A Year in HungaryA Year in Hungary
Hungary is a country where the symptoms of the spiritual need is very apparent. It is a world leader (top 5) in divorce, alcoholism, suicide and abortion. Along with this deep need, the country is very strategic because there are large populations of ethnic Hungarians in the surrounding countries. Reaching Hungarians with the gospel means reaching their relatives in countries like Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and the Ukraine.
As we have taken responsiblity for reaching the country, we began sending summer mission project teams, one year STInt teams and long term personel to reach this country. As a result, Campus Crusade for Christ has established ministries on campuses in three major cities, as well as ministries reaching out to the larger community in those cities.
The purpose of our STInt teams is to assist the national ministry in Hungary by going to campuses that they do not have the manpower to open. STInt plants and builds a ministry until the national ministry can send a permanent team of Hungarian staff to that city.
We will be spending our STInt year in the city of Debrecen. Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary with a population of about 200,000. It is in eastern Hungary, close to the Romanian border.
A Campus Crusade ministry in Debrecen began three years ago. Each year since then, a new team has continued the work. This year's team will be the fourth and the last team of Americans in Debrecen. A permanent staff team of Hungarians will replace us when we leave in September of1998.
"Many times I have had success. I dreamed about it when I was little. I want to compete in the Olympics in the future. But when I had my best results, and I had a medal, there was something missing. There was a void besides the joy of success."
About a year ago, Jozsi met Laci, a Hungarian who works with Campus Crusade. "From what you have said it is clear that I agree," Jozsi told Laci, "If the most important earthly thing cannot fill the void, only God can." Jozsi accepted Christ into his life that day.
Our ministry in Hungary will look much like it does at Kansas State. We spend a majority of our time doing evangelism on campus as well as discipling Christians that are already involved in the ministry. Our mission will continue to be "turning lost students into Christ-centered laborers". We are trusting God to impact lives like Jozsi.Responsible for a Nation
Imagine taking the responsiblity to reach an entire nation for Christ! This is exactly what several universities in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska did, beginning in 1986. For the past 11 years, we have been committed to the country of Hungary. This commitment has allowed the students of these schools to gain a specific burden for fulfilling the Great Commission. The impact has been significant.
Taking Responsibility for a City
We are currently on a STInt, which stands for Short Term INTernational project. It is a one year commitment. STInt teams are typically composed of recent college graduates who were involved in Campus Crusade movements while in school and Campus Crusade staff who want the opportunity to minister overseas for a short term commitment.
A Student's Testimony
Jozsi is a first class athlete. He has been the national champion in the javelin throw and holds many records. He is also a university student.