Yarden Travels—Hope and Unity to Communities Abroad

Today, we bring you greetings from Brother Shahar and Sister Kim Yarden. Over the past two years, they have traveled extensively to support and encourage our global communities in Hungary, Italy, Israel, India, Finland, Netherlands, and Paraguay.

This week they are headed back to Europe, and they hope to visit India again soon. They will be sending us updates and prayer requests as they go!

Although we can’t possibly share the countless encounters, breakthroughs, and miracles they’ve experienced, we’d like to share just a few highlights from their journeys in the hope that it may strengthen God’s people everywhere.

Sister Kim writes:
“In June 2023, we traveled to Hungary to visit the fledgling community near Debrecen, the second-largest city in the country. During our two-week stay, we focused on studying God’s word to prepare for those desiring baptism. We gathered daily, ate meals together, shared God’s word, and learned more about each other’s lives.

“After a brief hiatus in Texas, we returned to Europe in December of last year. At the culmination of the church conference in the Netherlands, Brother Abraham, Sister Hannah Adams, and their son Phinehas, along with Brother Carl and Sister Rosemary Ballerino, traveled with us back to Hungary. Sister Rosemary recently discovered she has Gypsy heritage, which delighted the Hungarian brothers and sisters, many of whom are of Gypsy origin. It was a joy to see the connection they made as we shared testimonies. Brother Shlomo and Sister Gabriela, who is Hungarian, traveled from our Israel community to assist with translation, along with Sister Ilona from the Texas community. We had a couple of days of intensive teaching. The meetings were long because all ministry and testimonies had to be translated. But after the meetings, the Hungarian brothers and sisters always wanted to continue worshipping, singing, and dancing their traditional dance and the Jewish hora, which we taught them.

“Our next stop was Finland, where we visited Brother Tony Tolsa. Tony first encountered our community in New Zealand during a vacation in 2018. Over the years, he remained in touch with Brother Rowen, especially as he faced significant personal crises. On his 50th birthday in 2022, Tony felt completely alone and in deep despair, even contemplating taking his own life. On that dark day, he received a call from Brother Kash, whom he had met briefly before. Brother Kash shared the love of God with Tony and invited him to visit Texas. In 2023, Tony spent several months in our community in Waco, where God transformed his life. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Tony was baptized on his 51st birthday, welcomed by 1800 brothers and sisters into the family of God. Now, back in Finland, he regularly meets with fellow believers.

“While we were in Finland, Tony introduced us to his friends, Ronnie and Bettina, and their five children. The couple traveled a long distance to meet us at our hotel, seeking help with their marriage. Brother Shahar met with Ronnie, and I spent time with Bettina. After praying together, they took our counsel to heart and later shared that their obedience to God has completely changed their marriage!

“From Finland, we journeyed to the jungles of India, where we experienced new customs: removing our shoes before entering homes, eating with our hands, and embracing the honor given to elders (which we realize now includes us!). We studied the Bible and taught about God’s order for human relationships, particularly focusing on helping couples strengthen their marriages. We were humbled to witness the transformation as husbands and wives began to relate with more care, affection, and deeper love among brothers and sisters.

“Upon our return to the U.S., we rejoiced at the birth of our first grandson, Arden, born to Judah and Didi. We are thrilled to be grandparents!

“This week we are leaving for Europe. Please pray for God’s guidance as we travel and that He will continue to lead us to those hungry for His truth. Pray also that God will strengthen and support our communities as He builds His church around the world.”

Editor’s Note:

For the past two years, the Yardens have been tirelessly serving our new communities abroad, funding all their travel themselves. They plan to continue serving in this capacity for the foreseeable future by visiting the same communities mentioned above for the next few months. Please consider supporting them with either a one-time or recurring donation.