Halloween or the Reformation
Hungarian & UK cultural differences
Andy writes: I'm guessing for the majority of people in the UK Tuesday 31st October 2017 will be remembered for trick n treating, dressing up and having Halloween parties. Here in Hungary it's one of those times when I notice a huge difference between the two cultures. No-one knocked on our door and there's no need to organise 'light parties' as an alternative to Halloween, because of course it's Reformation Day, or the eve before All Saint's Day. It's true that a few pumpkins are around lighting up the streets and Emily received a Halloween party invitation - but she, together with David & Réka were a bit shocked and outraged. Halloween just isn't a big thing here.
This year all the protestant denominations put on events and we enjoyed an evening at our local town hall with a concert of music, psalms sung by our church choir and historic readings (see photos above). This is just one area where we notice the difference between a much more secular, liberal UK society and a more Christian based, conservative Hungarian society. Just this morning I heard on the national radio about more money being given to church schools, again a reminder of how the current government is actively supporting the growth of Christianity. An unusual occurrence in modern day Europe.
And so with the Reformation celebrations over, we return to our work of training up youth leaders (see photos below), organising a large winter camp, setting up a Hungarian charity, planning for the summer and a trip to the UK for lots of Hungarian pastors to attend a large youth conference. We are delighted to be attending the Evangelical Forum here in Hungary which will be a three day conference for evangelical leaders. We continue to be encouraged by the training and I guess it's Andy's ideal day when he spends his Saturday's from 09:30-16:30 training up youth leaders and pastors, and then travels an hour to run a youth group in the evening. Training, and on-the-ground youth work.
So thanks for your ongoing prayers. We continue to struggle at times. The culture is so different - and Andy commented how nice it was to attend two UK churches in October. We guess that's still what we're most used to, in terms of style and content of preaching and sung worship. Our kids have returned to school this week - together with their 8kg bags full to bursting. I'm sure they'd value your prayers and other pointers can be seen below.
This year all the protestant denominations put on events and we enjoyed an evening at our local town hall with a concert of music, psalms sung by our church choir and historic readings (see photos above). This is just one area where we notice the difference between a much more secular, liberal UK society and a more Christian based, conservative Hungarian society. Just this morning I heard on the national radio about more money being given to church schools, again a reminder of how the current government is actively supporting the growth of Christianity. An unusual occurrence in modern day Europe.
And so with the Reformation celebrations over, we return to our work of training up youth leaders (see photos below), organising a large winter camp, setting up a Hungarian charity, planning for the summer and a trip to the UK for lots of Hungarian pastors to attend a large youth conference. We are delighted to be attending the Evangelical Forum here in Hungary which will be a three day conference for evangelical leaders. We continue to be encouraged by the training and I guess it's Andy's ideal day when he spends his Saturday's from 09:30-16:30 training up youth leaders and pastors, and then travels an hour to run a youth group in the evening. Training, and on-the-ground youth work.
So thanks for your ongoing prayers. We continue to struggle at times. The culture is so different - and Andy commented how nice it was to attend two UK churches in October. We guess that's still what we're most used to, in terms of style and content of preaching and sung worship. Our kids have returned to school this week - together with their 8kg bags full to bursting. I'm sure they'd value your prayers and other pointers can be seen below.
How the children grow up ... David, Réka & Emily 5 years on. (Plus little cousin
Praise God for …
Please pray for …
- Helping us through October: We returned for Chris' funeral which was a privilege for Andy to take, and a huge opportunity to talk to many about his faith in Christ.
- A good break: We enjoyed a week away from school and office work with the kids relaxing, clearing the garden, trip to the cinema, walks in the autumn sunshine and not having to set alarms.
- Two good training days: We were very encouraged by the enthusiasm of the attendees at both Saturday training events (Sept 30 & Oct 21). People really are eager to learn about how to apply and teach the Bible faithfully - and the weekly Tuesday evening training sessions are an excellent complement and addition to the monthly training.
Please pray for …
- Youth Leaders' Training Day (11 Nov) Please pray our last event would be well prepared and useful for those who attend.
- Bible study group (Thursday evenings). We have begun to meet again weekly with our friends (guys one week, girls following week) and are planning to open it up once a month for our non-Christian friends to join. That evening would be a topical discussion on something related to Christianity. Please pray for wisdom in planning, courage to invite, and people to come.
- Time away at the conference (12-15 Nov) Please pray we would be refreshed, encouraged and it would be useful for networking and developing our work - and that our kids would be happy at home with grandparents.
- Ongoing family bible times: We have just finished reading Matthew as a family. Please pray for us to keep up our regular pattern and most of all to put into practise what we read.
teaching at the conference day for youth leaders
Peeking into December ...
1, 2, 15, 16 Dec Andy speaking at various youth groups
4-8 Dec Planned reading/study week for Acorncamps
20 Dec Kids' last day at school
25 Dec This year we'll be spending Christmas and New Year here in Hungary
1, 2, 15, 16 Dec Andy speaking at various youth groups
4-8 Dec Planned reading/study week for Acorncamps
20 Dec Kids' last day at school
25 Dec This year we'll be spending Christmas and New Year here in Hungary
With lots of love
Andy, Zsófi, David, Réka & Emily
Andy, Zsófi, David, Réka & Emily