Recently, we traveled to Velence, Hungary, to attend the 30th Anniversary Jubilee of Hungarian Baptist Aid (HBA), our ministry partner here in Hungary. The event brought together leaders, partners, and friends from around the world to celebrate three decades of faithful service and look toward the future.

One of the highlights was reconnecting with Reid Trulson from International Ministries. Reid was IM’s Executive Director when we first became missionaries, and later came out of retirement to serve as our Area Director for a season. Our first meeting with him in 2012 remains memorable. He encouraged us never to forget our “call story,” reminding us that difficult days in ministry can become discouraging if we lose sight of God’s calling.

For the Jubilee, we had the privilege of picking Reid up at the Budapest airport and spending time together throughout the event. It was a joy to deepen a friendship that has accompanied us throughout much of our missionary journey.

We were also inspired by Elijah Brown, General Secretary and CEO of the Baptist World Alliance. During one of his presentations, Elijah shared that while raising support for disaster relief has never been difficult, the world is now experiencing a sobering reality: for the first time in decades, more people are affected by conflict than by natural disasters. He challenged ministries and organizations to consider dedicating even one percent of their efforts toward peacemaking.

His words stayed with me. During prayer the following morning, I realized that one of my greatest opportunities for peacemaking is through discipleship. As I prepared a graduation video for my eighth-grade students, I added a personal challenge, reminding them that I did not come to Hungary simply to help them improve their English or pursue greater opportunities. I came to follow God’s call to help mentor young people into disciples of Jesus who can make a difference in the lives of others. Elijah’s message encouraged me to see my teaching ministry through a fresh lens.

We were also grateful for the opportunity to share breakfast with Elijah and his assistant, Orel. As Larry remarked afterward, “What a kind and humble man.”

Another meaningful connection came through Pastor Csaba from the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine, just across Hungary’s eastern border. Larry learned about his ministry among internally displaced persons who have fled the war in eastern Ukraine. Pastor Csaba invited Larry to visit his community and explore ways our ministries might partner together in the future. We are excited about the possibilities and ask for your prayers as we discern how God may be calling us to extend Christ’s love and care to those affected by the ongoing conflict.

We also enjoyed getting to know Alan Donaldson, General Secretary of the European Baptist Federation. While many appreciated his traditional Scottish kilt at the Jubilee dinner, his message the following day was equally memorable. He spoke about the tendency of humanitarian organizations to drift away from their Christian roots and emphasized the importance of maintaining strong connections between relief ministries and the local church. His challenge reminded us that lasting transformation involves both practical assistance and spiritual formation.

The Jubilee also provided valuable time with many of HBA’s leaders and staff members. One person especially close to our hearts is Erzsébet, principal of the school in Téglás where Becky serves. After years of faithful leadership, she will retire this summer. We are deeply grateful for her support of our family, the school, and the bilingual program.

While we trust God’s guidance for the future, we ask for your prayers as new leadership takes shape. Please pray that the next principal will continue to care for the students, staff, and ministry opportunities entrusted to the school. Becky will greatly miss working alongside Erzsébet, though we are thankful she will remain connected to the school through her grandson, who is a student in the bilingual program.

As we celebrated 30 years of Hungarian Baptist Aid’s ministry, we were reminded once again of the power of partnership in God’s work. We are deeply grateful for HBA, for our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world, and for each of you who faithfully pray, encourage, and support this ministry. Together, we continue serving those whom God has entrusted to our care.