do....
In His Grace,
Jancsi Pa'pai |
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Family Background:
Jancsi was born to a Christian family in Zalau, Romania. Meli is Slovakian but we are
both ethinically Hungarian. Meli was born into a non-christian family and accepted
Jesus Christ as her Savior when she was 20. Our little son, Krisztian, was born here
in Debrecen, Hungary and turns two in July. Besides our second languages, Romanian
for Jancsi and Slovakian for Meli, we both speak English. Right now, we live in
Debrecen knowing that this is the place where God wants us.
Schooling:
Jancsi:
In 1992, Jancsi was accepted to Immanuel Bible School of Oradea, Romania. The 5
years spent there had a great impact on my life. That is where I learned my English,
increased my musical knowledge and that is the time when I started to be involved in
orphanage outreaches. God has taught me so many things during this time. I started
to apply the things that had only been theories for me up to that point. That is when I
first stepped out onto the "battlefield" and saw what ministry was all about.
In the fall of 1996, I was asked to help a missionary lady put together and lead a music
ministry group. Having said yes, we started to work with the group every other
weekend here in Debrecen.
Meli:
After graduating from high school, I was accepted to the University in Budapest. Soon
after this, something else, much more important happened to me. Praise the Lord, that
by His grace, I came to understand that there is God and eternal life and you can have
a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ the Savior. Glory to God for
giving me faith to believe and accept this.
After Budapest, I came to live in Debrecen where I met a lady that invited me to sing in
a group called "A New Song." At that time, I had only had one desire in my heart, to
serve the Lord with my voice. Of course, I said yes. Guess what?! This was the group that Jancsi was leading. To make a long story short, we met in January 1997, Jancsi proposed in April (I said Yes) and on August 3, 1997, we were married.
Debrecen served to be the wisest decision as to where we first wanted to live since I
had already been involved in the making of Christian radio programs, street evangelism
with Calvary Chapel Debrecen, and since I liked the teaching and beliefs of Cavary
Chapel, I felt I had found my home church.
Jancsi and Meli:
In the meantime, after having toured with A New Song in the States and Germany, our
little son was born on July 25,1998. This of course, brought major changes into our
lives since we could no longer go on long tours with the music group. We felt God was
bringing us to the next stage of our lives.
God is so wonderful! He taught us so many things! He showed us that good works
based upon our human effort means nothing. But there is His mercy and grace which
He blesses His children with over and over again, and enables us to do different tasks
as well as giving us power when we feel we can't go on anymore.
That's what has hppened during the past three years. We have seen God's strength
work through our weakness. This is why we were able to seve in orphanage ministry,
translating Bible studies and teachings, music ministry, outreaches to the elderly and
assist with Summer and Winter camps for orphans.
About two weeks ago, we were told that our American Pastor and his family would
return to the States. This was a shock for all of us because not only was he a
wonderful teacher, but a true friend as well. We will miss him and his family greatly
but we know that since God is ultimately in control, nothing happens to us accidentally.
This change means however, that in addition to my current responsiblilities, I'll also be
teaching the Sunday night Bible studies in Miskolc, Hungary and the Thrusday night
studies in Debrecen, Hungary. Please pray for us as we seek God for wisdom, the
work of His Holy Spirit, and discipline in managing our time wisely.
Meli takes an active role in everything that's happening. Besides caring for our child,
she us faithful in other mninistries as well. Meli's gift for hospitality includes hosting
overnight guests, hosting orphans during overnight visits, inviting women over for
sharing times, creating cards and gifts of encouragement for birthdays and other events. Meli also supports the ministry in prayer and by being a supportive wife.
Join Us:
If you feel the Lord would want to use you in our lives, you can pray, pray, pray,
that we are always obedient to the Lord by serving Him with humbleness.
May God bless you with His Grace.
In Him,
Jancsi, Meli and Krisztian Pa'pai |
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