Földes, Hungary – About 25 youth from the Hungarian District gathered 18-19 July, to worship God and find out what it means to be “called” by Him. The Földes Church of the Nazarene hosted the event. The local youth, in coordination with Rudolf Gusztin, the District Nazarene Youth International (NYI) coordinator, organized games, programs and meals.
Teenagers and young adults participated in many activities and the different youth groups shared lectures and devotions together.
“We cherished everyone’s development and desire to share and serve,” said Bea Szilágyi, one of the youth who attended the event.
The theme for the event was “The call of God.” The devotions brought forward the importance of “to whom” rather than “to what” we are being called. Putting more emphasis on a personal relationship with God drew the group even closer, as they had three new Kingdom citizens among them who participated for the first time.
Most of the youth live far away from each other, so don’t meet for weeks at a time. As a result, events such as weekend camps and Youth In Mission (YIM) days are welcomed with anticipation and excitement, said Szilágyi.
“We were grateful to God for the good weather allowing us to grill outside, as it has become an important and fun way of socializing at the event,” said Zsolt Oláh, one of the youth leaders at the event. It is customary to start such an event by grilling bacon on the fire.
Discussion sessions were held separately so the different age groups could have more appropriate and intimate talks. The youth shared stories and thoughts on how to live in Christ as Christ lives within each person, and how one can take better care of this Holy Communion with God.
The youth put their anonymous questions into an old shoebox, creating safe opportunities for a lot of fascinating and honest topics in the discussions. Such topics included: How can a person fill their faith with real thoughts and emotions and not be a mere "Sunday-Christian" following traditional customs and habits? Can a Christian go to a pub or other similar places with their non-Christian friends or should they only hang out at "Christian-friendly" places with fellow believers? How can Christians let non-believers know about God and influence them if they only spend time with each other?
According to Gusztin, the discussions didn’t end when the sessions ended and continued into their free time.
“Thank God that the lectures were so alive,” he said. “It was special and common at the same time because we were talking about who we are during the weekdays, at school, at work, at the store and everywhere, that is, talking about the meaning of being a called person in everyday life. How do I be a Christian in a way that I don’t give up Jesus so that non-Christians will except me?”
At the closing devotion, the youth shared their thoughts and experiences and what they would like to take home from the weekend.
“This is always moving and encouraging in respect to our development and action-full spiritual life,” said Szilágyi.
Events such as these are held two to three times a year in the Hungarian District, with all the Nazarene churches getting to host one event each. This allows different church youth groups to visit other churches and gives them the responsibility of organizing the event with Gusztin.
The youth are grateful for all the prayers to reveal the Father’s love to more of the younger generation.
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