Saturday, April 15, 2006
Good Friday Evening
On to some serious devotion. There had been much debate about how deep to go on a Good Friday service, but God provided some answers.
After the games and discussion, about 6ö of us went for a short walk. In Tata, there is a church named Calvary at the top of a hill overlooking Tata. Also up there are three concrete crosses at the edge of the hill.
Before the steep climb up the hill, I asked them for their attention and told them that we wanted to share our faith with them. We said that Good Friday was a very Holy Day. íjesus was tried and convicted for blasphemy and sedition illegally, then tortured and forced to carry a cross up a hill several kiolmeters away. We asked them to think about having to carry a cross such a distance as they walked up the hill in silence, which they mostly did.
At the top of the hill, we gathered around the cross, and I told them of íjesus crucifixion, and how he had been crucified with a robber on his left and right. The one on the right asked for and was given forgiveness. The one on the left did not believe, but Jesus would forgive him also. I explained how we believe that Jesus died for all our sins - theirs ours, everyone's. I told them that Jesus was resurected on Sunday, and because of that, He represents new life for us, and eternal life with him.
That was it. I asked them to think on these things and to walk back down the hill quietly. At least 3 or 4 of the Hungarian teens started asking our teens some questions, and one of them stated the obvious- "Because of íjesus - we have hope!"
We have planted seeds. The íholy Spirit will water them, and God will cause them to grow. It was a short but meaningful devotion, and somehow, with a little rain, it seemed almost too real. Some of us said lightning would have been a nice touch, but we guess God thought that would be too much at this time!
We then visited the íhungarian's youth room - wonderful place of fellowship - then went home and got home late, and tired. Tomorrow is another day.
Today was a free day, and tonight we are having an Easter party - I will try to post one more time before we come home, but no promises. Please pray for us as we present our serious play tonight.
Isten Aldjon!
Carl and the team.
After the games and discussion, about 6ö of us went for a short walk. In Tata, there is a church named Calvary at the top of a hill overlooking Tata. Also up there are three concrete crosses at the edge of the hill.
Before the steep climb up the hill, I asked them for their attention and told them that we wanted to share our faith with them. We said that Good Friday was a very Holy Day. íjesus was tried and convicted for blasphemy and sedition illegally, then tortured and forced to carry a cross up a hill several kiolmeters away. We asked them to think about having to carry a cross such a distance as they walked up the hill in silence, which they mostly did.
At the top of the hill, we gathered around the cross, and I told them of íjesus crucifixion, and how he had been crucified with a robber on his left and right. The one on the right asked for and was given forgiveness. The one on the left did not believe, but Jesus would forgive him also. I explained how we believe that Jesus died for all our sins - theirs ours, everyone's. I told them that Jesus was resurected on Sunday, and because of that, He represents new life for us, and eternal life with him.
That was it. I asked them to think on these things and to walk back down the hill quietly. At least 3 or 4 of the Hungarian teens started asking our teens some questions, and one of them stated the obvious- "Because of íjesus - we have hope!"
We have planted seeds. The íholy Spirit will water them, and God will cause them to grow. It was a short but meaningful devotion, and somehow, with a little rain, it seemed almost too real. Some of us said lightning would have been a nice touch, but we guess God thought that would be too much at this time!
We then visited the íhungarian's youth room - wonderful place of fellowship - then went home and got home late, and tired. Tomorrow is another day.
Today was a free day, and tonight we are having an Easter party - I will try to post one more time before we come home, but no promises. Please pray for us as we present our serious play tonight.
Isten Aldjon!
Carl and the team.
