Eger, Hungary [Meeting with a special man]
Eger is located in Northern Hungary near the main highway between Budapest and Miskolc. There is an old fortress there that was very important in the history of Hungary as they fought off the onslaught of the Turks. We drove two hours from our home to go to a Brethren Church to minister. Not a cloud in the sky, it was a gorgeous day. It was exciting to see the fortress again, but it was more important to visit with this church and a dear friend, Janos Soproni.
We first ministered there in 1991 and they spoke of this in the church service. Two of the adults, a married couple, in their 30s gave testimony of how they experienced our youth camp that summer in 1991 and that they enjoyed it very much. Both said it was life changing. The wife told how she won Eric's Run on two occasions. That brought back memories. Somehow Eric tortured his body making himself run that 1.5 mile race with the campers at 7 AM every Monday morning during camp for 15 summers! Just thinking about this made me groan with pain! Yes, I am Eric. I am the one who came up with that idea.
I looked at their two sons, Dani and Zozo, and saw so much potential! They are precious little boys and this couple is doing a good job raising them in the church.
They joined us for lunch at a restaurant after the church meeting and the meal was hosted by Janos and Maria Soproni. I sat next to Janos and enjoyed the fellowship with him. He is 76 now and has five major ministries or jobs right now! What an example! He is a musician and a song writer with many of his songs published in Hungary. In fact, he published them! His song books are used all across the country. He is still active as the church leader, very involved in a prison ministry, still publishing books and music, teaches guitar in a public school to supplement his retirement income and he mentioned something else that I cannot remember. I was tired enough after hearing about the first four tasks!
There are a group of Hungarians that are movers and pushers in the country in Christian circles. They have vision coupled with a dynamic work ethic. Janos Soproni is one of them. I know the rest of this group and could list some more names. All of them are well over 60; the majority are over 70 years of age!
As I was sitting in the church meeting during the first part of the worship service I thought about Janos and I wondered who would replace him when that time comes. It is a daunting question! Who will replace these gallant men in Hungary? One of them is now 80 and he recently started pastoring another church! He has built up three strong churches in the country and he is doing it again! Another is 81 and he is pushing the development of a small Christian conference center and seeking supporters. They finally convinced him not to drive anymore because his knees have worn out and he cannot use the foot pedals. By the way, Hungary is a safer country after this decision. Now, he gets people to take him where he needs to go as he continues to serve. Amazing!
Janos has a great sense of humor, so, the fellowship was excellent. He knows how to work and he has accomplished a lot in his lifetime. Yet, he spoke of new projects and new plans. What a blessing to have such a friend!
Eric
We first ministered there in 1991 and they spoke of this in the church service. Two of the adults, a married couple, in their 30s gave testimony of how they experienced our youth camp that summer in 1991 and that they enjoyed it very much. Both said it was life changing. The wife told how she won Eric's Run on two occasions. That brought back memories. Somehow Eric tortured his body making himself run that 1.5 mile race with the campers at 7 AM every Monday morning during camp for 15 summers! Just thinking about this made me groan with pain! Yes, I am Eric. I am the one who came up with that idea.
I looked at their two sons, Dani and Zozo, and saw so much potential! They are precious little boys and this couple is doing a good job raising them in the church.
They joined us for lunch at a restaurant after the church meeting and the meal was hosted by Janos and Maria Soproni. I sat next to Janos and enjoyed the fellowship with him. He is 76 now and has five major ministries or jobs right now! What an example! He is a musician and a song writer with many of his songs published in Hungary. In fact, he published them! His song books are used all across the country. He is still active as the church leader, very involved in a prison ministry, still publishing books and music, teaches guitar in a public school to supplement his retirement income and he mentioned something else that I cannot remember. I was tired enough after hearing about the first four tasks!
There are a group of Hungarians that are movers and pushers in the country in Christian circles. They have vision coupled with a dynamic work ethic. Janos Soproni is one of them. I know the rest of this group and could list some more names. All of them are well over 60; the majority are over 70 years of age!
As I was sitting in the church meeting during the first part of the worship service I thought about Janos and I wondered who would replace him when that time comes. It is a daunting question! Who will replace these gallant men in Hungary? One of them is now 80 and he recently started pastoring another church! He has built up three strong churches in the country and he is doing it again! Another is 81 and he is pushing the development of a small Christian conference center and seeking supporters. They finally convinced him not to drive anymore because his knees have worn out and he cannot use the foot pedals. By the way, Hungary is a safer country after this decision. Now, he gets people to take him where he needs to go as he continues to serve. Amazing!
Janos has a great sense of humor, so, the fellowship was excellent. He knows how to work and he has accomplished a lot in his lifetime. Yet, he spoke of new projects and new plans. What a blessing to have such a friend!
Eric
posted by Eric Murphy at 4.2.08
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home