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













Magyarország AKA Hungary

Magyararszag.....or as we Americans like to call it, Hungary, is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Austria and Slovenia to the west, Croatia and Serbia to the south, and Romania and Ukraine to the east and north-east. Hungary is one of the top 30 countries in the world visited by tourists and this is due in part to its natural beauty which includes the Danube river, thermal waters and great planes. The population of Hungary is approximately 10 million and the capital is Budapest which is seperated by the Danube river into two districts, Buda and Pest. Hungary is approximatley 1/4 the size of California. Since the fall of communism in 1989, Hungary has a democratically-elected parliament. The national language of Hungary is Magyar also know as Hungarian.

Attila's hometown of Mezotur

Upon our arrival in Hungary, Attila and I will be headed to his hometown of mezőtúr. Mezőtúr is SouthEast of Budapest and about an 1 1/2 drive away from the capital city. Mezőtúr is known for its beautiful pottery and large festivals. Mezőtúr lies in the centre of the great Hungarian plain, on the banks of the Berettyó river. The town of Mezőtúr was founded around 1205.....so its just a little older than most of the places I've lived =).

Parliment Building

 

 

Chain Bridge over Danube River