Hi! We are Anthony and Leta Resolve, and we are in the first cohort of “Trailblazers”! As young adults exploring the world of missions, we are so glad to have been part of Jon and Amanda Good’s ministry in Debrecen, Hungary. We worked primarily with their English Bible Study, and we made so many beautiful connections. It was a Spirit-led summer that we will never forget!

What did you learn while shadowing Amanda and Jon Good this past summer?
Being with Jon and Amanda, we learned how to prioritize Christ first and foremost. It was a joy to see how all other demands from family, ministry, and life seemed to flow so beautifully after that. We also learned how to communicate and collaborate as a team, just as the two did – both in ministry and in marriage. Overall, the most significant takeaway was experiencing the spirit of invitation, both firsthand and by observation. We are so glad that Jon and Amanda said to the students and us in their ministry: “Come! Just come!”

Did you expect to connect with so many diverse young adults in Debrecen? How did they show you God’s light?

It was surprising how quickly so many young adults invited us into a common space with them so quickly and joyfully. We were accepted without having to earn approval – with warmth and eagerness as we would expect God might. As we saw the struggles of some, we were shown how God is active in so many diverse ways with intimacy and careful attention.

Share a bit about your re-entry.

It wasn’t until we were sitting in the airport after saying our goodbyes that one of us bawled my eyes out (you’ll never guess who)! It was undoubtedly difficult to leave, but we felt so empowered and equipped to go back home and share not only how God was working in Debrecen but also how God might have revealed universally eternal truths that we could practice and live into back in upstate New York!

Now that you have been back for 4 months how and with whom are you building relationships with?
We both work with the local schools with the intention of inviting students into a life with Christ, and we are so thankful to be part of a congregation that creates the space and provides the tools to help us do that to the best of our abilities. In light of our big takeaway (invitation! – see above), we eagerly invite whoever is available to come to the banquet that the Lord has prepared for us to partake in. Even our own family relationships have been touched by the impact our international relationships have had on us.

How are you noticing God now?

We see how God allows us to be part of the building of a community at a pace more akin to the Christian community in Debrecen. We share space with others by participating in a mutually appreciated activity. Within that community, we notice a sense of wellness to ourselves and others – perhaps a peace that surpasses understanding! From that wellness, we can better appreciate and share God’s love in a progressive and constructive way while applying and adapting good boundaries of what is crucial for the wellbeing of all.

This entire experience has blessed us so much. We hope to see how the spirit of invitation leads other world travelers to be blessed by the community in Hungary to see how they may make an impact as well. The trail being blazed is not just for the sake of adventure into uncharted territory but also for clearing a path that many pilgrims may later find a bit of ease in journeying along a path already set before them. As the prophet would say, “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” – “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight paths for him.” The Lord is in the hearts of many who came before us, and if the Lord wills, many to come after.