And Merry Christmas...and Happy Thanksgiving…It has been a while. November and December were busy months. Multiple visitors came to the field to do exploratory visits and see what ministries could happen in the future—from human trafficking prevention to music ministries among the Roma people. Although it has been a busy season, it has also been exciting to see glimpses of God moving here in Budapest and of opportunities to come, and to see personally the steps I can take to help make these ideas become realities.
Heading straight from such a busy few fall months into my first Christmas here was an interesting transition. Christmas in Hungary is an entire season. |
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| Between December 23rd and January 3rd the entire country seems to shut down for the holidays. Almost every mall, restaurant, and grocery store is closed, and people seem to go into hibernation as the sun sets at 4:00pm. Taking our cues from the Hungarian people, the field shut down during that time as well to enjoy Christmas. However, before we could truly rest for the holidays, we had a few important things to finish up, including multiple Christmas parties over two weeks for the kids in our English Klubs, both in Vács and Budapest, where we enjoyed one last Forro Csoki (hot chocolate) together in 2017. |
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Now, what does 2018 bring? It looks like it’s going to be every bit as busy as before the holiday season, so here is a short list of what’s on the immediate horizon for now:- Partnering with local churches to promote discipleship
- Continuing English Klubs in Vács and Budapest
- Hungarian classes, as I continue to learn the language
- Graduating from Indiana Wesleyan in April
- Preparing for English Camp in the summer
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With all that is going on, there are a few specific ways you can pray:- Many new missionaries are in the process of joining the field. Pray for them as they are funding and going through the process to get here.
- Kids in English Klub. Pray that we would continue to grow closer and they would be open to sharing their lives with us.
- Reaching an intermediate level of Hungarian. Pray for me as I continue to take the slow-going, baby steps towards becoming fluent.
On a bit of a narrower and even more personal note, I’ve found that through all of this busyness, God remains faithful to continue to impact my own life and teach me new things.
Bethel Institution is a mental health facility in Germany that during WW2 saved the lives of hundreds of people with disabilities. Dietrich Bonhoeffer described it:
“It was the gospel made visible, a fairy-tale landscape of grace, where the weak and helpless were cared for in a palpably Christian atmosphere.”
So often, I think about God changing me and my life. I try to be Jesus in my daily life and impact others through that. But in focusing on that, I forget that everything God does is in community. The Israelites are a people group. The New Testament describes “Christians” as a community, and we are constantly referred to as people of Christ. Even more importantly, the Trinity is one Person with three parts constantly in community.
While my individual life matters, I’m learning my place within my community here is also of essential importance; I pray that my community reflects Christ and his grace as we strive to create a palpable Christian atmosphere here in Budapest.
As we begin this new year, pray with me that we may all reflect Christ both in our individual actions and together in harmony with our Christian communities, here in Budapest and wherever you may be. Pray that we may share the life-changing love of God and see glimpses of His Kingdom Come here on earth, all around the globe.
Other Information:
If you have not already followed my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/DanielforHungary, I will be trying to post more photos this year, so you will be able to read, as well as see, the ministries going on. Watch our team Facebook page too, as our team will be posting weekly get-to-know-us videos: www.facebook.com/OneMissionHungary . Finally, OMS will be having their international conference in Greenwood this summer with some excellent speakers, let me know if you would like more information about that! |
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