Spring Stories

Back in 1991 I was a counselor in a Reformed Youth camp organized for young Hungarian Christians from all around the world. Along with some friends and my parents' pastor we were responsible for about 200 young people for a week. Among them was a 17 years old guy, who as the result of our testimonies dedicated his life to God and decided to become a pastor, instead of a PE teacher. As he writes on his church's homepage, "first time in my life I met some young people, who did not only talk about Christ. Through their lives I could see the presence of Christ. I understood that I had to invite Christ in my life, and... I did just that. Ever since then I have been experiencing His presence in my life." In the past 17 years we connected a few times, and on April 18 I was invited to the little town of Dunaharaszti, where he has been pastoring for seven years, continuing his father's ministry. Csaba is a dear friend, and it was a privilege to encourage his youth for serving God full-heartedly. Actually, our pastor became a Christian in Csaba's youth group back in the nineties.

Soccer Marathon and Evangelism
Hungarians just love soccer. Although our once-world-class national team is not doing very well these days, the game is ever popular among kids. In mid-April we organized our Spring Soccer championship for teams from nearby schools. Eleven teams came to play for an entire day. As customary, in the lunch-break we did evangelism for the players and coaches. Interestingly, although most of these friends are non-Christians, this part of the program is highly regarded by the adults who accompany their teams. "At least they receive some good influences..." said to me a coach after the message. Again, I had the prilege to speak to the 110+ kids and adults. I was sharing on Hebrews 11:1,6 explaining to the kids what faith is, and the kind of faith in Jesus Christ they need to have to become children of God. As an illustration I told them the story of Brasilian player Kaká (Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite), who is at the present point the best soccer player of the world. He is, above else, a committed evangelical Christian, who, after his soccer-playing days are over wants to be a pastor. Now after the invitation at least 20 kids came forward to talk to our conselors. Praise God for His faithfulness. And, then an unexpected turn took place. Our Brasilian Bible School student, Morena stood to the microphone and share that she personally knew Kaká, and even attended his wedding. All the kids wanted to talk to her. That evening Morena sent an email note to Kaká about the soccer-evangelism, and the world-famous player responded expressing his joy that his testimony helped some kids finding saving faith.

Volunteer Training
Almost 120 volunteers attended our Summer Volunteer Training Weekend between May 1-3. First time in our history it was not only for our volunteers, but, like a Camping Conference for all those who want to do camping as an evangelistic and discipleing tool. I was doing the four main sessions. The messages focused on camping as the greatest youth evangelistic tool, camping as the greatest discipleship lab, and camping as a leadership training institute. The fourth message explained the participants WOL's camping and ministry philosophy and principles. Please pray for more willing Hungarian men. On each areas of our summer ministry we need their help. Please also pray for at least 900 campers.

Family News
Baba and mama are doing well. The time is coming... it is almost here, the due date is still July 4. I think our girls will love the new little family member. They often talk to mom's belly, and whenever mom goes to see the doctor Fanni asks if the doctor will "take out the baby from mom" this time. Well, let's hope and pray that baby would find out at the right time, without complications.
After a lot of consideration, thinking, praying and asking advice, we decided to buy a home in town. Please pray as we are finalizing the deal, get a mortgage and try to move in as soon as possible (while a baby is about to born and camp is about to start).