Dear family and friends,

Wow! It’s been awhile since we’ve sent you an update. Thanks so much for your prayers as the Ouachita Baptist University Mission Team came to help our teams in Central Europe with various mission projects and, most importantly, to build relationships with students in these different locations. Trey and Elise accompanied the OBU Team that went to Debrecen, Hungary for two weeks and saw God open doors through the hard work of our colleagues so that the OBU students could perform concerts and drama in 3 orphanages, 4 churches, 5 schools and a coffeehouse! God used each of the students and professors in amazing ways, kept them healthy, and they came back to the States changed by His Spirit. Pray that the seeds of the gospel that were planted in the lives of many people in Hungary and Czech Republic would come to fruition and they would bow the knee before the King of kings.

Trey and Elise immensely enjoyed their vacation in Vienna, Austria and at home in Bratislava! It was a much needed time of rest, sightseeing and enjoying each other! We really fell in love with Vienna and would encourage you to go someday. We can definitely give you some tips if you choose to travel there!

                                   

We have enjoyed having several of our colleagues visit us over the last few months and are thankful to be able to share the blessing of our home with others. On the day we signed the contract for our apartment (almost a year ago!), God gave a promise to us from His Word which says, ‘My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.’ (Isaiah 32:18 ESV) His promise, of course, has proven true and we are grateful others can experience that promise with us!

                                                                                                    

We traveled to Oberweisenthal, Germany on Saturday, July 20th, for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) with 150 colleagues and their families from throughout Western and Central Europe, as well as 60 volunteers coming to serve us through meeting our children’s needs, medical needs, and need for spiritual refreshment. We enjoyed being with those who have insight into the life we live as cross-cultural workers. Pray that the roles of prayer, worship, Bible teaching and testimonies would bring about spiritual renewal and refreshment for each person who attended.

                                    

                                    

God continues to give both Trey and Elise the privilege of working with college students! Please remember these students as the Atkins have the opportunity to help them improve their English, share the good news, and mentor them: Martina, Stela, Mateus, Petar, and Boris. Ask for wisdom from above as we answer their questions.

                                   

                                    

Ryan has found a job in one of the most job-depressed markets in the States! He’s working at California Baptist University as a maintenance and grounds worker! He’s so excited about being able to drive a golf cart around campus! He’s definitely gotten a lot of experience filling out applications, improving his resume and interviewing. Thanks so much for praying for a job for Ryan and ask that he would be a good on-the-job learner and God would protect him.

                                    

We are really glad that Bret will be able to come and see us for two weeks at the beginning of August! He has been very busy with summer school, work in the cafeteria at SWOSU (Southwestern Oklahoma State University), and preparing for another season of SWOSU basketball. Bret is ready for a relaxing two weeks in Europe. He hasn’t been back in 2 years! Pray for safe travels for Bret and that we would have a wonderful visit together.

                                    

                                    

Again, thanks so much for your love, support and prayers on behalf of the Europeans and our family!

With Our Love,
Trey and Elise