{"id":57685,"date":"2025-02-03T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalministries.org\/?post_type=resource&p=57685"},"modified":"2025-01-13T10:48:05","modified_gmt":"2025-01-13T15:48:05","slug":"pray-with-hungary-february-9-2025","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/www.globalministries.org\/resource\/pray-with-hungary-february-9-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Pray with Hungary, February 9, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Lectionary Selection:<\/strong>  Luke 4: 1-13<\/p>\n\n\n

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Prayers for Hungary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gracious God, whose redeeming love guides us through the wilderness and sustains us in times of trial, we lift our hearts to you. In a world that tests our resolve and compassion, may we find strength in your enduring presence. We remember the resilience of Christ in the wilderness, resisting temptation and choosing the path of love and justice. May his example inspire us to stand with those who are vulnerable and displaced, offering welcome and hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, we pray especially for those navigating their own wilderness of uncertainty and loss. We pray that you bless their journey and that they may find spaces of safety, community, and joy. Strengthen the hands that serve, the hearts that welcome, and the spirits that dream of peace. In your name, we pray. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mission Moment from Hungary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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As the Hungarian Reformed Church Aid and the Reformed Church in Hungary reflects on the upcoming 3rd anniversary of Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine and its ongoing activities to support the community of displaced persons in Budapest, one colleague at the Refugee Ministry, Denys Kravchenko, a Communications Liaison and Data Administrator, shared about an ongoing community event for young Ukrainian students that the Refugee Ministry has begun supporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI still feel like a teenager in my heart, so I have been looking for opportunities for 12-17-year-olds to engage in different activities and connect with organisations that support these events. Previously, Parasolka (another community organisation) served as this platform; however, it\u2019s small, and since their time is dedicated to younger children, we found ourselves attending various (and often expensive) events and spaces. By “expensive,” I mean we often searched for community hubs and spaces to rent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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The club is held on Saturdays at the Refugee Ministry office in north Budapest, as the more central office hosts a seniors’ club. Why Saturday? Each participant in the club is either studying in high school or culinary college, and almost all have hobbies or extracurricular activities, making it challenging to schedule the club any other day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cWe had ten participants the first time, including myself, and we made homemade pizza. For our second event, our group grew to 28; this time, we baked chocolate chip cookies. Most of the events involve a cooking activity, as six of our participants study culinary arts and take on roles as instructors for the younger group and their peers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these teens are refugees from Ukraine, and since their parents often work six days a week, it\u2019s important for them to have a safe space where they can spend time with peers, engage in meaningful activities, and feel part of a community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contributors: Emma Perry, Global Mission Intern, and Denys Kravchenko, Communications Liaison and Data Administrator (Hungarian Reformed Church Aid)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mission Partners in Hungary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n