Burning Bush Moment

Viktor Rózsa, Missionary, Hungary

What was your burning bush moment?

In Exodus 3:1-12, Moses met God in a mysterious way on Mount Horeb. The experience of the burning bush changed his life forever. The call on Moses' life required him to wrestle with God's mission. As he spent those years in the wilderness and learned about God, he was challenged to take his relationship with the God of his forefathers to the next level. Moses had to sacrifice his comfortable life of being a shepherd for 40 years in the wilderness, surrendering his life to a higher call so that God's mission could be fulfilled to His chosen people.

I clearly remember the burning bush moment of my life. Though it was not as mysterious as Moses' experience, it changed my life forever, too. While I was attending military high school, I gave my life to Christ through the ministry of missionaries in Hungary. At that time, I was set on a course of life that guaranteed a job, financial security, and a prestigious career in the Hungarian Air Force and ultimately in NATO. I was fine with being a Christian in the Hungarian Air Force. Little did I know when I gave my life to Christ that there would be a deeper call one day. 

My burning bush experience came between my junior and senior years of high school when I lived in Great Britain during the summer to improve my English language abilities. While I was there, God asked me to enter into full-time ministry. I struggled with sacrificing a future that I thought was the greatest thing on the face of the earth. I had to surrender to God's leading so that His call upon my life could be fulfilled for His purposes in His mission. At the time, surrendering my future career to God was hard. However, as I have followed Him in this deeper call for His mission, God has shown His faithfulness time after time. 

It was hard for Moses to process his call into God's mission, and I also had to face a very serious process of sacrifice and surrender to His call upon my life to serve Him in His mission in Hungary. However, when God calls someone, He makes a way. He is alongside that person the entire journey.

PRAY: Pray for Viktor and Kristen Rózsa, new missionaries to Hungary, as they return to the country this summer. They will be working to encourage and equip Hungarian churches to reach out to youth. 

Offering Hope in the Midst of Transition: Responding to the Refugee Crisis

Mark Landerholm, Missionary, Hungary
April-June 2016

“And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!” (Mark 13:17 ESV) 

These difficult words of Jesus echoed in my head as I stood in a refugee camp in Croatia watching pregnant women and nursing mothers come into the camp, one after another. I thought of my wife, Eszti, and my 13-month-old son, Samuel, and imagined having to decide that it was in their best interest to leave our home and everything we had and put them on a raft for a highly perilous sea crossing. And then to make them walk across unknown and often unfriendly countries to settle in a country that doesn’t want us. I cannot fathom the difficulties and fears that such a journey would entail, yet I have encountered thousands who were on such a journey. Thousands who have no homes, no beds, and no ability to provide for their children.

These mothers have stuck with me, as have these words of Jesus, and they have shed light on one another. I always looked at these words of Jesus as simply being practical: being pregnant or having a nursing baby would make fleeing much more difficult (Jesus spoke these words about fleeing Jerusalem before it was destroyed). However, these mothers had conquered great dangers and difficulties; they had successfully fled with their nursing babies—some had even given birth during their journey (one night, a 13-day-old baby arrived in camp). I saw desperation in their eyes: fear of how they were going to provide nourishment, warmth, and life to their little ones. Despair as to whether or not they could be the mothers these children they love more than life itself need. I saw that the extreme evilness that humanity is able to perpetrate can pervert even life’s greatest blessings. Jesus’ words say to me that to have children in the midst of extremely evil days is equivalent to a mother (or father) having their heart ripped out and stomped on. This is what I saw mothers and fathers experiencing as they feared for the provision, future, and very lives of their children. My heart ached and continues to ache.

However, the fear and despair were not the only things I saw in their eyes; I saw hope! As I handed apples to them and their children, a spark of life came into their faces; they had reason to believe they could go on, reason to believe their children’s needs would be met, and reason to believe the future might be brighter than the past.

Thank you for your generosity in responding to the refugee crisis. Your gifts have contributed to this hope. You helped purchase apples, bananas, granola bars, juice boxes, blankets, winter jackets, shoes, baby carriers, winter hats, gloves, and more. You helped to enable lunch bags to be made and distributed to the migrants for their journey. You helped the love of Christ reach these desperate people. Because of that love, hope is conquering the despair.

While our interactions as refugees enter Europe are few and brief, we strongly believe that how we receive these desperate people—the majority of whom have never encountered the gospel of Jesus—will make a huge impact in both how they integrate into life in Europe and how they respond to the gospel. We are excited at hearing news that many in Germany are coming to Christ, and have been encouraged to have the opportunity to look at Scripture together with a group of refugees that have settled here in Hungary. Responding with the love of Jesus isn’t to be manipulative or conditional, but His love always moves us to point to the ultimate hope and life in Him. 

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me... ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25:35-36, 40) 

GIVE: You can partner with Mark, Eszti, and Samuel as they continue to show Christ’s love to refugees by making a financial gift. 

PRAY: Ask a close friend to join you this month in praying for the refugee crisis. Pray for God’s grace and peace to be with the refugees who are fleeing violence and poverty. Pray for missionaries as they reach out to them in Christ’s name. 

What's in your Hand?

An excerpt from...

What Is in Your Hand?

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The key to starting ministry where God has put you
By Meg Dul, Missionary, Hungary
April-June 2015

How can I still be involved in ministry when my time is fully taken up by my two active little ones? They are 4 and 2, and every day they challenge me to grow in God’s grace and rely on His strength. Often I contemplate how to balance my calling as a mom and my calling as a missionary when it comes to how I spend my time.

When God called Moses from the burning bush, Moses had his doubts. “What if they don’t believe me?” God’s answer was also in the form of a question: “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” Moses replied (Exodus 4:1-2). God had already given Moses the resources he needed to fulfill his calling—of course, not in Moses’ strength, but in his weakness and God’s power. So I look at what God has put in my hand: two darling children, a language people want to learn, experience in teaching English, and a welcoming home.

Here in Hungary, mothers get three years of maternity leave. Once their kids are 3 years old, the mothers go back to work and the kids go to a 3-year preschool. This year we started our 4-year-old in the local preschool. We prayed that through this, God would open doors for ministry for our family. The first week of school, parents were allowed to stay with their kids to help them adjust. Many moms asked if I could help them improve the English they’d learned but didn’t have the chance to practice. An idea began to form.

I asked another missionary mom to join me in starting a baba-mama group (moms and kids) in my home. One morning a week, Hungarian young mothers come with their kids aged 3 and younger. The kids play and we moms talk in English. We purposefully guide the discussion to spiritual things and pray for each mom every time we’re together. We are at the very beginning of this new outreach, but I am so encouraged by how God is weaving together the two callings He has put on my heart.

Will you take a moment to pray for us? Pray that God will use this time to draw people to Himself. And if you’re wondering where to start plugging into ministry where God has put you, take a look: what is in your hand?

GO: What do you have in your hand, and how can you use that to further the kingdom? Ministry opportunities are open on nearly every WGM field. Find your fit.

The Wesleyan Alliance

An excerpt from...

The Wesleyan Alliance

A partnership for equipping pastors
By Meg Dul, Hungary
January-March 2014

Remember our rejoicing when communism fell? Finally, freedom for our brothers and sisters in Christ to worship openly! But sometimes change comes slowly, and effects of communism still linger.What do you do, for example, when the established seminaries employ professors who are openly anti-Christian? Where do you send the young people to train to be Christian leaders?

A group of Christian leaders and missionaries in Hungary had a dream of developing a training center where young believers could become equipped to be pastors and lay leaders in their churches, studying theology from a Wesleyan perspective. This was too big an undertaking for any organization on its own, so in 1998 the Wesleyan Alliance was formed out of World Gospel Mission, OMS, the Salvation Army, the Methodist Church, the Free Methodist Church, and the Church of the Nazarene.

Finally, in 2006, the dream of a training center was realized. Young Hungarian Christian leaders can receive an accredited degree in theology, taught from a Wesleyan perspective. Small churches and missions organizations no longer have to wonder where to send their young people to be trained to be pastors and lay leaders. Two Korean missionary churches have also joined the Wesleyan Alliance, making it quite an international organization. Working together and with the Holy Spirit, we have accomplished so much more than any of us could have done alone.

Create your own alliance. Because of the religious restriction Hungarians experienced during the days of communism, the desire for translated Christian books is persistent. By gathering your sphere of influence (your alliance), you can help develop lay leaders in Hungary, too. For every $600 you raise, a book can be translated, and each additional $6 pays for the printing of one copy of a book. Set a fundraising goal and work together for Hungary. Working together, your alliance can accomplish more, too!

GIVE: Help develop lay leaders in Hungary. Make checks payable to World Gospel Mission and write project #31454-CALL on the memo line. Send check donations to:

World Gospel Mission
P.O. Box 948
Marion, IN 46952-0948

The Gifts Inside an Internship

An excerpt from The Gifts inside an Internship
By Savanah Nisbett, Volunteers In Action Participant, Hungary
November/December 2010

On the hunt for a journalism internship for college credit, I stumbled upon WGM’s writing internship. I was excited about writing for a Christ-centered group and the possibility of doing the internship in another country. As the process unfolded, I decided Jesus was leading me to be at home in Arkansas for the summer. I was sad to not be serving internationally, but I knew God was at work in that decision.

Through my internship with WGM, I discovered that I loved writing about other cultures and issues that transcend national borders. I realized that my passion for writing is multiplied when it includes my passion for people of other cultures. This internship shaped my career plans through a personal realization that I desire to write about “big” things. Writing for WGM provided me a phenomenal outlet to achieve this, but I still had a desire to serve with them internationally.

ACT: Journalism internships are still available. To apply for a WGM internship, visit www.wgm.org/internships.

Hungary: Depression

Due to the prevalence of depression, Hungary has been called the “gloomiest nation on Earth” by writer Krisztina Fenyo. The widespread problem of depression in Hungary can be attributed to the vast social changes that the country has undergone since the 1950s. According to the World Health Organization, Hungary currently has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Economic uncertainty and the breakdown of the family have added to the problem.

ACT: You can be the hands and feet of Christ in Hungary. Consider serving six weeks to a year in Hungary’s church ministries. To learn more, visit www.wgm.org/gowithwgm.

Pray this prayer for Hungary:
Father, having the title of “gloomiest nation on Earth” is a heavy load to bear. We know that You can bring light and hope to Hungarians. God, we ask that You will help the churches to rise up and bring encouragement to a nation that needs to hear from You.

We ask that You grant wisdom to the small WGM missionary staff serving in Hungary. We pray that You will guide and direct as they minister to the hurting through Your church. We pray that they will be able to share Jesus to those with whom they come in contact and that Your light, joy, and hope will shine brightly through them.

I want to pray for others today in our lives who are struggling with depression. Give us the courage to pray for them by name. As we lift their needs before the throne today, help us to remember those in Hungary who are sharing those same feelings and burdens. Jesus, we ask that they will cry out to You and that You will provide care for their needs. We ask this in Your name. Amen.

Creative Outreach

An excerpt from Creative Outreach
By Meg Dul, Hungary
July/August 2010


I love how God created us individually, knows us personally, and puts us right where we should be for His glory. He knows the talents He has gifted us with, and, like the parable of the talents, expects us to use them for Him. So He guides us to the place where people need someone just like us to share in the way only we can. I’m glad for the doctors, nurses, teachers, evangelists, farmers, and construction workers who are using their talents for His glory. And I’m so very glad that God has a place in ministry for His creative children too.

Has God blessed you with a creative side? How are you using those skills for His glory? Ever thought about starting an art club or quilters group or teaching English in your neighborhood? Your talents open opportunities to share Christ with others.

Septemeber 25: Hungary

The concert of prayer today was for the ministries of WGM Hungary. Dan Searls led us in prayer and reminded us to pray for the kids, the missionary kids, who grow up on the field. He asked that their parents would teach them to be light to those they come in contact with. That was a reminder that touched my heart. Our MK's grow up in a very different world than how my kids grow up, but they will only bear witness wherever they are if taught to do so. What a ministry God has given parents. That's a prayer request for both the kids, grandparents, uncles, aunts, neighbors, you and me. may we be faithful to pray long after the concert is over.

If you have missed any of the concerts of prayer you can listen to them on our website. Listen to today's concert by clicking on the picture.

Join us for the concert tomorrow where we will pray for the new WGM field of Spain.

Until then, be blessed.

Kristi Crisp
The Call Editor
World Gospel Mission
www.wgm.org/call

Entering Europe

Our concert of prayer journey has led us into Europe
and our first stop is Ukraine.

Ernie Smith led the concert praying through the specific ministries each missionary sering in Ukraine is involved with. Ernie also made the plea this field needs more missionary staff to complete the work. Could this be the area of the world God is calling you to? If you are not sure but would like to explore the possibility think about going on a short-term trip to see if God confirms it in your heart.


Have checked out The Call concert on the web?
There is some exclusive content just waiting for you to explore. The larger regions offer podcast interviews with a missionary serving in that area. In the podcast we explore social issues that this region faces. Click on the image to listen.

Join the concert tomorrow as we meet up with Hungary.

Kristi Crisp
The Call Editor
World Gospel Mission
www.wgm.org/call

9/24 - Hungary

The Numbers are Staggering!

Thanks to all of you who joined us at the Concert of Prayer. There were over 40 calls today and many of you have dropped us notes saying that you are joining the Concert from a group so that means many more pray-ers. Our time has been blessed hasn't it?

Dan Searls led us in prayer today for the country of Hungary and he mentioned that only 3% of the population has called Jesus Lord. That spoke to my heart...the need is great! Could you partner with World Gospel Mission to advance the gospel in Hungary? Here are some ways to get involved.

Just a reminder...if you have missed of the Concert of Prayer live calls you can listen to them all on the website. Click here to look at the list.

Feeling blessed,

Kristi Crisp
Call to Prayer Editor
World Gospel Mission
www.wgmcalltoprayer.org