In World War II when Major Richard Winters helped liberate a concentration camp at Dachau, he said, "Now I know why I am here." Explaining, he could have said, "Now I know why I am in a far away country, far from home and family, fighting a war."
Last night on January 4th our ministry had an evening of prayer to begin another new calendar year. Some of our staff gave a presentation of the typical student of Budapest. Drug use is up, alcohol use is up (one popular drink is 45% alcohol!) and sex is common and casual. Even parents want to create a safe environment at home so their kids can experiment sexually. My heart sank and I remember thinking, "Now I know why I am here."
This is why I am not at home with my kids and why I am praying late into the night. Even in a deeper way, it is why we do not live in our home country or culture. It is to intercede and to cry out to God on behalf of those who do know not Him. It is to beg those who do not know God to be reconciled with Him (2 Corinthians 5:20) There is a soullessness not only in Hungary, but all across Europe. I believe that darkness is profoundly deeper here in Europe than in America.
Ultimately, evangelism is about spreading the glory of God to all people everywhere, regardless of how people behave or appear. Yet to see the symptoms when people reject Christ is both painful and motivating.
Yet we also prayed through lists of students who fall into several different categories: 1) actively investigating the gospel, 2) have received Christ, 3) actively sharing their faith or 4) even applying to join our staff. My spirit was lifted and the Holy Spirit reminded me of an Old Testament passage Paul quoted in Romans 11: God says, "I have kept for Myself 7000 men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." God is sovereign in calling and keeping men to Himself!
The world is full of great pursuits. Yet thank you for enabling us to participate in what we believe is the greatest pursuit!
1 comment:
OH WOW!! this was awesome (and heartbreaking) to read. i was looking at that picture, at all those folks i dearly love back in hungary, and asking the Lord to remind me to pray for you EVEN MORE OFTEN! always so encouraged by and thankful to God for you all!
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