Hungary Day 1 and 2

I have had some interesting birthdays.  I remember Scampi's pizza, a magician at a swimming party, and countless sleepovers.  But, yesterday was unexpected.  

Sitting in Budapest at a restaurant in which we could try different Hungarian dishes, suddenly the room broke out singing "Happy Birthday" and I was presented a small cake with a large firework.  It was both startling and heartwarming. It felt familiar and strange.  

Hungary has been both familiar and strange. 

Budapest is the divide between East and West.  The Danube river eases through this ancient city naturally dividing ways of thinking and being.  At one point Budapest was the center of Europe and when you are here, it makes perfect sense.

Our day was an orientation to the city and the ministries that John and Zsofi lead.  While John has been leading Alpha's national office he has also recently been installed as the pastor of the church they attend.  It should be mentioned that Hungarian is a particularly difficult language and John has mastered it so deeply that most do not know he is an American.

Alpha is strong here.  Connecting  to the International Alpha headquarters in London, John and his team have been able to develop a growing movement of people who are being introduced to Jesus for the very first time.  Others are being developed into leaders and community is being cultivated  to strengthen the church.  I have been reminded of my own love for Alpha while we are here.  

Now the Pastor of his church, John is leading the community through a time of discerning strategy for the coming years.  This is what we will be working on the rest of the week.  

Michele and Liz are amazing people.  Gifted and brave they move through every opportunity with grace and strength.  Much of our job here in the early days has been to learn about how we work together so that we can care for and serve the missionary family we support.  I am proud to be a  part of a church that values the care of our missionary team.

The next few days we will begin our work with the larger community.  It promises to be an adventure as this mission is at a turning point in its life.  

In closing, a personal note.  John Wilson is a friend of mine.  I admire him and am still a little angry that he left Texas and did not stay to hang out with me until we were old.   But, the more I am here and watch him in this place I am absolutely sure he is where God wants him doing what he is made to do.  

When you don't know the language you watch people a bit closer.  How they smile, if they are relaxed, etc.   Watching people interact with John, whether it is a church member, a blind Alpha participant, a barrista, or a co-worker, John brings peace wherever he puts his feet.  I am not sure he knows this is true.  I intend to tell him.  

So it is familiar.  "Happy Birthday" song, close friend laughing at you, and lots of talk about church leadership.  And its strange. Ancient buildings, raw meat spread on toast, and endless consonants.  

More to come…

Scott Heare