Hey friends! Thanks for taking this workshop :)
I hope it's helpful!
Back in Budapest: August 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Pictures from Budapest
We are home and thankful for the love and support - through prayers and finances that we received from you guys. Thank you. Here are some photos from the outreaches we did with Calvary Chapel.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Last Night
Disclaimer: it's late, and I'm emotional. :)
I really want to say a few sappy words about Simona. I've failed to ask her permission but I will hope for the best. It's an incredible thing when you experience a love for someone that you cannot necessarily explain. When I met Simona she was 18, I think she may have still had braces. Of course I noticed her immediately because of her name; Simona is also the name of a dear high school friend of mine, and it's an unusual one. Her name was a point of connection for us. We met when Matt and I were first in Budapest with our first 'warrior' mission team in 2007. She was a part of the Calvary Chapel youth group and came to the outreaches we were doing in city parks. At the time we made no real connection, she didn't speak English yet and I certainly could not speak Hungarian.
When we were in Budapest in 2008 Simona was our fearless babysitter, guide and friend. She arrived at the house to watch Sydney and we could barely communicate b/c of the language barrier. I remember thinking she was becoming so beautiful and grown up. From that day on our relationship changed. I trusted her with our daughter and they-- and we formed a bond that I can't explain. There is a special place in our hearts for the people who love our children. And Simona loves Sydney and Sydney loves Simona.
When we got to talking that summer we discovered that we shared 'father issues.' I grew up for the most part with out my father present, but Simona never knew her father. Even though the circumstances are different, we've dealt with alot of similar issues, and because of that I think, I feel even more protective of her. She became a Christ follower even though her family thought she'd gone mad- at 16- exhibiting formidable courage.
Over the last three years I have grown to love Simona like a sister, or maybe even a daughter. I think of her as my baby sister. But the fierce sense of protection I feel for her I can only attribute to motherly feelings. I told her tonight, "I know a lot of people love you. But nobody, except maybe your mother, loves you as much as I do."
Pretty soon tonight we were both sappy and teary eyed. Her message on my facebook page in early summer was the final straw - the one that made us realize that we had to return to Budapest, if even for a few days. She said "I keep thinking I see Matt in Budapest, but I know it can't be him."
Before we know it, we'll be back in the States, she'll be back in school. We will go where life, and hopefully, the Lord will take us. But this love and gratitude I feel for her will not change, no matter how far the distance between us. I am so grateful that He makes us brothers and sisters. It's so true. A miracle.
I really want to say a few sappy words about Simona. I've failed to ask her permission but I will hope for the best. It's an incredible thing when you experience a love for someone that you cannot necessarily explain. When I met Simona she was 18, I think she may have still had braces. Of course I noticed her immediately because of her name; Simona is also the name of a dear high school friend of mine, and it's an unusual one. Her name was a point of connection for us. We met when Matt and I were first in Budapest with our first 'warrior' mission team in 2007. She was a part of the Calvary Chapel youth group and came to the outreaches we were doing in city parks. At the time we made no real connection, she didn't speak English yet and I certainly could not speak Hungarian.
When we were in Budapest in 2008 Simona was our fearless babysitter, guide and friend. She arrived at the house to watch Sydney and we could barely communicate b/c of the language barrier. I remember thinking she was becoming so beautiful and grown up. From that day on our relationship changed. I trusted her with our daughter and they-- and we formed a bond that I can't explain. There is a special place in our hearts for the people who love our children. And Simona loves Sydney and Sydney loves Simona.
When we got to talking that summer we discovered that we shared 'father issues.' I grew up for the most part with out my father present, but Simona never knew her father. Even though the circumstances are different, we've dealt with alot of similar issues, and because of that I think, I feel even more protective of her. She became a Christ follower even though her family thought she'd gone mad- at 16- exhibiting formidable courage.
Over the last three years I have grown to love Simona like a sister, or maybe even a daughter. I think of her as my baby sister. But the fierce sense of protection I feel for her I can only attribute to motherly feelings. I told her tonight, "I know a lot of people love you. But nobody, except maybe your mother, loves you as much as I do."
Pretty soon tonight we were both sappy and teary eyed. Her message on my facebook page in early summer was the final straw - the one that made us realize that we had to return to Budapest, if even for a few days. She said "I keep thinking I see Matt in Budapest, but I know it can't be him."
Before we know it, we'll be back in the States, she'll be back in school. We will go where life, and hopefully, the Lord will take us. But this love and gratitude I feel for her will not change, no matter how far the distance between us. I am so grateful that He makes us brothers and sisters. It's so true. A miracle.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Coffeehouse
Matt and I had the great pleasure of having breakfast with Steve and Barbara Johnson on their terrace in the summer sunshine. It was so awesome to sit and talk and go over with them what has transpired since we left Hungary two summers ago. Alot- alot has happened. As we sat down Barbara said "Ok, start from the beginning, I want details!" It's incredible how validating it is to be asked to share your story. From someone you know will be interested and sympathetic. People who will understand- if anyone will- our seemingly inexplicable draw to return to Budapest again and again.
A little background: Steve and Barbara Johnson are missionaries who have, along with their children, lived in Budapest for about 16years. They were a part of the team that began the YWAM coffeehouse ministry we came to serve in and their love for this country had a profound effect on us. Serving with them three years ago moved us to return- now for the third time. We don't take lightly the role their dedication to Hungary has played in inspiring us to serve here.
The "coffeehouse" is a Friday night event that happens in a building in the "fashion district" of Budapest, steps from the Deak Square I mentioned in my last post. By a miracle, YWAM (youth with a mission- the missions agency that Steve and Barbara are a part of) was able to buy a part of this building and begin renovating it serve as a coffeehouse/ ministry center. A place where Hungarians and international travelers can come and have coffee, see live music, hang out in a safe environment. Bring their spiritual questions, or not. A place where seekers, travelers, students- anyone- can experience Christian hospitality in a non threatening environment. Why is this important?
It is important on so many levels. First, in this city, many are hoping for the "EU" dream of prosperity that they may be willing to do almost anything to get it. Exploitation - of young people, women, Gypsy's- is a sad reality. It's a dog eat dog world- in short- everyone is looking out for number one. Even the church - the established church- is quite cozy with this model. They can exist comfortably in their niche, and little is asked of them. The established "high" church is not, or does not appear to be, " "a friend to sinner's", outcasts, refugees, etc.
The YWAM coffeehouse, or Rezkigyo (The Bronze Serpent) is such a place. It's uncanny who you will meet there on a Friday night. A Kurdish refugee from Iran, who began his time in Budapest at one of the refugee camps established outside the city, confessed that he comes to coffeehouse because of how "nice" everyone is to him. A novel experience in a city that doesn't necessary welcome the new throngs of Muslims who are making it their home. On another note, Matt and I had dinner with the son of a Turkish Imam the other evening. A polite, kind young man wrapping up his studies in Germany. He was shocked and pleased that I knew why he chose juice over beer. Another, young Hungarian boy, who is not a "Christian" has been volunteering in the coffeehouse. Skipping the prayer meetings, but being moved by the love he is being shown by these Christ followers. There are alot of stories like this. But what I am realizing is that in a mission culture quite immersed in "conversions" Rezkigyo is offering a safe, loving place for people to come and experience the love of God, sometimes for the first time. No demands are made on them, no sermons given. And even still lives are being redeemed and changed and "won" for the kingdom.
It's taken me a long time to realize this about the coffeehouse. Even though the building, the construction is not "finished" it is of little consequence. What happens at that building on Friday nights- in and around Friday nights- is a profound movement of the Holy Spirit. I have a suspicion that God allowed the "building project" to carry on because it gives us humans something to do- in a way. He doesn't need the coffeehouse to be finished. All He cares about is that we are loving his children into his Kingdom. A heavenly Kingdom that certainly needs no building, coffeehouse or otherwise, to be realized.
I think we, the American church, need to get serious about re-thinking long term missions. We need to be better about loving our missionaries in the field, caring for and really even just caring about their emotional and spiritual needs. The hardest mission work to do is the long term, total immersion work that forfeits ones allegience to home country and language. To truly love a people enough to live among them and FOR them, trusting that God has the whole scenario in His hands. That He is allowing us to be a part of larger patchwork quilt, one that we may only be able to glimpse a corner of. Just to do life, day by day, loving people where they are, trusting that sharing life and truth is enough.
A little background: Steve and Barbara Johnson are missionaries who have, along with their children, lived in Budapest for about 16years. They were a part of the team that began the YWAM coffeehouse ministry we came to serve in and their love for this country had a profound effect on us. Serving with them three years ago moved us to return- now for the third time. We don't take lightly the role their dedication to Hungary has played in inspiring us to serve here.
The "coffeehouse" is a Friday night event that happens in a building in the "fashion district" of Budapest, steps from the Deak Square I mentioned in my last post. By a miracle, YWAM (youth with a mission- the missions agency that Steve and Barbara are a part of) was able to buy a part of this building and begin renovating it serve as a coffeehouse/ ministry center. A place where Hungarians and international travelers can come and have coffee, see live music, hang out in a safe environment. Bring their spiritual questions, or not. A place where seekers, travelers, students- anyone- can experience Christian hospitality in a non threatening environment. Why is this important?
It is important on so many levels. First, in this city, many are hoping for the "EU" dream of prosperity that they may be willing to do almost anything to get it. Exploitation - of young people, women, Gypsy's- is a sad reality. It's a dog eat dog world- in short- everyone is looking out for number one. Even the church - the established church- is quite cozy with this model. They can exist comfortably in their niche, and little is asked of them. The established "high" church is not, or does not appear to be, " "a friend to sinner's", outcasts, refugees, etc.
The YWAM coffeehouse, or Rezkigyo (The Bronze Serpent) is such a place. It's uncanny who you will meet there on a Friday night. A Kurdish refugee from Iran, who began his time in Budapest at one of the refugee camps established outside the city, confessed that he comes to coffeehouse because of how "nice" everyone is to him. A novel experience in a city that doesn't necessary welcome the new throngs of Muslims who are making it their home. On another note, Matt and I had dinner with the son of a Turkish Imam the other evening. A polite, kind young man wrapping up his studies in Germany. He was shocked and pleased that I knew why he chose juice over beer. Another, young Hungarian boy, who is not a "Christian" has been volunteering in the coffeehouse. Skipping the prayer meetings, but being moved by the love he is being shown by these Christ followers. There are alot of stories like this. But what I am realizing is that in a mission culture quite immersed in "conversions" Rezkigyo is offering a safe, loving place for people to come and experience the love of God, sometimes for the first time. No demands are made on them, no sermons given. And even still lives are being redeemed and changed and "won" for the kingdom.
It's taken me a long time to realize this about the coffeehouse. Even though the building, the construction is not "finished" it is of little consequence. What happens at that building on Friday nights- in and around Friday nights- is a profound movement of the Holy Spirit. I have a suspicion that God allowed the "building project" to carry on because it gives us humans something to do- in a way. He doesn't need the coffeehouse to be finished. All He cares about is that we are loving his children into his Kingdom. A heavenly Kingdom that certainly needs no building, coffeehouse or otherwise, to be realized.
I think we, the American church, need to get serious about re-thinking long term missions. We need to be better about loving our missionaries in the field, caring for and really even just caring about their emotional and spiritual needs. The hardest mission work to do is the long term, total immersion work that forfeits ones allegience to home country and language. To truly love a people enough to live among them and FOR them, trusting that God has the whole scenario in His hands. That He is allowing us to be a part of larger patchwork quilt, one that we may only be able to glimpse a corner of. Just to do life, day by day, loving people where they are, trusting that sharing life and truth is enough.
Monday, August 9, 2010
What works - take two
So we spent a few days tagging along with an evangelistic outreach team from Calvary Chapel in California. It was the same group we'd worked with two summers ago. it was funny to see some familiar faces and encouraging to see their commitment to Budapest. It's inspired me to say a few words more about 'what works' in the mission field.
From what we've observed there is a tremendous pressure on missionaries- long term in country residents and short term visitors- to quantify the 'results' of their trips or experiences abroad. What form these quantifiable results takes, depends largely on the type of sending church or sending organization. But their is a palpable sense of disappointment in many if they are not able to "lead someone to Christ."
When we were here in Budapest two summer ago we completely immersed ourselves in the approach of our host organization. A wonderful organization, and one that has been here in the city since the curtain came down in 1989. We experienced incredible leading of the Holy Spirit, we benefitted greatly from the emphasis on constant prayer- we came to depend on the the Holy Spirit- which shows up as heart pounding, nervous, palm sweating aversion mostly- to point us in the right direction. Always with uncanny accuracy.
But the pressure is on "conversions". To lead people to pray the "sinner's prayer" to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour, to repent of "sins" and welcome the Holy Spirit into their lives. In a 10-15 minute encounter on a street corner or in a city park.
When the curtain fell, we are told, just the novelty of being permitted to meet in a public place drew hundreds of curious Hungarians. The sound equipment which was used, was also a novelty, an import, and helped draw crowds. As you can imagine, 20 yrs later, those curiosities have- not become commonplace- but far less impressive. Also, the buffet of ideologies offered on the street corner has grown considerably.
The Mormons, Krishna's, Nationalists, Buddhists and Christians all share the same space. Buffet style, curious onlookers will float from "booth to booth" perusing the offers of each ideology.
This irks you doesn't it? It seems that Truth, the one we capitalize, should transcend this sort of thing. It should hover, permeate, be more than a choice in a buffet line.
I suppose the major difference between these offerings is the cost. At check out, the full cost of accepting Christ, of following Christ, of losing your life so you will find it, should plainly separate it from the rest. The cost is, or should be if taken seriously, much, much greater.
When I was singing the other night in Deak Square, I noticed a statue to a Lutheran pastor who "with the help of God" rescued 2000 women and children from the gas chambers in World War 2. The crowd was quite international, Deak has become "fashion square" and the crowd was made up of Germans, French, Italians and Hungarians. But I wanted to invoke THAT story with my words. And I also felt it was important to begin by explaining that the story we are trying to tell does not begin, but end, with Jesus. The story begins before the world itself began. A time before America, and Europe- but I mentioned that maybe the Magyar's were there at the beginning. The "Magyars" are the mysterious Euro-Asian tribe that gave birth to the Hungarian nation. It was kind of a joke- but I noticed that when I referred to the Hungarian culture- and the work of God throughout that history- the Hungarians at least- paid attention.
I guess this is my point. That the pressure on missionaries to "win souls" is like pressuring DaVinci to produce a scientific rendering of David. It's un necessary and unimportant in the face of the art- and the poetry- of loving a person- or a culture- into the Kingdom. Of making something beautiful of your life and the lives of those around you. Something pure, and real. So much more than a choice among many.
I don't pretend to know- or have answers. My time here is always too short. But, there you have it. A few thoughts from the "field." With Love and Gratitude :)- C+ M
From what we've observed there is a tremendous pressure on missionaries- long term in country residents and short term visitors- to quantify the 'results' of their trips or experiences abroad. What form these quantifiable results takes, depends largely on the type of sending church or sending organization. But their is a palpable sense of disappointment in many if they are not able to "lead someone to Christ."
When we were here in Budapest two summer ago we completely immersed ourselves in the approach of our host organization. A wonderful organization, and one that has been here in the city since the curtain came down in 1989. We experienced incredible leading of the Holy Spirit, we benefitted greatly from the emphasis on constant prayer- we came to depend on the the Holy Spirit- which shows up as heart pounding, nervous, palm sweating aversion mostly- to point us in the right direction. Always with uncanny accuracy.
But the pressure is on "conversions". To lead people to pray the "sinner's prayer" to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour, to repent of "sins" and welcome the Holy Spirit into their lives. In a 10-15 minute encounter on a street corner or in a city park.
When the curtain fell, we are told, just the novelty of being permitted to meet in a public place drew hundreds of curious Hungarians. The sound equipment which was used, was also a novelty, an import, and helped draw crowds. As you can imagine, 20 yrs later, those curiosities have- not become commonplace- but far less impressive. Also, the buffet of ideologies offered on the street corner has grown considerably.
The Mormons, Krishna's, Nationalists, Buddhists and Christians all share the same space. Buffet style, curious onlookers will float from "booth to booth" perusing the offers of each ideology.
This irks you doesn't it? It seems that Truth, the one we capitalize, should transcend this sort of thing. It should hover, permeate, be more than a choice in a buffet line.
I suppose the major difference between these offerings is the cost. At check out, the full cost of accepting Christ, of following Christ, of losing your life so you will find it, should plainly separate it from the rest. The cost is, or should be if taken seriously, much, much greater.
When I was singing the other night in Deak Square, I noticed a statue to a Lutheran pastor who "with the help of God" rescued 2000 women and children from the gas chambers in World War 2. The crowd was quite international, Deak has become "fashion square" and the crowd was made up of Germans, French, Italians and Hungarians. But I wanted to invoke THAT story with my words. And I also felt it was important to begin by explaining that the story we are trying to tell does not begin, but end, with Jesus. The story begins before the world itself began. A time before America, and Europe- but I mentioned that maybe the Magyar's were there at the beginning. The "Magyars" are the mysterious Euro-Asian tribe that gave birth to the Hungarian nation. It was kind of a joke- but I noticed that when I referred to the Hungarian culture- and the work of God throughout that history- the Hungarians at least- paid attention.
I guess this is my point. That the pressure on missionaries to "win souls" is like pressuring DaVinci to produce a scientific rendering of David. It's un necessary and unimportant in the face of the art- and the poetry- of loving a person- or a culture- into the Kingdom. Of making something beautiful of your life and the lives of those around you. Something pure, and real. So much more than a choice among many.
I don't pretend to know- or have answers. My time here is always too short. But, there you have it. A few thoughts from the "field." With Love and Gratitude :)- C+ M
Saturday, August 7, 2010
you give and take away
Today we learned that our friend Kimberly Richter, who has battled brain cancer bravely for several years, went to be with the Lord yesterday.
It's so strange to learn of this from the other side of the world. We are happy to know that she is healed and whole, but of course we'd hoped for those prayers to be answered this side of eternity. We are heartbroken for the Richter family and for the Grace Presbyterian Church family. Our prayers for peace and comfort for all.
Just last week we learned that our little friend Kate McRae is healing from brain cancer. A true victory. We rejoice with her parents and friends. It makes me think of that lyric- 'you give and take away.' I will be singing that song in my head for some time I think.
Today, we spent the day with a couple who are here as missionaries from Ecclesia Clear Lake. How exciting to talk with people who have the same ideas we have for reaching people- for a focus on long term relationships and discipleship with Hungarians. We connected on so many points, it was an exciting hang.
We've come to a place of maybe beginning to understand a little bit of why God brings us back to Budapest. We always thought we were just avoiding the call to come and live here full time- but I think we've realized finally that is not what God has for us now. It's more important, we hope and pray, for God to use us to communicate with our friends in the States the needs over here- and hopefully inspire more people to come to do long or short term missions in Budapest.
Here's the deal: The next generation of European and World Leaders are coming through Budapest. Hungarians, Russians, Estonians, Ukranians, etc.. People who are going to make up the next wave of influence in the world are coming from Post Communist, Post Religious countries. For now, material gain, as promised by the EU is this culture's religion. Under communism personal material gain and wealth was forbidden, so now you see people all but crushing each other to have it.
The work here is not providing basic human needs like water and food, as we see in developing countries. Instead the need is to disciple Eastern Europeans to want to, in Jesus name, provide a clean cup of water to not only those in developing countries- but to the marginalized populations in their own back yards. These "hardened, post modern" Eastern Europeans can and by the grace of God- will be- the next generation to lead Europe. We want to see them leading from a place of faith in the Redeemer. This means practically- a developing distaste for injustice, for greed, for exploitation. A developing taste for love, justice, truth and compassion.
Yesterday at the outreach there were breakthroughs for sure- again we saw how God uses our music to draw people in- to begin to ask questions of who, what and mostly WHY? Why are you in Budapest? Why do you like it here? Why do you want to learn our language?
Even though we might be drifting from this idea of "street evangelism" we cannot deny that the power of the Holy Spirit falls when we are playing music. It opens doors. We are grateful God allows us to be a part of this. So for this week- we will suspend our doubts and just go with it.
Another thing happened today to remind us that our financial well being is utterly and totally dependent on Him. :) How grateful we are for his provision and how totally in need we are of his grace.
To support us with prayer and/or finances - learn how here: GIVE.
It's so strange to learn of this from the other side of the world. We are happy to know that she is healed and whole, but of course we'd hoped for those prayers to be answered this side of eternity. We are heartbroken for the Richter family and for the Grace Presbyterian Church family. Our prayers for peace and comfort for all.
Just last week we learned that our little friend Kate McRae is healing from brain cancer. A true victory. We rejoice with her parents and friends. It makes me think of that lyric- 'you give and take away.' I will be singing that song in my head for some time I think.
Today, we spent the day with a couple who are here as missionaries from Ecclesia Clear Lake. How exciting to talk with people who have the same ideas we have for reaching people- for a focus on long term relationships and discipleship with Hungarians. We connected on so many points, it was an exciting hang.
We've come to a place of maybe beginning to understand a little bit of why God brings us back to Budapest. We always thought we were just avoiding the call to come and live here full time- but I think we've realized finally that is not what God has for us now. It's more important, we hope and pray, for God to use us to communicate with our friends in the States the needs over here- and hopefully inspire more people to come to do long or short term missions in Budapest.
Here's the deal: The next generation of European and World Leaders are coming through Budapest. Hungarians, Russians, Estonians, Ukranians, etc.. People who are going to make up the next wave of influence in the world are coming from Post Communist, Post Religious countries. For now, material gain, as promised by the EU is this culture's religion. Under communism personal material gain and wealth was forbidden, so now you see people all but crushing each other to have it.
The work here is not providing basic human needs like water and food, as we see in developing countries. Instead the need is to disciple Eastern Europeans to want to, in Jesus name, provide a clean cup of water to not only those in developing countries- but to the marginalized populations in their own back yards. These "hardened, post modern" Eastern Europeans can and by the grace of God- will be- the next generation to lead Europe. We want to see them leading from a place of faith in the Redeemer. This means practically- a developing distaste for injustice, for greed, for exploitation. A developing taste for love, justice, truth and compassion.
Yesterday at the outreach there were breakthroughs for sure- again we saw how God uses our music to draw people in- to begin to ask questions of who, what and mostly WHY? Why are you in Budapest? Why do you like it here? Why do you want to learn our language?
Even though we might be drifting from this idea of "street evangelism" we cannot deny that the power of the Holy Spirit falls when we are playing music. It opens doors. We are grateful God allows us to be a part of this. So for this week- we will suspend our doubts and just go with it.
Another thing happened today to remind us that our financial well being is utterly and totally dependent on Him. :) How grateful we are for his provision and how totally in need we are of his grace.
To support us with prayer and/or finances - learn how here: GIVE.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Day 1 or was it Day 2 or...
Yeah so the jetlag is rockin' me this time around. Mostly because I can't fall asleep until after 4am and then I've been sleeping late and so the whole thing is off. But today was great because we spent a bunch of hours at Nyugati Ter (Times Sq-like city center) doing a street concert/ evangelistic outreach with Hungarians and Americans from Calvary Chapel.
We've been really casual about planning stuff this time- I guess which translates into- we haven't really planned anything, but just trying to free for whatever God has.
So we ended singing and playing and it was great. Lots of great conversations were sparked and the like.
It was like we never left - all the same sights, sounds, smells. The tired feet from hours standing on the concrete. Feels good to be back.
Tomorrow morning we are taking a missionary friend the airport (in 5 hours) and then we are meeting an American couple who are missionaries from Ecclesia Clear Lake at 9am. We are really excited to learn about their ministry here. Hopefully being forced to get up early will help with the 'lag.
Love and blessings to all- PS Please pray for Dominick- my mom's boyfriend- he isn't feeling great and is missing out on fun times with Syd. Please pray for total healing for his body and that he would know God is his healer.
xo-C+M
We've been really casual about planning stuff this time- I guess which translates into- we haven't really planned anything, but just trying to free for whatever God has.
So we ended singing and playing and it was great. Lots of great conversations were sparked and the like.
It was like we never left - all the same sights, sounds, smells. The tired feet from hours standing on the concrete. Feels good to be back.
Tomorrow morning we are taking a missionary friend the airport (in 5 hours) and then we are meeting an American couple who are missionaries from Ecclesia Clear Lake at 9am. We are really excited to learn about their ministry here. Hopefully being forced to get up early will help with the 'lag.
Love and blessings to all- PS Please pray for Dominick- my mom's boyfriend- he isn't feeling great and is missing out on fun times with Syd. Please pray for total healing for his body and that he would know God is his healer.
xo-C+M
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