To summarize the culture and history of Budapest in a single blog post would be impossible. This phenomenal city dates back to the Roman Empire. Its violent past is still evident in the form of battle scars (some areas still show damage from WWII bombings). But the beauty of this special place shines forth.
Our mission team was challenged to “see God in action everyday.” This was particular easy to do while working in the mission field. But during these past two days of our trip, as we’ve explored Europe’s 9th largest city, we’ve still seen God at work.
Our time in Budapest began with a tour of a museum called House of Terror. This somber place pays tribute to the victims of the Nazi and Stalinist regimes that have both occupied this country. The atrocities committed against those who would dream of revolution is heartbreaking. No less heartbreaking is the Shoes on the Danube memorial – a solemn row of 60 pairs of empty iron shoes along the riverbank. These shoes serve as a memorial to the 3,500 men, women, and children (many of whom were Jewish) who were lined up along the river and executed by Hungarian Nazis during the Holocaust. These events remind us of the evil mankind is capable of. Acts of reconciliation and remembrance continue to provide God’s peace and hope.
A guided tour of the Buda Castle District was also insightful. Most of the medieval structures were destroyed by war, but those that remain serve as a reminder of this city’s lengthy past, including the introduction of Christianity to the Hungarian people in the 10th Century.
Two beautiful churches made it onto our itinerary. St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest, is named for Hungary’s first king. A series of elevators and stairs transported our team to the top of the basilica tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. We also toured the historic Mathias Church – the oldest church in Budapest, dating back to the 15th Century. This church was used for Hungarian royal weddings and coronations for centuries. Both of these churches still operate as Roman Catholic churches today. It’s hard to not think of God when standing before the ornate stone carvings and stained glass of these remarkable churches.
Our weekend in Budapest also included times of relaxing and fellowship. Sunday evening we enjoyed an intimate concert performed by the Valimi Swing Band in the cozy cellar of an up-and-coming cafe. Our last evening in Budapest we had the pleasure of meeting and fellowshiping with our IM Global Servant in Budapest, Rev. Carmella Jones. Carmella accompanied our team for our last evening meal in the city, telling us all about her ministry with special ed students and children with disabilities here in Budapest. Carmella is enthusiastic about her mission work and our team was eager to learn more about how we can help with her efforts here. The food here has been wonderful. And the Hungarian walnut cake we enjoyed with Carmella was an especially delightful experience for our team! The God-given talent of the jazz musicians and the fellowship of Christian friends was a perfect conclusion to this unforgettable mission trip.
We’re packing up to come home, but part of our hearts will undoubtedly remain here in Hungary. These people will always hold a special place in our lives. The connections and relationships we’ve made here will be carried with us always.
We came to Hungary to change lives for God, but God used Hungary to change us.