No Matter What

Since Thanksgiving is in just two days, I've decided to list a few of the 'things' that I have and most Hungarians do not that am thankful for.

• National pride. The United States is certainly not a perfect country, but I am still proud to be a citizen of the USA. Hungarians don't have the same sense of national pride that many Americans do. They don't sing their national anthem at every sporting event and they don't say their pledge of allegiance every morning at school. Americans do those things all the time and if someone chooses not to participate, they are often chastised and called "unpatriotic". Although I think a lot of Hungarian's are proud of the place they live, they are not proud of their government and all of their history.
• A "Don't give up, we can still do this!" attitude. Although not all Hungarians carry an attitude of defeat, many of them do because of the years of communism that they faced during the last century. Americans usually never give up even if there is literally no chance of success; Hungarians often stop trying if they think that they might fail. 
• Faith. Last, but defininately not least, I'm super thankful for the faith that I have in Jesus Christ. Without faith in Him, I know that I would feel purposeless in this life. With God, I know why I'm here and I know my mission. So many Hungarians do not have faith in God (church attendance is at about 20%); they don't have a purpose in life. This is why we need missionaries here in Hungary like the Ridgeways who can be here for many years, build relationships with Hungarians, and bring them to an understanding of the Gospel. It's not an easy task and in this country, it's usually not going to be a 20-minute conversion to Christ. It takes time and patience, but the results last an eternity. 

 

Playing a game during "The Lamb"



I will admit, it hasn't been easy to be away from home for three months. Some days I'm bursting with joy; other days I seriously miss my home. But God says to give thanks no matter what. Even during the bad days, I can always manage to thank God for the opportunity to come to Hungary, to learn life lessons, and to have my eyes opened to just how blessed I am. God has been stretching me, comforting me, and blessing me through this experience. Thanksgiving week serves as a great reminder of all that He has given and is giving to me each and every day.

One more note of thanks: I truly appreciate all of the support through emails, cards, facebook comments, phone calls, and prayers that I have recieved from friends and family ever since I embarked on my first trip to Hungary. Thank you for your support! It means a lot and brings me comfort on the good days and bad.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Mary Kate

"Give thanks in all circumstances,"
1 Thessalonians 5:18a

The Lamb & I am Second Updates



Reading to the kid's
out of "The Lamb"

 Two weeks ago my children's program began. We are reading through a book called "The Lamb" by John R. Cross which explains what the Bible is about and what the Gospel message is in a kid-friendly way. Attendance has been low (three kids each week, two of whom are part of the Ridgeway family). However, I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching the kids, seeing how much information about the Bible they retain through the questions provided in the book, and watching them have fun during the crafts and games. Beth told me that she would like to repeat the program once or twice a year so that children have an opportunity to bring their friends who need to hear about Jesus to the program. So even after I go home, I will leave behind a program for Beth and the BCL to continue which has the potential to bring many children to an understanding of the Gospel -- how cool is that?

I am a bit disappointed to say that my I am Second group for teenagers has not gone as well as I had hoped and prayed it would. I have had four meetings and only one of which has anyone attended. I believe the cause to low/no attendance has to do with my sphere of influence here in Hungary (which is quite limited). Virtually all of the teenagers I know here in Hungary are already Christians and are attending a Christian school and/or are involved in Bible studies and youth group already. One more Bible study is just not something they are interested in. Please pray that God will bring me teenagers who could truly benefit from this Bible study or that He will show me how I need to redirect my time and energy for my final two months here in Hungary. 

Thanks for the continued support and prayer!

Mary Kate

PS: The reading loft in the children's room has a ladder and railing on it now! It could still use some sanding and a paint job but there has been a lot of progress made on it thanks to Rusty and Beth's friend from college and his uncle who came for a week-long mission trip last month. The loft looks fantastic and the kids love it!