Thirsty Hungarians

Hungary was green, hot, friendly, and ripe for the Gospel. I stepped off the plane back in California yesterday with a fresh understanding that this big old world is not about me. Each missions trip reminds me how small I am, how unique foreigners are, and much we all need the Source of life. Let me draw my spoon over the surface of the milk of my memories and skim off the best cream for you.

Suzanne was a blonde Hungarian student sitting in the sweltering railcar by herself. Her tan legs stretched over to the adjacent seat. She smiled up from her book and made room as my niece, Leah, and I asked if we could join her berth. Leah is conversant in Hungarian but began in English so I could follow along. In no time at all we were deep into spiritual matters. Leah bubbled about her joy as a believer.

“But Jesus failed in His mission when He was killed,” Susanne replied. Our eyebrows flew up at such a supposition. We showed her Isaiah 63 to demonstrate Jesus’ goal of dieing on the cross. Everything Suzanne had learned from her culture and university said Jesus was a myth which science opposes. I was amazed to meet many Hungarians who believed exactly as Suzanne until my sister Lori gave me a quick history lesson.

Hungary was occupied by Russian Communists until 1991. 14 years ago it was illegal to own a Bible or preach Christ. No wonder everyone is still confused about the historical facts surrounding the New Testament. After two hours of intense discussion and refuting the communist lies with supporting facts and Leah’s explosive enthusiasm, Suzanne was farther from atheism and closer to God. Leah traded email addresses. Please pray for Suzanne as you read this. It will make an eternal difference.

On Saturday we joined another group of Americans. 40 of us wound through the Hungarian countryside on a bus toward the village of Vescee. We enjoyed a local fair complete with hog roasting, traditional dancing, and an anvil-carry race. Our group found a grassy place next to a cheerful pond and set up face painting, puppet shows, and crafts. I personally found a new giftedness for creating bizarre balloon hats. We passed out dozens of Gospel bracelets along with copies of the Gospel of John. A carpet of blue, white, and purple wildflowers bordered the road home after perfect day of ministry.

Accept for our cookout of roasted pig fat with the locals (Hungarian teen pictured above), I’ve saved the best story for the last. The teens in our group had a wordless drama prepared. We took the tram into the town square of Debrecen (second largest city in Hungary). A stage event was underway with acts from all over the country. The PA system made it difficult to find a place where our small troupe could set up their boom box and draw a crowd. We wandered aimlessly.

“Do you think we could pay the promoters for ten minutes of stage time?” asked son-in-law Josh (our leader).

The Holy Spirit was nudging me at the same time and I blurted out, “Let’s go ask, but don’t offer money unless we have to.” We grabbed an interrupter and to our amazement God opened all the doors. Within 20 minutes our team was on the stage, filling the square with their soundtrack, and seizing the attention of hundreds. The Holy Spirit was palpable as Christ was portrayed to take a man’s place for punishment for his sin. It was powerful and many listened to the Gospel in one-on-one conversations afterward.

Our actors didn’t think it possible they would be invited to use the stage. They didn’t think they were capable of pulling off a professional performance. But God put it all together because somewhere in that crowd were a few He knew would come to Him.

Hungarians have been sucked dry by their history. Please pray God will now restore them with drafts of living water.

If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. John 7:37-38