Greetings from the Kurtz family:

We were in the States this past summer visiting relatives, attending conferences (like New Wilmington) and visiting as many churches as we could. (It's always frustrating to be so close and yet not to be able to see all of you!) We returned healthy and ready to begin another three-year term. While we continue to teach at the Evangelical Theological Seminary, Steve will be working on a doctorate in Old Testament, and Michelle will pursue a doctorate in peace education. These will be challenging additions to our work load. Both of us are enrolled in "distance learning" programs that take full advantage of the Internet to allow us to do research and communicate with our advisors without having to be resident somewhere else. Pray for the grace and wisdom and energy we will need to handle family, church, seminary, and community responsibilities.

Meanwhile, it was a very busy summer here in Osijek in the Reformed church. Several groups from different Presbyterian churches came to visit. They did a number of different things—sponsoring vacation Bible school with Hungarian-speaking children in one church and Croatian-speaking children in another. These were excellent outreach opportunities, attracting many kids come who do not normally come to church or religious education classes. The boys like to wear the jersey of the Croatian soccer team, which won third place in the most recent World Cup. Quite an accomplishment for a country of only four million people that just came out of a war!

Some of the visiting summer groups did physical work on war-damaged churches. All of them met our pastors and our people and came away changed. I believe in the power of short-term mission; it always has a double-edged effect, on the people here, and on the visitors themselves. I think the Lord uses such groups, and we are open to receiving more. If you think you would be interested in having a group come from your church, let's talk.

Other groups this summer held English classes, which brought a great response from local youth in Osijek. (So far, English has been our most effective outreach tool, and we are permanently in need of more ESL teachers. Anyone hear the call?)

The classes are held in the building that is also the location of the new church we are planting in Osijek. The building is old and historic and is in the "old city" part of Osijek. It is surrounded by several high schools, some colleges of the university, the city government, and museums. In other words, it's a perfect location—hundreds teenagers pass by our front door every day. This is our target population. Most of these students have never heard that they can know Jesus personally.

We have almost all the funds we need to own fully the first floor, where we have been meeting for worship and where the English classes meet. We have been suggesting that if people want an "alternative Christmas gift" with global witness, try this: every gift of $88 buys one square foot of this new church.

The Reformed church is still suffering from the effects of the war. Congregations like this are still not able to pay their pastor's salaries. The Reformed Church has asked me to ask you for help. Many of you have helped in the past: thank you. Mission committee members probably know that all gifts can go through the Europe office of the PC(USA) by indicating the purpose and the Extra Commitment Opportunity or ECO number (which in this case is 047856). For more information, call Bryan Reiff at (502) 569-5326. The church is rebuilding, both spiritually and physically, and this is a good time to show our worldwide connection with sisters and brothers in the body of Christ who need our help.

Grace and Peace,

Steve and Michelle, Benjamin and Nathaniel Kurtz