Where do you live in Hungary?

In Törökbálint, a suburb of Budapest-- the capital of Hungary. We are temporarily staying at Zsófi's parents' house while we look around and pray about where we should live (rent/buy a flat in the city, or buy/build a small house just outside). Important questions for a young family, but also an exciting time of imagining and planning.

What are your long-term ministry goals?

We want to see mature Christian churches in Hungary that will draw young people as well as engage the older generations--churches that are family friendly and that strive toward unity with other Christians; above all, churches that call people to profound discipleship and radical transformation. Sadly, these characteristics are missing in most of the churches that exist today. Therefore, we desire to work alongside Hungarians who are already making an impact in the face of many challenges, to both help revitalize and strengthen the existing churches as well as to facilitate planting new churches where currently there are none.

What does John do?

For the first 12 months, John is focusing on studying the Hungarian language and culture, along with developing relationships with potential ministry partners. Therefore, his days are spent with people and books, oftentimes in a nearby coffeshop. If only golfing was an affordable/easily accessible sport in Hungary (unfortunately it is still very much a luxury sport here), John would pretty much already be in heaven...

Outside of studying and meeting with people, John has enjoyed visiting a variety of churches around the country, developing a deeper understanding of the spiritual landscape here as well as being able to encourage believers and pastors of fledgling churches. He is currently excited about planting a church in our neighborhood, and is working with a couple others towards that goal. He also likes to occasionally teach classes and help out with construction projects.

Why does John need to spend so much time learning the language and culture?

According to the British Foreign Office, Hungarian happens to be THE most difficult language for English-speakers to learn (see here), so it takes quite a bit of diligence and energy to master. We believe that speaking a person's heart-language as well as understanding their culture is a vital element to effective cross-cultural ministry. Consequently, though it takes a lot of time and effort up front, it will pay long-term dividends.

What does Zsófi do?

Zsófi enjoys being a new mommy, and that is what fills much of her day. As time and energy permit, she also really likes to be an active partner in projects that John is involved with. Later, Zsófi plans to use her education and training in Christian Psychology to provide Christian Counseling to those who are broken and hurting. On top of all that, Zsófi loves pictures and regularly updates our online photo gallery so don't miss the newest pictures of Eszti as well as our life and ministry in Hungary!

How can Zsófi be so beautiful?

I honestly don't know, though I've been trying to figure it out ever since I met her. I guess some questions will have to wait until we're standing in front of the one who created her.

Is Eszti really as adorable as she appears in all the pictures?

Yes--without question. It appears she received quite a few traits from Mommy (including beauty and mischievousness), as well as Daddy's smile.

How has life in Hungary been so far?

Arriving in Hungary in the Fall of 2006, the first few months were full of transitions--adjusting to life in a new country as well as becoming new parents. As you can imagine, life in Eastern Europe is considerably different from life in the U.S. For example, wearing slippers is mandatory inside a home (throughout the year, including the summer), air-conditioning in buildings is almost non-existent, ice cubes in drinks are considered a health threat, and right turns at red-lights are never allowed. Beyond the obvious cultural differences, however, there are also more subtle differences in the people's mind-set, values, history, and politics. Despite all these adjustments and changes, several months later we are beginning to feel more and more at home.

How often will you come back to the U.S.?

Every 2-3 years we will be back in the U.S. for approximately 3 months for our Home Ministry Assignment.

What is Home Ministry Assignment and what will you do?

Home Ministry Assignment is a period of time (usually 2-3 months) during which we will be back in the States traveling around visiting supporting churches, individual supporters, as well as our family and friends. We want to report to you in person what God has been doing in Hungary and we want to help you see more of how the Great Commission is taking place through our ministry. Eszter is also excited about spending some time at Grandma/Grandpa camp in Texas.

If you only come back to the U.S. every 2-3 years and it is too expensive to play golf in Hungary, how will John survive?

That's a really good question, though sadly, we're not sure there is a good answer to it.

Are you going to work with a team?

Yes. One of our passions is for the body of Christ to work together to reach those who haven't yet heard the gospel. So we will be working both with several other UWM missionaries in Hungary, as well as with missionaries from other organizations who are working in the region.

What does raising support mean?

For us, raising support means developing relationships with churches and individuals who have a heart to see God's Kingdom extended throughout the world, and who believe God can work through us to reach the people of Hungary.

We are willing to go and to serve with all that God has gifted us with, and we believe that God can raise up people who will stand behind us, supporting us both financially and with their prayers.  The generous giving of these churches and individuals who partner with us, enable us to devote all of our time and energy ministering to the people of Hungary, instead of needing to divide our time between ministering and working at a "normal" job. 

How does raising support work?

When individuals or churches decide to join our Support Team, they send their contributions to United World Mission, indicating that they want these funds to go to our ministry.  This provides both financial accountability -- ensuring that we use these funds properly and in accordance with the various NFP rules and regulations governing non-profit organizations -- as well as providing an administrative help to us by receiving the various contributions and depositing them into the correct sub-account.

Who are your supporters?

Our supporters are churches and individual people who believe that God can use us to make a difference in Hungary.  They may not be able to go themselves, but are partnering with us to reach the people of Hungary.

How much should I give?

There is no rule to how much you should give.  God loves a cheerful giver, so please give as much as what will bring you joy.   We appreciate every contribution, no matter the amount.  

How long do I commit to financially support you?

We plan to serve in Hungary for the long-haul, but you can also just commit to giving for one of our "terms" (three years).

Are my gifts tax deductible?

Yes. Since UWM is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization, donations that are sent to UWM are tax deductible.

What about financial accountability?

UWM is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, and abides by all its strict requirements.  An independent certified auditor conducts a full audit of all UWM's financial records every year.  Additionally, an independent Board of Directors conducts a budget approval process and review of finances annually.  UWM complies with all federal, state, and IRS regulations, submitting a 990 form annually.

Is there a way for me to know how you spend the money I give?

Absolutely. Just send us an email asking for our annual budget and we will happily send it to you. From there you will be able to see exactly how each dollar is apportioned. We believe that God has put it on the heart of each of our supporters to be a part of our ministry--you give the money to God to be used by us, and therefore we feel a profound responsibility to use these resources wisely.

Are there other means of helping you besides financial or prayer support?

There are plenty of other ways.  You can help us in this process of raising support by introducing us to people who might be interested in hearing about Hungary and our ministry there.  You can invite us to speak at your Sunday School.  You can provide a place for us to stay at when we travel in your area.  Or you can even just mail us a batch of freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies.  We are also thankful for every encouraging note that you send us through mail or email. 

Is UWM connected with a particular denomination?

No. One of the major reasons we decided to serve with United World Mission is because they are an inter-denominational (or rather "transdenominational") mission board.

Does UWM pay your salary?

No. UWM is a non-profit organization, and therefore does not produce any revenue of its own. All of the money we have for our living and ministry expenses comes from our supporters and supporting churches, who give to us, through the administrative help of UWM.

What is the vision statement of UWM?

To see the nations saturated with worshipping, serving, disciple-making churches that reproduce themselves and transform their societies for God's glory! (Click here for more!)