The Mission Society field in Hungary officially opened in 2001, but the actual Mission Society ministry in the country began in 1993. One missionary family, working jointly with a partner mission effort, pursued friendship evangelism by teaching English. Today, Mission Society missionaries in Hungary work under appointment of the Methodist bishop there in response to a request for a resource for the Hungarian Methodist Church. Working with Hungarian pastors in Budapest, Mission Society staff employs the cell-church model, which has led to conference-wide seminars and contacts with other Hungarian ministers eager to implement cell-church ministry.
Outreaches such as English Club, Mama/Baby Club, and Children's Playhouse activities serve as bridges in building relationships with unchurched people in the neighborhood. By request, Mission Society personnel preach and teach at other Methodist churches throughout Hungary and the Ukraine. "During the years of communism," explained a Hungarian Methodist leader, "we unfortunately developed a 'fortress' survival mentality. We need help in learning to actively reach out." Mission Society missionaries and Hungarian nationals seek to help the Hungarian church develop, leading to transformation – not only of their local communities – but also the surrounding regions.
Prayer Requests
Pray for unity and cooperation between churches.
Pray for a deepened sense of need for evangelism and mission among churches and church leaders.
Pray for unity and cooperation, healing and reconciliation in the society which is currently divided by politics, by age, by socio-economic status, and by race.
Pray for an awakened sensitivity to the sins of sexual immorality and corruption.
Pray for many economic challenges such as low wages, high prices, inflation, and unemployment. It is often hard for well-educated young graduates to find work, which has led to high rates of depression and suicide.
