Old Events
Missionary Enrichment Conference Budapest, Hungary [ 08 - 13 January 2003 ]
In January, 2003 Steve traveled with Graham Kendrick and the band of seven people to Budapest the Missionary Enrichment Conference.
"We traveled to Budapest to serve the missionaries that have been sent out from The Moody Bible Institute. It was such a pleasure to see about 600 people with their families being overshadowed with encouragement from the leaders and keynote speakers as well as entering into worship without having to lead the services themselves. Most of these individuals have spent years not only building churches and house-groups, 'pastoring', teaching, but having to be multifunctional until they have reproduced the gifting that God has placed in them. "
Dr Stowell, the Principle of The Moody Bible Institute and a wonderful man of God, hosted the conference. His teaching deeply moved Steve.
"Dr Stowell taught us that the abundant grace expressed and extended from the life of a faithful follower of Jesus is what God has designed for us. He expects that we become the middlemen in grace transactions between Him and those He wishes to bless. When you pour grace out, God shows up. We pour grace out, he pours grace in. May we all learn to be more gracious with each other."
"Velveta and I continue to pray that God will stamp his image within our hearts."
And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
2 Th. 3:13
"On this trip I met a someone by the name of Gary who lost his wife in Lebanon on the mission field. After the evening meetings we would sit in the lobby of the hotel just talking and 'hanging out'. As Gary related the precious time he spent with his wife and life as a missionary, I was constantly reminded of the statement that so easily leaves our lips, 'I surrender all'. Most of these missionaries are so in touch with the reality of giving the lives up for the sake of the gospel. We are all called to do this. In most of the ministry circles that we have been a part of for the last 15 years, the conditions are so amicable, the price that we pay for surrendering is so minimal to the price Gary had to pay. Not forgetting his dear wife who is now with the Lord."
I also had the privilege of meeting Michael Card who had a strong influence on my early days of seeking God during my season at Bible school in Germany.
Report from '24 hour worship service' in Budapest (Makeway Music)
After the 'Enrichment Conference' Graham and the band, led by Steve Thompson were whisked off to a cold warehouse on the other side of Budapest where the local churches were at the end of their 6th '24 hour worship service'. The last 2 hours were given over to Graham to lead and teach on worship.
All the songs were translated into Hungarian and the band were accompanied by three local singers who took the songs on once Graham had started them. The potential for chaos was high yet the worship was powerful as those in the packed venue listened, sang, danced and 'did the conga' for nearly 2 1/2 hours.