Hungary shares a border with the Ukraine. Because of this there are many villages where Hungarian is widely spoken. Ralph recently visited there to research possible ministry projects. The Roma of the Ukraine live in absolute poverty as illustrated in the pictures.
As Ralph gazed across an empty lot strewn with trash he noticed a group of boys playing a game. Upon observation it resembled “roller bat” (a game the Stocks boys used to play!). The usual equipment is a baseball bat and a baseball. These boys were using a broken plank for the bat and a short stick for a ball! Ralph can’t wait to return to offer the real thing!
Hungarian Baptist Aid has helped to purchase a sizeable building to be renovated into a church for the Roma community in Mankacs. The building (pictured) was built as a telephone communications center 20 years ago. Under communism there was a good bit of eavesdropping going on from this building. Imagine how with lots of renovation the future sounds emanating from there will be praise songs and conversations with God! The building is in complete disrepair but the vision is for this to serve the Roma community not only as a church but as a kindergarten, bathing and washing center, and a clinic.
Please pray that necessary funds might be found to begin this huge work. There will be many volunteer opportunities associated with this property. “Borst” anyone? There are many needs in this area and we seek to be creative as we attempt to meet those needs and to share the Good News of a God that loves this poverty stricken village. Please pray for God to show the way.
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