"The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land..." Isaiah 58:11aWhat appropriate words as we head into summer and look forward to the next steps the Lord is preparing for us. As we look forward we also want to take time to look back. Our last ministry update was 3 months ago and it seems like time has simply flow by. We have been so busy!
As mentioned in our last report - for many years we were leading a ministry here, teaching multiple Bible studies, pastoring a church, organizing outreaches, etc. Yet, in the last few months we have really been transitioning out of most of these ministry responsibilities. It's very clear to us that until the Lord opens new doors that our task is to support the local Slovak pastors and lay workers who are really doing some amazing ministries here. Right now a lot of exciting things are happening in many Slovak churches as the Holy Spirit is doing a work here. For me it's been a real blessing to not be the 'main leader', but just someone to help support some very gifted local leaders as they step out further into what God is preparing for them in their own communities. For sure this is a big transition for me and us as a family, but it is also very freeing and blessed. It's really established in my heart the conviction that we are to work for His Kingdom and not our own.
Currently we have been attending a new church plant here in Nitra called Mozaika lead by Pastor Miro Toth. The church is part of a larger church planting effort with a goal of establishing 4 new churches in the Nitra region. It's a very ambitious move, but from my perspective an anointed one. For me its been a blessing to be a part of this church and see God using them to fulfill many of the visions God put on our heart for this city. One way we have sought to support Mozaika is being a part of the leadership team for reaching out to university students - Potichu Nahlas (Quietly Outspoken). 
So far we held three PN events - all of them fruitful. Each event is designed to open students up to talking about key issues they face in their daily lives and be exposed to the spiritual side / solution to those issues. All of this is done in a very personal, discussion based, interactive manner with lots of creative media & methods to push the talks further. Below is a sample of our PN media stuff - a translated Swithcfoot video. Also click Potichu Nahlas to see our event blog which has lots of pics, videos, and other fun stuff.
Of the last 3 months, the last 3 weeks have been the busiest. We had our longtime friends - Neal & Yvonne Pirolo over again teaching almost every day all over the country (plus Hungary & the Czech Republic). It was for sure an intense, impacting, exhausting, and yet very fruitful time of ministering to the local Slovak churches. The meetings ranged from private meetings with multiple denominational leaders, to local groups of pastors, Para-church organizations, to local churches, to informal garden meetings, to a huge youth event. I think we meet and impacted practically every flavor, style, and age of believers here in Slovakia. It was intense. Most of the meetings revolved around two general topics - Missions & Spiritual warfare. In short is was a very busy, but effective time of ministry. For a more detailed report check out: Off the Road .Lastly, the Nitra home group continues on under Rado S.’ leadership and is now meeting in his home as well. The last few months have been very challenging in many ways as there has been changes in location, leadership, and those who attend. Additionally, many of the local believers have been going through some extreme hardships. Yet, through these difficulties God is sustaining this little light in Nitra. It has also been a joy for me to watch Rado step up and assume a pastoral role in the group. He really has a heart for the people and a real gift/calling in ministering to their needs- both spiritually & practically. I'm really proud of how Rado has handled many of the recent challenges. Please keep Rado & Vierka (his wife - who is expecting!) and the home group in your prayers.
So, what are our next steps? We haven't come to a final decision, but it's very clear that we will be moving on in the near future. It seems like the world is full of opportunities to get involved in God's big plan, but we just want to be doing that special part He has prepared for us. We know He will satisfy our needs in that place, even if it is a "sun-scorched land." We hope to announce our next steps very soon - until then would you pray along with us as we seek to hear His quiet but clear voice? So far I didn't mention anything about us as a family. That was intentional - there is simply too much to say! If you want to get a glimpse into daily life in the Higgins home explore our blog. You will find lots of pictures, videos, amusing stories, and random musings. It's updated regularly... so stop by often!
Here is a recent video of our latest adventures:
Ok... before we let you go we do want to let you in on one thing: we appreciate you being a part of our life and ministry. Without your encouragement, prayers, and generous support we couldn't do this work. So, lets rejoice together in what God is doing!
Much love in Jesus,
Patrick, Ivetka, Gabriel & David
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