CEE Story From The Mission Field
Opening Blind Eyes
May 4, 2008
"Regarding them: the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (2 Corinthians 4:4, HCSB)
Southern Baptists’ willingness to give through the Cooperative Program can impact the lives of people like Peter for eternity. Like most Hungarians, he does not know God. On the other hand, Peter is unique from most Hungarians in that someone knows and cares about his ignorance.
For the past five years IMB missionary Joey Martin has made Budapest, Hungary, his home. This places him in the middle of a nation with one of the world’s highest depression and suicide rates. Hungary also has been devastated by the loss of every major war it has entered, demoralized by the communist regime that has been absent for only a generation, and unaware of its desperation for the hope of Christ.
Joey met Peter at a gym. Although Peter stopped going to the facility for 10 months, Joey was able to befriend him and gain a language partner in the process. Now they meet weekly at McDonald’s, with the conversation running the gamut from politics to relationships to fishing.
Joey has had many opportunities to share his faith with Peter, who asks questions and is typically intrigued by Joey’s “strange” ideology. Yet Peter says he does not want Christ. He indeed has been blinded to the truth.
However, this story is not without hope. One evening Peter asked Joey about how he gets paid, and Joey responded honestly about the Cooperative Program of Southern Baptists. Peter was shocked that people in the United States would willingly give their money so someone like him could hear a message. This idea is greatly juxtaposed with the Hungarian state church that the government requires people support with taxes.
The generosity and love of people who have never met Peter seemed to ignite a spark in his heart.
As much joy as this spark calls for, it is a far cry from surrender to Christ. Peter is typical of most Central and Eastern Europeans, who are not won by flowery, eloquent words, but instead require long-term friendship.
“I learned long ago that mission work isn’t ‘romantic,’” Joey said. “We often have visions of people turning to Christ by the hundreds or thousands, while in reality we learn to be thankful for those who listen with an open heart.
“It is not for us to know the outcome, only for us to faithfully share how Jesus can take broken lives and restore them.”
For more information about Joey's work in Hungary, visit his team's website.