Signs of Life from Hungary -- 87 and 88

Signs of Life from Hungary Volume XI No. 87+88
Monthly prayer update on the ministry of the Protestant Institute for Mission Studies
by Anne-Marie Kool
Budapest, 5th December 2003.

“My soul praises the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant”. Lk. 1: 46-48a

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field”. Mt. 9, 37-38.

Dear Friends,

Lately both verses have been very much on my mind. In the Magnificat Maria sings out her praises to God for the great things He does. The Saviour will be born! Maria feels herself very small in comparison to the great God, but in His compassion He has turned to her. Her son will be God’s Son, the Son of God Almighty! That’s the Good News! The Light of the world has come for ordinary people like you and me.
In rough times it is good to sing praises to God with Maria, to sing yourself out of the darkness into God’s light. In moments of feeling overwhelmed by the harvest it is good to be reminded that we are not called to “fix” it ourselves, the Lord of the harvest is with us! We are not alone!
Regularly people visit the Mission Institute who would like to be involved in communicating the Good News with others. They ask us for help to be better equipped for that task.

What about just sharing an “ordinary” week with you - if there ever is such thing – to give you better insight in what’s on!

Monday
Usually I teach in Papa on this day, but today I return from a brief visit to The Netherlands, where I attended the retirement celebration of my supervisor of Utrecht University Dr. Jan A.B. Jongeneel. It was very good to meet many colleagues and friends I had not met for ages. One of them made quite a shocking remark: “You have turned rather grey…’”, but then he complimented: “it fits you well!”. His next question was: my daughter, a third year theology student would like to come to study with you for a year, would that be possible?” I realized that years had gone by…

Tuesday
Back in the office. In the corridor I ran into our librarian Katalin: “I am on my way to Papa to take the first load of duplicates to the library”. Lately we received another load of books from retired missiologists. Even my office has turned into a storing place. We send these duplicates to libraries of partner institutions.
When I enter my office I turn on my computer. To my great disappointment our six-year-old network is down again, a weekly returning problem. Obviously computers retire earlier than professors! To make the best of the situation Zsofi, my secretary, suggests that we take some extra time together. She is a master in managing me and my time. Since September she is back on her post after one and a half year maternity leave due to the adoption of a Roma little girl Gyöngyi.
The telephone rings. Kornél Papp of the synod office: “Some minor revisions are still needed in the proposal of the postgraduate program in missions for presentation to the synod of the Reformed Church on Thursday.” To my surprise it will not only be accepted as a program of the Protestant Institute for Mission Studies, but as the general requirements of the synod for any such program. After a short break Zsofi and myself continue, but not for long.
Someone is knocking on my door. A former member of our board, Rev. Olivér Czövek, comes in. “I have come to pick up the goods of the Dutch delegation, whose minibus broke down last week, to take them to the Ukraine. I just wanted to greet you.” We talk a few moments. His daughter and son-in-law work with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Romania to translate the Bible into a gypsy language. Kati, our business manager and several others help him carry. With Hilda, our program coordinator, we do the final check on the document for the synod. I am glad that the computer network is “up” again, often it takes much longer. Without any problems we can send it to the synod office.
Lunchtime is near. Hilda and Enikő, an American researcher from Romanian-Hungarian background take Dr. Jongeneel out to lunch.

Also in the afternoon I have no time to feel bored. Kati presents me with the financial statements of last month. We discuss the deficit we face in our ministry costs of 50.000 USD. Recently it increased, because pledged funds did not arrive. Unless the situation changes we have six more weeks to pay salaries.
Half an hour I reflect with Enikő, involved in a PhD program at an American university, on her research proposal on a theme related to mission history in Romania.Then I sit down with Hilda to discuss a new distance-learning program The Worldchristian, on taking the Gospel from culture to culture. The publication has met with serious delays. The program will be presented to a number of mission societies to discuss the possibility of cooperation in training young people in cross cultural missions. I am impressed with the quality of her proposal.

Just after five Prof. Jan Jongeneel and myself leave the institute. On my way home I quickly plan a simple meal. For such occasions it is good to have a filled freezer! In less than an hour supper is ready. My Doktorvater asks some penetrating questions: “What about regularly studying mission literature? What major topics are you planning to focus on in your research?
The phone rings. “I call you to pick up the minibus that broke down a few weeks ago.” A representative of the Dutch AA (Automobile Association). Is speaking. It takes a while to explain that ten days ago I only served as an intermediate in arranging the troubles of a Dutch delegation on their way to the Ukraine, who brought more than 400 kg of mission literature for the library.

Wednesday
Every second Wednesday our Management team meets. Veronika greets me with some bank statements: a donation of 2 USD by lady of 90 years old, an alumnus of PMTI sends 75 USD and 400 USD comes from a Hungarian diocese.
Zita reports on two national women conferences, attended by 56 and 68 people. The enthusiasm for small group bible study has grown so much, that the participants even asked to include another study in one of the evening programs. Passive church members turn into more active ones! Also the publishing of this training material suffers a great delay. Sometimes we need an extra load of patience! Then Hilda shares some of the responses from the students in the MTh program. Monika: “This program is beyond my expectations. It is indeed a thrilling spiritual and intellectual journey. It is a refreshing, green pasture… It gives new insights to the problems and struggles of Christianity in my country,… for instance on… the need for transformation of the ghetto mentality…This program is… a wonderful means in God’s hand for preparing me for His mission (in the way of Jesus) in the midst of my culture and society.” According to Reformed pastor László the program has challenged him to read the New Testament from a new, missiological perspective, which affects his preaching and his congregational work. He testifies that his life has changed by the international, and interdenominational contacts with his fellow students.

After a quick lunch the Missiological Research Fellowship starts with 15-20 participants. Students working on their doctoral dissertation at universities in Hungary and the Netherlands (Utrecht) present their research. In his lecture “My pilgrimage in Mission” Prof. Jan Jongeneel touches on the very sensitive issue of ethnic tensions in the Indonesian situation. A fascinating discussion arises on similar issues in church and mission in Central and Eastern Europe. When I want to go home I realize that my keys and coat are locked into my office. I have to call one of my colleagues. Jongeneel and myself decide to go for a supper in one of the little restaurants in the Raday street.

Thursday
Although I had planned to lead the 2nd day of the Missiological Research Fellowship, I spent most of my time at the synod of the Reformed Church of Hungary (with 1.6 million members), where the proposal of the postgraduate program in missions will be discussed. Presenter is Dr. Attila Kalman, former minister of education, head of the committee for education: “The proposal is scheduled for around 3 o’clock.” A “little” delay of three hours gives me plenty of time to observe the synod meeting and to have many useful “break” discussions with synod members.” In his presentation Dr. Kalman emphasizes the importance of the program for missionary calling of the church. The dean of one of the theological institutions stresses that this program will be of crucial important for the continuous education of the 1200+ pastors, a topic just discussed. All of the synod members voted in favour. I felt it was a historic moment in the history of the Protestant Institute for Mission Studies.

I hurry back to the Mission institute. At 7 o’clock an evening class starts on faith and culture led by Dóra Bernhardt. Jongeneel will lecture on Newbigin. A fascinating group of 10 students and young graduates have gathered. They feel a strong need to be better equipped to witness in today’s society. I am impressed by the level of the discussion, with an interesting dynamic between (future) pastors and the so called “lay” people.

Friday
At 8.30 a.m. I arrive at the Mission Institute. I notice that one of the lights in our offices is on. “I’m sure someone forgot to shut them off”. When I open the door,I realize I have interrupted Eszter Dani teaching her course on Gypsy Mission!
Zsofi, my secretary has good news. Finally an appointment could be arranged with Prof. Dr. David Németh, dean of the theological Faculty of the Gaspar Karoli Reformed university, for a brief lunch meeting with Jongeneel.
At 9 o’clock the Missiological Research Fellowship meeting resumes. I am not surprised to hear that despite (or because?) of my absence the previous day, the discussions had been excellent. It is a sign that gradually responsibilities can be handed over to young Hungarian scholars. Jongeneel even remarked that the discussions have reached the same level as in Utrecht!

During the lunch meeting the dean showed a keen interested in the role of missiology in the theological curriculum and also in strengthening the historic links with Utrecht University. The rest of the day Jongeneel and myself have “consulting hours” with “our students”. The topics they are studying seem to inspire and motivate them for their ministry in the church. Each one of them brings significant sacrifices with their families in order to finish their research into crucial missiological questions, important for the future of church’s local and global mission.
They eagerly look forward to the opening of the expanded library which will provide them with adequate study carrels. Some even plead that we organize “dissertation writing weeks” – intensive weeks of research and writing in the library starting with morning devotions.

Finally
One week in the Mission Institute. I hope it gave you a bit of a feel of our every day life, as we seek to train young people to be well equipped workers in His harvest.
I would like to wish you many blessings for the advent and Christmas season.
Yours in Christ.
Anne-Marie Kool
Praise and Prayer
1. Praise:
Acceptance by the synod of the Reformed Church in Hungary of the proposal for the postgraduate program in missions, church development, and cross cultural ministry
Eagerness of Hungarian women to study the Word of God
Evening classes led by Dóra Bernhardt. Students are pressing her to continue during the next semester
2. Prayer:
For a miracle of 50.000 USD to meet deficit of 2003.
For publication of trainings material for bible study groups
For the start of distance learning course The World Christian and course book to be published in time.
More personal time to read and study!



This is the monthly prayer update of Anne-Marie Kool for friends of the Protestant Institute for Mission Studies. She has been commissioned by the Reformed Missionary League (RML) in the Netherlands Reformed Church in Driebergen, the Netherlands in 1993, seconded to the Reformed Church in Hungary. Since 1995 she has served as the director of the Protestant Institute for Mission Studies in Budapest. In 1998 she was appointed as Professor in Missiology at the Reformed Theological Seminary in Papa.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
If you would like to support the ministry of the Protestant Institute for Mission Studies (ProTIMS), you may send your tax-deductible gifts to:
1. Overseas Council International - P.O. Box 17368, Indianapolis, IN 46217-0368 (Yes, this is a new address!).
or to:
2. I.D.E.A Ministries, 4595 Broadmoor—Suite 237, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, USA.
In both cases please indicate that this donation is for ProTIMS, otherwise we will not receive your contribution. Please also add the designation of your donation.
3. You could also send your donation directly to our Hungarian Bank:
You can also send a donation directly to Hungary:
Account No: USD account number: HU36105600000772300102010108
EUR account number: HU28105600000772300122010100
Name of account: Protestáns Missziói Tanulmányi Intézet Alapítvány
Name of bank: General Banking and Trust Co.Ltd, H-1092 Budapest, Ráday u. 42-44.
Swift code: AEBBHUHB
Bank swift code: AEBBHUHB
We greatly appreciate your kind generosity in helping us equip future church leaders for Central and Eastern Europe! The doors are still open!
The Protestant Institute for Mission Studies, Kalvin ter 7.II, P.O. Box 150, 1461 Budapest, Hungary. Tel/fax + 36 1 216 20 54. E-mail: kool@pmti.edu.hu or amkool@axelero.hu.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE COMPUSERVE ADDRESS HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED!!
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Signs of Life from Hungary -- 86

Signs of Life from Hungary Volume XI No. 86
Monthly prayer update on the ministry of the Protestant Institute for Mission Studies
by Anne-Marie Kool


Budapest, 26th September 2003

“Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, though Your footprints were not seen. You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.”
Ps. 77:19-20

Dear Friends and Family,

On the 10th October, it will be exactly ten years ago that I was sent out by the Reformed congregations of Houten and Oud-Alblas to Hungary, on the invitation of the Reformed Church of Hungary, in cooperation with the Reformed Mission League in the Netherlands Reformed Church. It was the first official commission, although I had been working in Hungary since 1987. The text was chosen on the basis of the hymn 'God moves in a mysterious way', which was as you may remember also the title of my thesis. The translation of this English hymn by the poet William Cowper (1731-1800) played an important role in the Hungarian revival after the Second World War. I have often been inspired by the marvellous words: 'Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill He treasures up His bright designs, and works His sovereign will. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds ye so much dread are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head.'
In the last ten years, too, this hymn has travelled with me on my pilgrim's way. I have often been a witness to the fact that God moves in a mysterious way. Sometimes His footsteps have been hidden, but often the light has suddenly broken through.
'His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour; the bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower.'

Remembering
Actually, I can now hardly imagine that for the first year and a half I was working from my little study in the Meredek Utca as a jack-of-all-trades. I did everything from conducting legal negotiations about the deed of foundation, to arranging the renovations, to making photocopies (on the corner of the street, ten minutes' walk away). In the meantime, our team has grown to ten persons, and the ten square metres of my study to a Missions Institute of almost two hundred square metres. What a highlight it was when I was asked to lead the first missiology study group in 1995! Two students enrolled. In the meantime, the number of students has grown to almost eighty a year, beside the more than twenty members of the Missiological Research Fellowship and the sixteen students linked with the postgraduate program. Fortunately there are now many more involved in the teaching. God moves in a mysterious way! I am almost overwhelmed when I think about the many training sessions we have held throughout the country for youth groups, women's unions, elders' meetings and pastors' conferences etc.
Sometimes I leaf through the guest book that is lying on my desk. This brings to mind all sorts of faces. Visitors from at home and abroad, sometimes with the most diverse questions, but always with a great interest in the work of missions and evangelism. Very often they have visited because of an interest in the ministry of the Missions Institute in the Hungarian Churches.

Partnership and Cooperation (1)
Many of you, readers of the Signs of Life, have visited to demonstrate that the work of the advancement of the gospel in Hungary was near to your heart. You were concerned about the highlights and the low points. You sent me numerous Christmas cards! What an encouragement it was to know that you prayed regularly for us, not to speak of your willingness to give! Looking over the donations of the last few months we were simply amazed! And the circle kept expanding. The Signs of Life - originally intended for the Church magazine of the Sion Reformed Church in Houten, the Netherlands - is now sent by e-mail to almost two hundred addresses in the Netherlands, and the English translation is sent to as many readers from South Africa to Brazil and North America. Many of you have contributed in this way to the equipping of the Hungarian Churches to become open, missionary communities, attracting those who seldom or never go to church. But there is still a long way to go, and it is my prayer and our prayer that this partnership and cooperation in the Missio Dei, the mission of the Lord God, will continue.

Partnership and Cooperation (2)
With thankfulness I also remember the staff of the Missions Institute, with whom I have been cooperating since 1995. These have really been pioneering years. We have learned a lot. Partnership and Cooperation is not a simple matter. Sometimes difficult decisions have had to be taken. Perhaps one of the most important lessons I have learned myself is to let the God move in His mysterious way. What it comes down to is following Him, and letting go of problems and situations. After all, it is His work, is it not? I am extremely grateful that there has been a significant growth in the sense of responsibility of all the members of staff, in taking the initiative, and especially in standing up for the Cause of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

Challenges (1)
Two weeks ago I was talking to Boglarka. She has just begun the last year of her theology program, and is writing her final thesis about a subject from the history of missions in Hungary. Enthusiastically she told about her desire to go and study abroad for a year - she is very interested in going to a non-Western country - and then to work among gypsies. I also had a deep feeling of thankfulness when I spoke to Noemi. What I had tried to pass on to her in the missiology lectures had fallen 'in good soil', and was already bearing fruit. I was reminded of this when Annett and Emma came up to me after the first missiology lecture and offered to work as volunteers in the library of the Missions Institute. What a challenge to deal with young people and to motivate them not to keep the gospel of Jesus Christ to themselves!
A challenge of a different sort is posed by the tutorials with doctoral students. I really enjoy these. One of the students is the Rev. Sandor Gaal, who besides his work as a pastor is also a head of the department of missiology at the Reformed Theological Faculty in Debrecen and an active board member of the Missions Institute. Despite his many responsibilities, he has also made a lot of progress with his doctoral research. Pray that he will be able to finish off the research during his three months sabbatical!

Challenges (2)
Last weekend brought a challenge of a different sort. Together with Hilda Rohn, a member of staff at the Missions Institute, and Rev. László Szalkay, a student on the postgraduate program, I took part in a mission conference on the invitation of the Missionary Consultant of the Reformed Church of Poland, Rev. Semko Koroza. The Polish Hungarian Reformed Church has only 4,000 members and about ten pastors (among a population of forty-two million!) The Churches are very small and focus mainly on survival. But in recent years, the realisation has grown that missions and evangelism are of crucial importance. About fifteen to twenty Church members and pastors came, including the president of the synod. We were most warmly received, and despite language difficulties, some weighty discussions ensued. Following on from the lectures about the Biblical basis of missions, and missions and evangelism in the Hungarian context, many considered the most important question to be how to be a witness to Jesus Christ in their families, in the neighbourhood and at work. How can we bring up the question of God in a very natural way in our everyday conversations? For most people, it seemed to be an impossible task. 'We Polish don't do that!' We came to the conclusion that perhaps our fears of rejection by other people are greater than the reality. People expected from us more or less cut-and-dried solutions, a 'quick and easy answer' to the situation in Poland. As every situation is different, of course we were not able to give this. Our Christian way of life in itself is an instrument in missionary work. We can bear testimony through this, and we can 'stimulate' or even ‘provoke’ others to ask questions.
We noticed clearly that we were able to show our Polish brothers and sisters through our visit that they are not alone and are not facing the task on their own. We can learn a lot from one another, and we can help one another!

Challenges (3)
Besides the many challenges in the work of teaching and training, there is also the challenge of keeping the Missions Institute running. We are thankful that we have already received 15,000 USD more in gifts than last year, and that to a large extent this is due to an increase in Hungarian donations. There is also thankfulness that this year we have already been able to save 10% on the budget. Nevertheless, the shortfall in the running costs has grown to 12,000 USD. For the rest of this year, a further 33,000 USD is needed. The library in particular needs support. We have received several significant library collections of retired missiologists, but with the current staffing it will take several years to process the books. In the meantime the students are waiting to use these books!
Another challenge is the extension of the library. The first global plans for this were made three years ago. Then a global budget was set, with a large margin for the 'unforeseen'. In recent months, the global plans have been worked out in more detail, and all sorts of set backs are coming to light: new windows are needed, the electrical wiring has to been renewed, the floor must be reinforced etc. You wonder why this did not come up at an earlier stage. And in the meantime three years have passed, and the costs of the furniture have increased considerably. In order to be able to complete the library, we urgently need 22,500 USD.
The workshop room on the third floor is nearing completion, even though a considerable sum is still needed for the furnishings and for the air conditioning. We have not yet been able to buy any tables or chairs. This year, a further 22,000 USD is needed.

Dilemmas
In my Signs of Life, I have constantly tried to share with you the joys and sorrows. On the one hand, there are many open doors for missiological teaching and missionary training; on the other hand there are concerns about keeping the Missions Institute running. Last week I received a telephone call from Pranesh, who is from India, and who is the leader of the training work of an international missionary organisation in Hungary. 'I would like to ask your help in the training of our missionary workers.' This request was reinforced today by another mission organisation. Besides this, we regularly receive requests from pastors who want to spend study weeks with us.
We are bearing in mind the names of over 160 people who requested information about the postgraduate course, but who had insufficient language skills to participate in it. What courses can we offer them?
On our journey back from Poland, we visited a theological seminary in Wroclaw. 'Could you help us meeting our very strict accreditation requirements by becoming our visiting professor?'

We are in a constant dilemma about which priorities to set. For example, what priority do you give to fundraising? Is this subordinate to or more important than the teaching? Annually we submit over twenty-five projects to over twelve different Churches and organisations. Fortunately this is teamwork, but my contribution is still needed too. Another priority is to start a course for future teachers of missiology.
Please pray for continued wisdom in distinguishing between what is important and what is urgent.

Finally
At the end of August, I returned from holiday and went to Church again for the first time. On arrival I was greeted with: 'Do you know that Aunt Rozsa passed away this week?' In the last two years, Aunt Rozsa had become my Hungarian 'grandmother', my neighbour in church. We always sat together. She was very caring and prayed a lot for me and for our ministry. That Sunday, the place next to me was empty. Then I realised that I had lost somebody, a member of the family, to whom I had become very attached. I will miss her a great deal. Yesterday I heard from a member of our staff team, Veronika, that nothing more can be done to improve her eye problems. She only has at most 40% vision. This week, it is hoped, her husband will have the last of his chemotherapy. They too are both very close to me. Please pray for them.

With great thankfulness for your faithful partnership in the Gospel,

yours sincerely Christ,


Anne-Marie Kool


This is the monthly prayer update of Anne-Marie Kool for friends of the Protestant Institute for Mission Studies. She has been commissioned by the Reformed Missionary League (RML) in the Netherlands Reformed Church in Driebergen, the Netherlands in 1993, seconded to the Reformed Church in Hungary. Since 1995 she has served as the director of the Protestant Institute for Mission Studies in Budapest. In 1998 she was appointed as Professor in Missiology at the Reformed Theological Seminary in Papa.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
In case you would like to support the ministry of the Protestant Institute for Mission Studies (ProTIMS), you may send your tax-deductible gifts to:

1. Overseas Council International - P.O. Box 17368, Indianapolis, IN 46217-0368 (Yes, this is a new address!)
or to:

2. I.D.E.A Ministries, 4595 Broadmoor—Suite 237, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, USA.

In both cases please indicate that this donation is for ProTIMS, otherwise we will not receive your contribution. Please also add the designation of your donation.
.
3. You could also send your donation directly to our Hungarian Bank:
You can also send a donation directly to Hungary:
Account No.
USD account number: HU36105600000772300102010108
EUR account number: HU28105600000772300122010100

Name of account: Protestáns Missziói Tanulmányi Intézet Alapítvány
Name of bank: General Banking and Trust Co.Ltd, H-1092 Budapest, Ráday u. 42-44.
Swift code: AEBBHUHB
Bank swift code: AEBBHUHB

We greatly appreciate your kind generosity in helping us equip future church leaders in Hungary! The doors are still open!

The Protestant Institute for Mission Studies, Kalvin ter 7.II, P.O. Box 150, 1461 Budapest, Hungary. Tel/fax + 36 1 216 20 54. E-mail: kool@pmti.edu.hu or amkool@axelero.hu. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE COMPUSERVE ADDRESS HAS BEEN SUSPENDED!!

If you want to unsubscribe from this list, or would like one of your friends to receive the Signs of Life from Hungary, send an e-mail to dick@vdweerd.org with the text: (un)subscribe PMTI -news.

Signs of Life from Hungary -- 85

Budapest, 30th August 2003.

“He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name sake.” Ps 23:2-3.

Dear Friends and Family,

Sitting on the terrace of an old castle with a view over the characteristic hills of Tuscany, I felt myself recovering just like that. Enjoying a good book, visiting beautiful cities like Florence and Sienna, a delicious meal in one of the numerous little restaurants, playing the exciting game “The settlers of Catan” with my nephew Alexander (who always won), catching up on all the news and the occasional dip in the swimming pool to cool off. That was needed because temperatures went up to 42 degrees Celsius! These were the ingredients of a fantastic weeks' holiday in Italy with my sister Corien and brother-in-law Marc and their children. The previous week, I had already had a great time with my other sister Willemien and her husband Jan and my four-month-old nephew Mattias, who came to Hungary on holiday. I was able to practice my skills as an aunt again. It really was a time to recover from a very busy period, and to recharge my batteries. 'He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.'

I realised that after two really busy years without a proper holiday, I really needed one. You will no doubt know exactly what I mean.

Please pray that in the future I will be able to use my time wisely and will be able to distinguish between what is important and what is urgent.

The ins and outs of the Missions Institute

In the meantime, a lot of work has been done at the Missions Institute to work out the plans to extend the library. Every week Kati, the head of administration and finances, and Kati, our librarian, sat around the table with Veronika and the architect and his team. There is a great deal involved before everything has been discussed in detail.

Zita was invited to speak at a women's conference with several hundred participants in the Hungarian-speaking part of Romania. An ever-recurring theme in her talks is how women can study the Bible together in their congregations, and how these Bible study groups can be instrumental in the work of evangelism. Hilda led a seminar at a conference for Christian students about how the gospel can be communicated in a comprehensible way to the unchurched and those on the fringes of the Church.

Ready for the off

The summer period was also used to prepare for the coming academic year. For the first time, a sixth year group will be started at the Reformed Theological Academy in Papa. As the chairs in Practical Theology and Missiology are responsible for this year with a special focus on placements, there is a lot to do to get this up and running for the first time. The students have a period of practical work of ten weeks in a local congregation, followed by a week's placement in a deaconal (social care) organisation. It is unique that there is also the opportunity for a week's field work in a cross cultural setting. Between the placements, intensive study weeks are held, in which, besides an evaluation of the placements, there is also room for teaching in the subjects of missionary church development, evangelisation, diakonia etc. The aim of this year is to help the students take the step from theory to practice, so that they are able to clearly proclaim the Word of God, and to help their churches to take on the challenge of missions, evangelism and social work (diakonia), and to also equip their Church members to be witnesses in today's world. All together, it will be an exciting year, not only for them but also for us as teachers.

At the Theological Faculty of the Karoli Gaspar University and the Lutheran Theological Faculty, a course about missions to gypsies will be given by Eszter Dani, who has personally worked for years among gypsies (Romanies) in the Lower Carpathians. Please pray that many students will enrol.

A new initiative is the evening class in Gospel and Culture, which will be led by Dora Bernhardt for interested Church members and students. The credit system, which has recently been introduced in the universities, requires that all students obtain 10% of their credits in another subject. This provides a great opportunity for the Missions Institute to provide courses about missiological subjects for students from other faculties.

And of course, we are also continuing the postdoc course in Missiology. These students, too, will also have to do field work. We hope that it will be possible to find practical placements outside Hungary as well, so that the students can be exposed to the challenges of missions in another culture. If you know of any opportunities please let us know!

Long-term plans

In June, we started making long-term strategy plans. The first step was to evaluate our ministry of the last few years. What was successful, what are we good at, and what less good?

Please pray for wisdom in this respect and that we are able to spend sufficient time on the process of evaluation. There is always a great danger of being too busy putting out fires, so that there is little time left to quietly consider long-term policy.

“VIP” visitor

Last week, I received a pastoral visit from the president of the Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church, Rev. Arie W. van der Plas. The purpose of his visit was to strengthen the ties with one of the members of his national 'flock'. His years of experience in Eastern Europe before the 'changes' made it particularly interesting to talk about the blessings and concerns of today and the challenges linked with the new situation, as many countries of the former Eastern block will be joining the European Union on 1st May 2004. What will be the consequences for the Churches? It was also good for me to catch up on the Church situation in the Netherlands, the deep concerns regarding the unification process of the three main protestant churches, but also to talk about the challenges of the future, how the new unified Church could fulfil its missionary calling in the secularised Netherlands. It was very encouraging to note that the work that I am able to do on behalf of the Dutch Reformed Church in Hungary is also prayerfully supported by the 'higher echelons' of the Church.

Thankfulness

With great thankfulness, we recently heard that one of the board members of the Missions Institute, Rev. Peter Gancs, has been elected the new bishop of one of the three Church districts of the Lutheran Church in Hungary. His grandfather played an important role last century in the Hungarian revival in the twenties and thirties (see my dissertation). His mother-in-law Veronika has been working at the Missions Institute for many years, and Peter too has made a considerable contribution in the almost ten years that he has been on the board.

Pray for him as he is granted this office, for wisdom to lead the flock entrusted to him.

Finally

At the end of June, I received my professors degree. It was good that family and friends from the Netherlands were represented on this happy occasion. We celebrated with a garden party with famous Hungarian goulash soup, cooked in an iron pot over a wood fire. Members of my Hungarian 'home Church' took care of this. There were lots of people present. It was really heart-warming!

It is my prayer that you too may experience the truth of ps. 23 in your personal lives. Thank you for your faithful support and prayers.

Yours sincerely in Christ,

Anne-Marie Kool

Signs of Life from Hungary -- 84

Budapest, 5th June 2003

'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses ...'

Acts 1:8

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Dear Friends and Family,

The headline in the Moscow Times this morning read, 'Extraordinary June snow in parts of Moscow!' I felt quite jealous about this during a meeting of the Missiological Research Fellowship held for the first time in the new seminar room of the Missions Institute, situated in the attic. For the second day in succession, despite all sorts of preventative measures like sunblinds, ventilators etc., the temperature was near to and sometimes even above 40 degrees centigrade. Boiling hot. We almost melted. To be honest, it was not easy to concentrate on the particularly interesting lectures by, for example, Prof. Dr J. Andrew Kirk, about apologetics and secularisation, and Rev. András Lovas about his recent study trip to China.

In the past two weeks during the intensive block weeks of the postdoctoral course, the temperature was not much better. Even for the South African guest lecturer Prof. Dr Nico A. Botha the reception was a bit too 'warm'. One thing was very clear - the installation of the air-conditioning cannot be put off any longer.

Heart-warming ...

Many of you responded to my last Sign of Life of over three months ago about 'rejoicing' and 'not being anxious'. It was really heart-warming. Donations began to flood in from Hungary and from abroad. We even received a check for a considerable sum from an organisation whose shares had been reduced to almost nothing due to the crisis on the stock market. I simply could not believe my eyes. Partner Churches, missionary organisations, foundations and friends of the Missions Institute showed an incredible willingness to support financially, which was a great encouragement to us. One American donor wrote that recently Roma people broke into his home. Just at that time this family received a newsletter from the Mission Institute sharing about training people for ministry among the Romani. They re-committed themselves to regularly support the Mission Institute! Even the building contractor chipped in and suggested that we paid part of the bill later in the month.

Even more surprises

There were surprises of all sorts: what do you do if you are expecting a group of fifty students for an intensive two-day course and you do not have the money to buy chairs? It appeared that a Church conference centre about a hundred kilometres from Budapest was just in the process of renovating the kitchen and was prepared to lend us fifty chairs until the middle of June. (We still do not know what we will do after that!) A couple of friends from the Netherlands came to visit and during the farewell dinner said that they had decided to adopt-a-student in the postdoc program.

And the Hungarian Churches took their share as well. A quote from a letter from one of my colleagues Zita: 'I left with Kati (our business manager, AMK) a gift of 61 euros from the pastors' fraternal in M. for the support of students for the postgraduate program in missions and evangelism, and 40 euros for the same cause from the organisation Serving Love. The Reformed Women's Union in M. collected 80 euros for students who have families with several children. I expect that Reformed women's unions from other towns will also give money for the support of the students, because everywhere plans were being made for collections.' To date we received over 12,000 euros from the Hungarian Churches.

All together, in the last three months, we have received more than a hundred thousand USD of which about half are for the extension projects and the other half for the operating budget. This means that our reserves have risen from six weeks to five months, while we always aim to have six months' reserve. Thank you all for your response! It is a great encouragement to continue.To complete the seminar room - including the air-conditioning and tables and chairs - a sum of about 25,000 USD is still needed.

Chronicle

At three o'clock in the morning of Saturday 22nd March the telephone rang. I jumped out of bed. It could only be my brother-in-law Jan. He shared the good news that Mattias Cornelis had joined their family, exactly three years after the doctors had told my younger sister Willemien – at that time suffering from cancer - that she would probably never have children. Something like this only takes place once, and you have to be there. A surprise visit of one day was the result.

This event occurred exactly in the middle of the first intensive teaching weeks of the postgraduate program. By now, the second teaching weeks are. As youi can image there is a lot involved in setting up a program like that. In February, there was an unexpected spanner in the works with regard to the discussion about international recognition. But a new door opened, as it happened in South Africa. Intensive discussions were conducted with the University of South Africa (UNISA), with a positive outcome. An interesting - providential - coincidence was that I have known the head of the missiology department for years; we followed the missiology lectures of Prof. Jan A.B. Jongeneel, Missiologist at Utrecht University.

Some responses of students: 'These teaching weeks forced me to conduct a personal re-evaluation. My whole life was shaken to the core.' Another, who had been a pastor for ten years, said that he had come as 'a dried out sponge, now able to suck up spiritual and intellectual water'. Many agreed that the lectures by experienced lecturers from the Netherlands, Norway, England, South Africa and Hungary were a huge stimulus and offered them a new perspective on the work of missions and evangelism. It seems that eleven of the sixteen students have been 'adopted'. The support from within Hungary is also taking on shape.

At the end of April, a delegation from the Rhine Evangelical Church in Germany paid a visit. It was mutually very stimulating to gain insight into what it means to be a missionary Church in each of our situations, and in the questions we face

A few days later, I visited some Reformed/Presbyterian Churches in Ukraine and Poland with an international delegation. We heard of vast Church growth, especially among the Baptist Churches. One of the high points was undoubtedly a service in a small Church in a Czech village which was not even on the map. Christians from different backgrounds and nationalities who had never met or wanted to meet came together to praise and glorify the Lord. We heard of God's faithfulness in families, in which the parents or grandparents had been imprisoned for their faith. It struck me particularly how important the role of grandparents was in passing on the faith. Many had prayed faithfully for years for their children and grandchildren. They literally kept the strain of praise going. I wish you could have heard the wonderful singing - in Czech!

Relaxation after a hectic time

You will understand that the past months were not easy because of the financial problems at the Missions Institute. Besides this, on a personal level, other disappointments and uncertainties played a role, which did not leave me unmoved. 'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses'. In missionary work, there is always a Comforter at our side. We are not alone. I was able to experience this, when the responsibilities sometimes weighed very heavy. This meant that it was good to be able to get away for a few days in the middle of May with my German friend Ute. In three days, we cycled round Lake Balaton, a trip of about 200 km. It was wonderful to leave everything behind and enjoy the beauties of nature.

Finally

'A friend in need is a friend indeed.' In recent months, we have experienced this at the Missions Institute. It was good to stand 'shoulder to shoulder' with colleagues in the battle. What motivates us in this? To help the Churches to be a shining light and the salt of the earth in Hungarian society, so that they can live out the gospel! The new Bishop Istvan Szabo expressed this recently in conversation with a colleague: 'We look to the Missions Institute for help in analysing the situation of the Churches and of society, and to offer a significant contribution in missionary training of the congregations.'

On a personal note, on Saturday 28th June, I will be awarded my professors degree at 10.30 in the Great Church of Debrecen.

Yours sincerely in Christ,

Anne-Marie Kool

Signs of Life from Hungary -- 83

Budapest

6 March 2003

'Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.' Phil. 4:4; 6-7

Dear Friends and Family,

Recent weeks have been characterised by significant highlights and serious disappointments. Paul’s admonition to “rejoice in the Lord always” has been as real and relevant as his reminder “not to be anxious about anything”. Recent financial figures have revealed that we have enough money in the bank for another two months. What to do? 'Rejoice in the Lord!' and 'Do not be anxious.'!

About “Rejoicing” and “not being anxious”

When Paul wrote these words to the Church in Philippi, he was in prison. One wonders how it is possible to rejoice when everything around is against you. His secret lies in the fact that this joy is not based on the situation in which he finds himself, but on the Lord! What a lesson, to remind each other of constantly! In the following verses, he expresses himself even more specific. Do not be anxious. Do not take any notice of the situation around you, but focus on the Lord! Hand over your burden, give thanks for what you have and do not be bothered about what you do not have.

The fruit of this attitude is 'the peace of God', the shalom of God, a deep peace based on the knowledge that whatever happens, our life is in God's hand.

Rejoice (1) - 'Passed'

When I think back on this month, there is much reason for thankfulness, for rejoicing. Valentine's Day took on a very special colour this year, because the exam to be fully qualified as a professor took place. The previous evening, shortly after midnight, Sára and I had finished the final corrections of the lectures. It was indeed a 'difficult delivery'. Fortunately I had 'expert' help from my sister Heleen, a midwife by profession. She had come with my parents to share in this momentous day. The colloquium with the qualifying “habilitation” commission of the Reformed University of Divinity went very well. The professors asked very good questions, and showed a real interest in the topic! It was followed by a 'happening' in the auditorium, where I had to deliver my “Public Lectures”, to show that I am able to teach at university level. I had the feeling that with this exam there was much more at stake than obtaining a qualification. It was a unique opportunity to underline the relevance of the discipline of missiology in the theological curriculum in Hungarian and Central European seminaries. Students, friends and colleagues from all over the country came. From all over the world I received signs of encouragement. Thank you so much!

During a spontaneously organised celebratory gathering on Sunday evening, there was the opportunity to rejoice with a house full of friends, Church members, colleagues and board members of the Missions Institute, as well as my neighbours. It was a real open fellowship where the love of Christ was present.

Rejoice (2) – Courses

Usually Wednesday is really the highlight of the week. Together with two of my colleagues, Hilda and Dóra, we then go to Papa, a journey of 175 km. On the way, there is plenty of opportunity to talk about current affairs. In this Reformed Seminary we teach two courses this semester. One about 'Missionary spirituality' and another on 'The missional Church in the twenty-first century'. They both prove to be very popular, all together attended by almost thirty students.

Just a glimpse of last weeks class. I had asked the students each to ask five people who call themselves Reformed but never go to Church. It turned out to be quite a new experience for them to break out of their sheltered environment in the seminary. I was not really surprised to hear one of their conclusions, that about 40 to 50% never go to Church because of a great disappointment with the Church or pastor. Often these disappointments date back to Communist times. However, a surprise for us all was the conclusion that 75% of those questioned demonstrated an openness to hear more about the gospel. We wondered, whether the hindrance for many people not to come to church does lie with us as 'Church people' rather than with those hardly attending church?

I was reminded of the crucial importance of training the local churches to grow into open, missionary communities and recalled the women’s conference we had just attended before we went to Papa, at which we gave talks on the importance of open, welcoming small group bible study in the Church. More than fifty women attended this three day conference organized by a colleague of ours, Zita. There was a real desire to learn!

Rejoice (3) - Many applications

In the 1980's, Csaba, born in Rumania, was in prison for eighteen months because he wanted to study theology in Hungary. He was intercepted at the border. Now he is actively involved in prison ministry, besides pasturing a Church. Gabor was not allowed to continue his studies because he was too active in his Church in the work of evangelism among Roma. Elena grew up in Orthodox Russia and studied to be an English teacher. After the 'changes', as a translator for evangelical groups, she came in touch with the gospel for the first time. Now she has been living in Hungary for several years, and is involved in child evangelism. Tiina born in Estonia, has a great desire to look into missiological questions which apply to the context of her country. It is her church’s desire that she teaches missiology at the Lutheran seminary. László has for several years been a pastor somewhere in rural Hungary. He is very concerned about how to reach those who only formally adhere to the Reformed Church. Erzsebet has just been appointed as the missionary instructor in her town. Carlos comes from Brazil and is a missionary in Hungary. Péter has worked for years in Venezuela. Eszter is an artist and has the desire to go into missionary work.

What do these people have in common? Each one of them has a desire to be better equipped for their ministry, how to spread the gospel in a contextual, Biblical and relevant way, in local or global mission. They have all enrolled for the postgraduate diploma in missions. Last Tuesday was a real high point in recent weeks. The whole day there were entrance examinations. It was wonderful to talk to such motivated future students. In the end, we accepted eighteen people, representing seven nationalities and seven denominations.

Will you pray for the final preparations of the program and for these students as they start their course on 17 March? Pray also that the necessary finances will be found to fund their studies. For each student still USD 1,500 is needed. Five of them are already “adopted”.

Rejoice (4) – Great progress in expansion project

Tomorrow the first course will be held in the new seminar room. Even although it is not completely finished yet, we are very excited about it, since the project has been going on for almost two year. The interest in the course is overwhelming: more than fifty students from all over the country. Theme: What do people in Hungary and Central and Eastern Europe think about faith and religion? Why do they go to church, or not go to church?

“Do not be anxious”

But besides joy, there are great concerns. Two weeks ago, Kati presented me the precise figures, after her four months illness. It was a great disappointment to hear that we have money in the bank only for another two months.

Cause 1: the fall in the exchange rate of the dollar by 25%, which especially affected the expansion project. We urgently need USD 50,000, which we now had to borrow from our operating budget.

Cause 2: a reduction in the donations for the operating budget of last year of 25% - due to the same reason -. In addition we have to cope with a situation that donations pledged (USD 15,000) were not transferred because of the collapse of the stock market.

Will you pray with us for a solution? Should we now close the missions institute, stop the programs, at a point were the interest never was so big?

'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.' Phil. 4: 6-7

In partnership for gospel of Jesus Christ,

Anne-Marie Kool

Signs of Life from Hungary -- 82

Budapest

31 January 2003

'My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.'

Phil 4:19

Dear Friends and Family,

My 'furlough' in the Netherlands is over. It was good to meet many of you and to be encouraged by your faith, hope and love. Despite everything, the Lord is still at work in the Netherlands, in the Churches, in your families and in your lives. I praise Him for each of you. Thank you for your hospitality and warm welcome. During the five weeks that I was in the Netherlands, I shared meals will at least thirty-two families, attended more than fifteen meetings in some way related to my work, and gave seven talks. In total, I drove about 4,000 km in the Netherlands. I don't even manage that in Hungary! It was a wonderful experience when two days before my departure, a dream became reality. We were able to skate on the Alblas, a small river, in the village where I am born. The skating trip to the windmills of Kinderdijk gave me a huge kick. How pretty the Netherlands can be!

I also recall with much thankfulness the farewell service and the sing-in on 16th January. It was good to be reminded of Ps 77, the text with which I was commissioned almost ten years ago. Did you know it is the Scriptural basis of the well-known song, the title of my doctoral thesis: God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. How true this has proved to be! He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. That is more than enough to live with for today and tomorrow. He does not change!

'Otthonrol haza jottem' - Home again!

And now I’m back home again. In Hungarian there is a nice expression: From home, I come home. This is how it felt. The first few days I was overwhelmed by the mountains of work, which had piled up during my absence. But there were many encouraging reports. I would like to share a few with you.

Vast interest in the postdoctoral program

As you know, in March we hope to start a postdoctoral program in missions, Church development and cross-cultural ministry. During my absence, my colleagues sent out about 140 letters with information about the new programme. In response to this, we received in total more than 160 (!) telephone calls and email messages with requests for more information (including e.g. from Slovakia, Poland, Estonia, Switzerland, Romania, Ukraine, Finland and Egypt). In response to a letter sent to fifty-seven pastors in Hungary, within three days we received more than ninety telephone calls. Interest is being shown in various denominations. We have planned to start this first round with a maximum of fifteen students, but we may have to come back to this decision. Registration closes on 15th February. (Information from Hilda Rohn (rohn@pmti.edu.hu)). When you are interested, or know others who are interested, do let us know!

Big drop in exchange rate of dollar

We are really very pleased that after four months of recovering from a serious illness, Kati Kerekes, head of finances and administration, is back at work. At last I again have a good insight into the financial situation. Again I realise that even though a bit of common sense in financial matters goes a long way, it is easy to let something slip. Every man (or woman!) to his trade, we'd better say.

The problem, which became very clearly evident last week and which I had not fully realised, is that due to the sharp drop in the exchange rate of the dollar and the rise of the forint, we are getting 30% less Hungarian forints for every dollar. This means that the budget for the expansion project, which was drawn up in USD just over a year ago, is by far not valid anymore. This is not because the expenses in forint have increased that much, but because far more dollars are needed to make up this sum. In the past, we always drew up budgets in USD because the inflation of the Hungarian forint was so high. But the world has changed a lot.

To give you an idea of the consequences of this:

* The expenses for the expansion project of the seminar room have increased by over 32,000 USD in a year. This sum is needed as soon as possible in order to complete this phase, because this room is to provide accommodation for the new postdoctoral program from 15^th March onward.

* Besides this, at least another 13,000 USD is needed for the expansion of the library with new study desks. At present, we have five only study places for the students. There is one computer available for them (which to make matters worse crashed completely last month). At the end of March, a minimum of fifteen students will regularly be using the library. Please pray for a solution to this situation.

* Besides this, another 57,000 USD is needed for the furnishing, computers, shelves etc. We have already received part of this, but the vast majority is still lacking.

And as if this were not enough, last week it also became clear that last year the donations from abroad for the running costs had decreased by 40% - to a great extend due to the same problem as mentioned earlier). We had to draw on 60,000 USD of our reserves, even though it was possible to reduce the expenses by 10%. A reserve is left of only three months to cover running costs. No wonder that this week I received an e-mail from Kati: Top Priority Issue! Money is running out.

A third challenge which we recognise is that the students who are going to be following the postdoctoral program will only be able to pay at most one third of the tuition costs. Fortunately we perceive a great willingness to support on the part of the Hungarian Churches. But additional grants are needed!

* A sum of 1,500 USD per student per annum is needed. Please pray that we will find fifteen Churches, organisations or persons who are willing to adopt a student.

God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform…

On the one hand there is an overwhelming interest in training and education; on the other hand, we face these tremendous financial needs. Two weeks ago, I had a conversation with someone from an international missionary organisation. He was of Indian descent, grew up in South Africa and had worked as a missionary in Albania for ten years. Now he was responsible for the training of new missionary workers in Central and Eastern Europe. He was with a colleague of Brazilian descent, who had also grown up in South Africa. Their request was: We would like to ask the Missions Institute for help in the training of our missionary workers. The international director of another organisation had made the same request a few days previously. In Hungary, there would be sufficient capable people available to give instruction. This is not the problem. An increase in the teaching staff would be a consequence, which would have significant financial implications.

Last week, the financial, administrative and PR staff decided to hold a prayer meeting every day for this untenable situation. Will you pray with us?

'"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit", says the Lord Almighty.' (Zec 4:6)

Praise and Prayer…

* …for the many responses we have received, which show that there is a great need for this new program

* … that the right people will apply, who will benefit from the program

* …that the obstacles will disappear! For many, the tuition fees are a great obstacle (even although they are heavily subsidised). Please pray that we will find Churches, organisations and persons who are prepared to adopt a student.

* …for the admissions interviews to be held during the last two weeks of February.

* …for the lecturers and tutors, please pray for their preparations.

* … that the seminar room will be ready on time, and that it will be possible to undertake the extension of the library in the very near future.

* …that the Lord 'will meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.'

“The examination”

Only two weeks to go. Then I have to undergo the examination - of my qualifying thesis for the “professors degree”. The exam will take place on Friday 14th February in the Reformed Theological University of Debrecen, from ten to eleven o'clock. After that, I have to deliver two public lectures at eleven and twelve o'clock. Please pray for peace and concentration during the preparations in the coming two weeks. Pray above all that Gods Name may be glorified and that it may serve the cause of the extension of His Kingdom.

Thank you for your continued concern and prayer.

Blessings and Peace,

Partnering with you for the sake of the Gospel

Anne-Marie Kool