Beautiful Faith

Sometimes you meet a person with such beautiful faith that you are inspired every time you are around them. This is true of one very special young lady who is a part of our bible study group in Mezőtúr Hungary. She is a high school student who has been blessed with amazingly beautiful faith in the middle of hard pressing circumstances. Recently she shared with me a journal of poetry that she has been writing for some time.  The poems are like a diary of her life and writing them has helped her manage much of the stress and dark emotions that so many young people face. After reading through several of her poems, I felt compelled to encourage her to turn the focus of her writing to God. We talked about the Psalms and how king David recorded his conversations with God (prayers) in this way. She took the idea and ran with it. Not long after, she visited me with something very special in hand......her first poem written for God! As I read through the lines of her poem I quickly realized that the tone, wording and spirit of her writing had completely changed. It went from one of darkness and despair to one of thankfulness and hope. I asked her if I could share some excerpts of her poem with you all and she gladly told me I could! I don't think this will be her last.

Excerpts from: 
My first poem to God made of love by Edina Varga

Heavenly Father,

I'm so grateful for everything 
You have given me.
Even if my thank cannot be seen.

I'm grateful for my father - and grandparents 
who take care of me

My love about you 
cannot be explained
my faith in you 
could never be changed, 
but straightened.

My faith has kept me alive
even when the enemy wanted me to die...

Everything in my life I have..
was granted by You..My God!

My dear God,
I wrote this sort of poem for You to see
how much You mean to me!

Thank You so much for the inspiration
-- I have been praying for --
and please keep it growing in me
to show the world how great You are! 

And please do lead me
to the right destination! 

~ Edina Varga

The Story

It's hard to believe that we have already finished our first study as a group. The  Lord has blessed us all in so many ways over the past 7 weeks together and the Gospel of Christ is hanging in the air in this small town in Hungary......all thanks to God! Thank you all for your prayers....in just the last two weeks we have had several new people begin attending our group. One surprise we didn't expect.....several of our group members have been believers in the Lord Jesus for many years on their own. They have shared with us how they have been in the faith without a place of fellowship. They have been relying on their time with God in the Word and prayer to give them the strength to carry on. How awesome that we can fellowship together through our small group. Recently, our group members told us that they would like to spend more time reading straight from God's word! I think our  next study will give us a great opportunity to do just that. We will be using "The Story" CD and DVD as a guide to go through some of the greatest true stories ever told.....from Genesis through Revelation. As a group we will also be working on translating the songs from "The Story" CD into Hungarian and posting videos with the Hungarian lyrics on YouTube. We hope to reach more people with God's amazing Word in this way. Look for one of our translated videos on Facebook in the next couple of weeks and tell us what you think (Even if you don't speak Hungarian).

++ Please continue to keep us and our group in your prayers........... through your prayers you are here with us THANK YOU. We serve an awesome God and He will do anything you ask in His name (John 14:14).....PRAY BIG!

"Hiszen napkelettõl fogva napnyugotig nagy az én nevem a pogányok között, és minden helyen tömjénnel áldoznak az én nevemnek és tiszta ételáldozattal! Bizony nagy az én nevem a pogányok között! azt mondja a Seregeknek Ura."(Malachi 1:11) Hungarian bible

Spring is in the air

It is only the first week of March and already, Spring is in the air. The sun has been shinning and the birds are singing. Although grey skies and dark clouds may roll in at a moments notice the recent break of sun has been much appreciated by all. Our bible study group has met 3 times already and I can say it is a source of great joy for Attila and I. There are 8 ladies ranging in age from 15 - 60 in our group. At our first meeting Attila and I were told by the ladies that many people heard about the group and were interested but scared to attend. We are not sure if people were scared because of the English or the bible aspect of the group. Nonetheless, we hope word gets out that there is nothing to be scared of .......other than my singing during worship time.

The group is an English conversation class through bible study. In Hungary, speaking English is equivalent to speaking Spanish in the U.S.... Speaking English means more job opportunities, easier travel and foriegn exchange. All of the ladies in our group have at least a beginners ability in English conversation. During our first meeting Attila and I went over the basics of our faith, shared John 3:16 with everyone and told them all about Clayton Community Church back home. At that meeting everyone received a Hungarian bible and a bible study booklet....thank you to those at home who helped us provide these things for our group members!!

Each meeting allows us the opportunity to look at foundational bible versus such as Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9, Ephesians 2:10. At each meeting a memory verse is assigned for the week ahead. The group members memorize that verse in English ( I memorize the Hungarian version) and at the following meeting we translate the verse into Hungarian, sing an English worship song associated with the verse, look at related verses in the bible and ask questions about the verse to encourage dialogue. It really is a lot of fun and we are so thankful for each and every one of our ladies.....maybe the Lord will send a few gentlemen our way soon!

2 Korintusi 5:17

Hungarian New Testament

¹⁷ Így hát, ha valaki Krisztusban van, az már az Új Teremtéshez tartozik: ami benne régi volt, az elmúlt, és minden tekintetben újjá, vagyis új teremtéssé lett!

The blessing of His church

How many times have you been told that those of us living in the U.S. are blessed beyond our understanding? It's a message I've heard more times than I can count and something I've never really wrapped my mind around.Usually, pictures come to mind of our abundance of clean water, food, clothing and access to medical care. However, there is something else we have in great abundance but don't always consider ....that something is THE CHURCH....HIS CHURCH! On any given Sunday the average American can choose from several bible believing churches within walking or driving distance from their homes. There are children's ministries, youth ministries, women s groups, men's groups and on and on and on. Oh the blessings we have!
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:48)


Now let me paint a different picture for you. A young lady in small town Hungary decides to attend church for the first time....something within her seems to say it would be a good thing. She heads for her town's local church, a beautiful, century old building she has seen time and time again. She opens the door, walks down the aisle and takes a seat. As she looks around she notices only a handful of others in attendance with her and something else......she is the youngest person there. Everyone else could be her grandmother or grandfather. As the service starts a series of confusing rituals begin. She is clearly out of place...She doesn't know what to do. A message is given and although it is in her own language she doesn't understand what is being said. As the service comes to a close she is filled with relief. Church is clearly not the place for her.


This is the story I have been told by more than one person during my time here. Some people truly have a desire to attend yet the experience has been so foreign, so incomprehensible, so unrelated to daily life that they never return. Hearing about experiences like this has made me realize that although I came to faith in Jesus just three years ago my three years of faith have been filled with more fellowship, support, prayer, love, teaching, and resources than a lifetime of faith could find here. Does God love these people any less than He loves those in the U.S.....No! I will not pretend to have some smart answer to this dilemma... I don't believe it's for me to figure out...but as a follower of Jesus I know I belong to a God of love and hope. Perhaps it is a blessing to be removed from all the abundance so I can see clearly and gain an understanding of the needs of others. If you have ever been on a mission trip or assisted those in need you surely know what I mean.
For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. (Romans 14:7)

**There are some vibrant churches in Hungary which share the message of hope and truth in love.  However, these churches are found in the capital city of Budapest and in a few other major cities around the country. For example, someone from Mezotúr, where we are currently living, must travel about 1 hour away to the nearest big city to attend such a church. It would cost the average person 1/4 of their monthly salary to ride the train there and back every Sunday for a month.

Lord let your spirit fall down like rain upon this country....let Hungary be a nation among nations that honors you and brings praise to your name!  

One step at a time

Well we have been in Hungary for two weeks now and I can tell you that it has gone by quickly with one day melting into another. I cannot recall the time change ever hitting us as hard as it has this time. However, even with all the head spinning changes God has been so good to us and has been steadily providing opportunity after opportunity to share His love and light. Attila has spoken to people on the train, in the bakery, the library ....wherever he goes, about our upcoming bible study. People are always a little perplexed when he tells them it will be free...but so far many have expressed interest. We are currently in the process of securing a location to hold the study group. 

This week we will meet with the person in charge of the city meeting hall to see if there are any rooms available for us and the cost if any. Once we have a meeting place, we will create posters with basic info about the group and an orientation date for people to attend to learn more. At the orientation we will go into depth about who we are, what we will study and the basic framework of a bible study. Those who are still interested will let us know and we will go from there. We will add a donation tab to our blog soon so that if you would like to you can help us raise funds for the group. It would be great to provide each member with a Hungarian bible and study materials.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)

Be bold

We knew that the language barrier would bring changes and challenges for me in many ways. However, there is one change I hadn’t anticipated but welcome joyfully. Due to my current inability to communicate Attila has stepped forward while I take a quieter, more supportive role. One prayer I have consistently brought before the Lord is for Attila to become a strong spiritual leader. Although I believed that God would bring this prayer to fruition (Matt 7:7-8; John 14:14) I can tell you that there have been many times of great frustration. I wanted it to happen now.....on my timing. Can you tell there is a theme of God teaching me patience and trust? So here we are in Hungary and without any effort on my part Attila has been brought forward. Thank you Father!! 

Attila with his reminder to BE BOLD! 

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. (Isaiah 55:8)

Before we left for Hungary our church sent us off with a blessing. At that time Attila felt the power of God around him. He has the heart of a lion for the Lord and is using everyday opportunities to bring glory to God. It has been really thrilling to watch him visiting with friends and family and turning the conversation to the Lord every chance he gets.  

I would love to encourage you that it is the Lord's desire to answer your prayers if they are in alignment with who He is and His will. 
Here's a promise you can count on.
"If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." (John 14:14) 

** Please know that the Lord's promises only apply to your life if you have surrendered to Christ. If you have not done so you are living in a very dangerous state. God loves you so much that He gave His only son for you..."For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16). It doesn't matter what you have done in the past, God is waiting for you to turn to Him. Call on the name of Jesus and be saved!

** Please know that the promises of God apply to your life only when you have surrendured to Christ. If you have never done so you are living in a very dangerous state. God loves you so much that He gave His son for you.  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16). It dosent matter what you have done in the past the Lord is waiting for you to turn to Him. Call on the name of Jesus and be saved!

Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message. (Acts 4:29)

Walking with the Lord into 2012

Welcome to 2012! As with any new year, goals have been set and hope for something better abounds. If someone asked what you base your hopes and dreams on for the new year how would you respond? Had  Attila and I been asked this question a few years ago we likely would have answered that these things are based on our personal desires, abilities and circumstances. However, this has dramatically changed for us since we have come to know Jesus Christ as Lord......slowly but surely He has turned our whole world upside down.

^"Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about the hope you have." (1 Peter 3:15)



HU folk dancers near Mezotur

The Lord has shown us that when we place our hope in Him and seek Him above other things He will guide our steps and bless us in ways we never could have imagined. So, how does this relate to Hungary? Well, back in 2009 the Lord placed a burden on my heart for the people of Hungary. During a trip to see Attila's family He opened my eyes to the great need for the love and hope that come only from Jesus. However, Attila wasn’t experiencing the same burden and had no desire to return. After trying unsuccessfully to "resolve" the matter on my own I realized that I had to give this up to the only one who can change a man's heart...... and so a period of waiting began.

 "The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,

   to the one who seeks him." (La 3:25)



Our future residence in Mezotur HU

The past few years have been full of loving discipline, lessons and guidance from the Lord for us both. It has been nothing less than amazing to watch Attila's heart steadily change. Not to sound cheesy, but today he is on fire for the Lord and ready to walk with Christ into this new chapter of our lives. We are aware that opposition awaits us....however; we will never be alone. Upon arriving in Hungary we will be staying with Attila's family in his home town of Mezotur while we secure work. We plan to begin a small group bible study which will offer the opportunity for members to learn about Jesus and practice English. These are Attila's baptism verses and this is what we have been called to do.

^"You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16) 



This is true for all of us who are in Christ. The Lord has a plan for your life and it is His desire for you to follow Him. The decison to follow Jesus is a choice that must be made daily. However, there is no greater privilege in this world than to partner with the Lord in doing the good work He has prepared for you .....whatever and wherever that may be. Are you ready to follow Him?

In Christ,

Emily Toth



Attila with his grandparents/nagyszõlõk



Us in HU in 2009