Twice a year we spend an entire weekend at a local youth camp with all of the students from the high school and university ministries. These weekends have historically been amazing experiences because the students who come (both Christians and non-Christians) are often treated to incredible moments of spiritual growth. One incredible moment during the weekend was on Sunday morning when three of our colleagues, (Kriszta, Zsuzsa, and Gyuri) each shared about some great difficulties that they have been facing in recent months. Kriszta was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 8 years ago. From one day to the next she simply couldn’t stand on her own power anymore. What followed was many years of physical therapy, surgeries, a lot of confusion and prayer. In spite of the doubts of her doctors, Kriszta and her husband Roland gave birth to their daughter, Sonya, two years ago. Kriszta shared with the students that even though she would never have imagined that this was God’s plan for her life…she knew that He was sovereign and in complete control. Zsuzsa shared about the birth of her third child, Kamilla, who has Downs Syndrome. In her own words: “Even though we didn’t desire this for our daughter, we also are so happy to have her. She has brought an indescribable joy to our family.” Finally Gyuri shared about the recent death of his mother (in February) in a car accident on a snowy road. Gyuri stood before the students and said, “Of course I wish my mother was here, but I do know that she is in a place now where there is no more pain…and I know that I will see her again.” The students sat absolutely riveted to these stories. What made the moment so special was precisely because the staff were not talking about things that are easy in the Christian life. They were talking about the special joy that comes alongside moments of great difficulty.
Mark
During the sharing time at the end of the weekend one of the new students who one of our staffs started to talk just two weeks ago, Mark (in the striped shirt below) stood up and confessed that just a few weeks earlier his uncle had passed away. He said that his uncle was close enough to him to feel like a brother. Mark said that he felt he had received the same love this weekend as he used to feel from his uncle.
Rahel and Agi
And, finally, joyful news about a new believer. Agi (on the right) stood up at the end of the weekend and tearfully said, “As I was sitting here this morning I felt the presence of God. I decided to begin my relationship with him!” Agi has been coming to our weekly meetings since February. We are so happy for her!! Here is a shot just after she confessed her faith to the audience. She is hugging Rahel, the daughter of the Campus Crusade director of the country (she is the girl in the left above). Rahel’s mother told us later that Rahel had been specifically praying for Agi to trust Christ.
