A Splendid Spring in Budapest -- April & May Newsletter
Rest, Recharge, Recenter
After a busy winter of travel, it was refreshing to spend April and May settled back in the city. It’s often only when my routine is disrupted that I realize how essential it is to my overall health. Over the past couple of months, I’ve come to value the importance of building intentional habits into my days to create a more balanced and productive week. Whether it's tidying up at the end of the week to make space for a restful weekend or meal prepping on Sundays to start the work week strong, these small rhythms help me refocus on what truly matters. I’m grateful I had the chance to reestablish a good routine in the city before the busyness of summer begins.
Spring has brought some meaningful moments. Over the past month, several of the original missionaries who helped start the church I now attend, returned to the city for various reasons. One Wednesday evening, they joined the current pastor for a panel discussion on the importance of missions and raising the next generation. It was inspiring to hear how this now-thriving Hungarian church community began with just a few young missionaries who felt called to share the Gospel with a people longing for hope. Even more powerful was their humility—they didn’t claim credit for the work that had been done. The baton they are passing on doesn’t belong to them; it belongs to God. They simply ran the leg of the race He set before them and have faithfully stepped aside when He called someone else to carry the baton forward.
1. The trees in bloom are beautiful. 2. A special panel with the current pastor and the missionaries who started the church I attend. 3. Sunday lunch with my small group. 4. The views as I walk through the city at sunset.
Palm Sunday & Easter Celebrations
On Palm Sunday, I had the exciting opportunity to travel a couple of hours south of Budapest to watch one of my teammates preach at three different churches in three smaller villages. We began our journey in Kaposvár and ended our day at a Romani church in Pusztakovácsi. The weekend was an incredible experience, and I was deeply moved by the unique character of each church and how God is meeting them in their specific needs.
Easter weekend was slow and restful, which turned out to be a blessing since I came down with a cold earlier that week. Fortunately, I felt well enough by Sunday to attend my church service and enjoy a lovely Easter brunch at the DePues’ house with the rest of our team who were in town. In Hungary, everything shuts down on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday, creating a true pause in the rhythm of daily life. I really appreciated how the entire country seemed to slow down, allowing people to fully focus on spending time with family and loved ones, without the pressure of taking time off work.
1. The second church we visited on Palm Sunday. 2. The back staircase of the third church (Glyn, one of my teammates, welded the whole staircase). 3. Easter brunch at the DePue's with the team.
Completing Clubs
May brought the semester of clubs to a close both in Budapest and in Vác, offering a meaningful time of reflection, both personally and as a group. During our final session, we asked the group, “What is one moment from this past year that you want to remember forever?” For me, it was that very moment—sitting in the park, surrounded by these students. Throughout the year, I’ve seen God at work in these clubs. Reaching the end of the year and looking back on how much we’ve all grown, filled me with deep gratitude for the opportunity God has given me to be here and walk alongside these students. I don’t know what He has planned next for these clubs, but I’m confident that He is continuing to do great things in the lives of these kids.
1. A picnic near the river for the last Vác club. 2. Dinner with Lea and Doug to celebrate the year of clubs.
What's Coming Up
- A quick trip home in early June
- English Camp in Letenye at the end of June
- Work trip to our camp in Spain in July
Prayer Points
- Pray for my family as we continue to walk together through the difficulties that come with cancer.
- Praise for the time to connect with God during this spring season.
- Pray for our team as we prepare to lead a summer camp with students from Asbury University in June in Letenye, Hungary.
- Praise for a successful semester of English Clubs.
- Pray for the students from English clubs, as they finish their school semester and head into their summer activities.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I look forward to updating you on how the Lord continues to move in Hungary.
