What is the time difference?
Hungary is six hours ahead of EST in the US. (If it is noon your time it is 6pm my time) So if you live on the East Coast you can call me from anywhere from 2am-6pm your time.
Why Me?
Who knew someday I would be on a church planting team in Hungary?! Not me! I was a pediatric nurse, had participated in numerous medical/surgical missions trips, and then God asked me to leave my comfort zone and do another thing. Many people wonder why I'm not using my nursing and I tell them to ask Him....because most days I'm as confused as they are. But I'm confused with peace as He's the one who called me here to be a part of what He is doing in Hungary. I'm excited to see what comes of this path He has taken me down and having a lot of fun in the process. One thing is for sure, I definitely like going to work a lot more than I used to!
Why Hungary?
Five years ago I couldn't have told you where Hungary was located. Now I live here and just recently found out that my father's grandparents were born only a few hours away. How amazing is God that He would lead me to a place where my family has a history! Hungarians are dying every day without knowing Jesus as their Savior. Ten million people passing on a legacy of hopelessness for the future. We are here to tell them that Jesus has given them a reason for living.
Why Heves Megye County?
Our PIONEERS team is made up of smaller focus groups. I recently joined the Heves Megye County focus group where we currently work in Petofibanya, an old communist mining village of less than 4,000 people. The people there have suffered for generations with little or no opportunity to hear the truth. But our God has not forgotten them and has led us there where we desire to see His presence give new life.
What do you do exactly as a "church planting team"?
I am part of a large extended PI team in Hungary which is divided into smaller teams that target specific ministries or areas. In November I finished two years of required language/culture study in Budapest, when home for furlough, and just recently returned and moved to Petőfibánya, a small village in Northeast Hungary. There my PI teammates along with our Hungarian church planting partners have started a small church that averages about ten to fifteen people every Sunday. Growth has been slow but in the last few months the Spirit’s work has been evident as more people are expressing an interest in the gospel. We use many tools to develop relationships (ESL, puppet ministry, sports, drama, etc.) but as a church planting team these are subject to change as we regularly evaluate if they are still drawing people into the church. Even as I speak we are transitioning to more ministries that are discipleship oriented, praise God that people are coming to know Him and desiring to grow! As a small focus group I will be needed in many areas but I sense God leading me specifically towards a pre-teen girls or special-needs family ministry. All that to say...keeping busy generally isn't a problem!
What can we send in a care package?
What a great idea, I'm so glad you thought of this!: Ghiradelli double chocolate cocoa, chocolate chips, shower curtain liners, peanut butter, DVD's, videos, encouragement cards/letters, and anything else you can think of!
Do you live in a hut? (Honest, someone asked me this once!)
Although Hungary is located in Central/Eastern Europe it is quickly catching up to Western European standards. Budapest, the capital is now listed as the 24th most expensive city in the world and has all the modern conveniences of home. Petofibanya, the village I am moving to is a bit less modern than the city but I still have nothing to complain about. Although most families live in tight two or three room (not "bedroom" but room) apartments, all plumbing and electricity run usually without incident. Although it is different than the US I can't really ever complain that it is too hard to live here. So no, I don't live or know anyone who does live, in a hut, in Hungary.
What is the climate like in Hungary?
Hungary has four seasons and I've found it to be very similar to Pennsylvania or Delaware. I've noticed though that the cold weather does seem to come quicker (September 1st) and last longer (well into May) then at home. Hungary also gets dark very early in the winter with daylight ending around 4pm which is quite early!
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