Hungary
The fierce pride the Hungarians have in their culture reaches far back into the origins of their civilization. During the 8th century, the Magyars invaded this area of the Carpathian Basin. On horseback, they raided and dominated the area until a devastating defeat by the Germans forced them into an alliance with the Holy Roman Empire. Successively, the Magyars settled in what is now Hungary and converted to Christianity. Though today Americans know these people as Hungarians, they are still known to their European neighbors as Magyars, and the country, Magyarország. Though the vast majority of the population is descended from the Magyars, a small percent of the population is made up of Germans, Romanians, Slovaks, Romany, and Jews.
The Hungarian national anthem calls them a “people torn by fate” and the Hungarians have certainly faced their share of hardships. Hungary fought on the losing end of both world wars and quickly fell into communist hands after their last defeat. Hungary’s union with the Soviets was never a peaceful one, and student uprisings and public protests paved the way for the end of communism. The end of Soviet control, however, did not bring the instant turnaround the country had hoped for. The rapidly changing governments and a wary mistrust that had been cultivated in the people during their years under foreign powers brought subsequent problems that are still significant barriers to the people today such as poverty, alcoholism, a struggle for identity and a spiritual vacuum.
The Hungarian people place a high value on logic and reason, which makes them generally skeptical of religion. Fortunately, people are beginning to take advantage of their newfound religious freedom. Pray that they will find the only solution that will bring them the eternal answers they need, namely a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Many of the people are searching. IMB missionaries posted in this country are working hard alongside local believers to bring truth and hope to all the people of Hungary. The groups of believers are growing and continuing to spread, but there are still so many lost and searching people throughout Hungary who need to hear the message of Christ.
If you would like to be a part of bringing this hope to the peoples of Hungary, please contact us at hope4cee@pobox.com.