cee story from the mission field
Basketball in Budapest
January 28, 2002
The people of Budapest, Hungary, are hearing the gospel of Christ, thanks to a group of former NCAA basketball players who have committed their fame and expertise to Jesus. The latest assignment God had for these men was in Budapest, Hungary, where they challenged local medical students first to a game of basketball, and later to trust Christ as their Savior. They also took their message to a local junior high school where over 90 students and their families were introduced to the true message of salvation.
In Budapest, where school doors are closed even to parents during school hours, the opening of the school to this evangelism team was truly a "God-thing." IMB personnel in Budapest laid the foundation through a relationship with the school administrator, who later commented that they had "never seen or experienced such a wonderful atmosphere and environment in [their] school" as they did when the evangelism team was present.
After spending the day in classrooms and gym class getting to know students and playing ball with them, the team held an evening program in which all of the students were invited to come and bring their families. Ninety of the students did just that and heard a full-blown presentation of the gospel. In addition to these students, the medical school, which accepted the challenge to go up against these athletes, also heard the message of Christ. During half-time of their game, over 50 students gathered to hear one of the players share the plan of salvation, and eight of those responded to Christ! Every student present at the game was given a Bible to take home.
All of the students in both schools registered their attendance at these events. A follow-up team plans to visit each one and share one-on-one with them how they can have a relationship with Christ. Many faithful prayer warriors have been praying for this district of Budapest over the past months and now they are seeing the fruit of their labors. God is surely at work through their prayers and through the talents and boldness of people like these athletes who gave their time and energy to gain eternal victories.
View the photo essay of "Basketball in Budapest."