Hungary Summit: God at Work in Budapest
The sweet fragrance of unity and encouragement filled the air as ReachGlobal personnel and representatives from US partner churches gathered together in Budapest for the Hungary Summit, April 6-12. Celebrating God’s work in Budapest and throughout Hungary, the attendees also considered how to develop deeper and more effective ministry partnerships with churches and individuals in the US.
Authentic Life Transformation
A significant portion of the Hungary Summit was spent hearing stories of life-transformation that God is bringing about through the ministry partnerships maintained by ReachGlobal in Budapest, through the EFCA-supported Kelenföld Ministry Center.
Hungarians are hearing the Gospel, making decisions to follow Christ, and deepening in their Christian walk, through programs such as ESL (English as a Second Language) instruction, the Budapest Bible School, Alpha Course small groups, and church planting and church leader training in cooperation with the Hungarian Evangelical Church.
Future directions for ministry and Gospel proclamation, including a new emphasis on arts ministry, were also presented.
"A Page is Turned"
One representative from a US partner church expressed his belief that the ReachGlobal field in Budapest is poised to enter a new era of ministry work and effectiveness, particularly because of the ministry partnerships that are developing through the sharing of the Kelenföld Ministry Center. Rich Stienstra, from The Orchard EFC in Arlington Heights, Illinois, said "In the past, we used to think of the ministry center only as a church building for KEGy (a local church and member of the Hungarian Evangelical Church). Now the role of the building has grown beyond that of a meeting place for a local congregation … it’s now a place that facilitates the work of spreading of the gospel by many organizations in the greater Christian community. The KEGy ‘church building’ has turned a page in its ministry life, and is fast becoming a place in the Kelenföld community that lifts up hope through the proclamation of the Gospel."
Plentiful Opportunities for Involvement
John Westrum, Area Leader and Interim City Team Leader for the Budapest City Team, shared many ways for individuals from the US to begin involvement with ReachGlobal in Hungary. "Nothing of eternal significance will be accomplished without the Holy Spirit’s involvement," Westrum said, as he outlined opportunities for involvement in three broad categories, beginning first with prayer, and continuing with encouragement and support.
A Personal Challenge
Westrum challenged the group to consider joining the team by coming alongside the work of developing, empowering, and releasing Hungarians into ministry. This includes evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, and much hands-on, personal ministry. "Consider the model of seeking God’s leading from Acts 13:1-5, pray and seek God’s leading together with others in your local church," he said.
More Hungary Summit Information
For more information about the Hungary Summit, including full video footage of each session, and document downloads, including a full listing of ministry partnership opportunities, a Budapest City Team prayer guide, and other information, visit the Hungary Summit website at: http://web.me.com/budapestcityteam/
Learn more
