In ministry, the one thing we knew we wanted was a home to share with others. Hospitality was our bridge-building strategy. Bible studies, prayer breakfasts, and even early church services were all envisioned as pieces of a puzzle, nestled neatly into a home. We were, so to speak, putting all of our ministerial eggs into one basket.
As we arrived in Hungary, however, it became clear that a home was the one thing we weren’t going to have. For a family of six, finding a place to live was going to be difficult. Hungary implemented a law to protect families from being evicted, put in place during the restricted living circumstances of Covid. The motive was simple: families can’t be thrown to the streets. But like all good things, it was easy to abuse. Now landlords think twice before renting to families. Additionally, a relatively large family requires a relatively large place to live. Suddenly finding a place to live seemed like it would be impossible.
Fortunately, we were able to stay with Eszti’s grandmother (pictured above). Unfortunately, adding a family of six to a home for an indefinite period of time is difficult for everyone involved. Do you know any 88-yearold women who live alone? Are their houses prepared for children aged six, four, three, and one? Is any house prepared for that?
Despite the incredible blessing of having somewhere to stay, leads that ended nowhere and living in the in-between was putting pressure on our entire family. Add to that the fact that we were so close to the city we had prayed we would live in. We could almost taste it, a mere hour and ten minutes away!
I imagine the people of Israel felt this way, wandering in the wilderness. Every so often, they’d get to that same rock on their lap around Mount Sinai, they’d remember their impatience and impudence, and they’d see what might be a great crossing point to get to those great clusters of grapes. We are just so close!
… we wrestled with many of the same attitudes and sinful thoughts as the Israelites did
While we wrestled with many of the same attitudes and sinful thoughts as the Israelites did, we also prayed that we would learn from their mistakes – that we would continue to trust God’s timing, that we would not become a family of grumblers, and that we would recognise God’s plan is far greater than anything we could expect.
This turned out to be true – the Lord provided more than just a home. he provided, at just the right time, a home that was bigger than we had anticipated, under budget, in a neighbourhood with children, and close to the centre of the city. We signed on 28 November 2024 – Thanksgiving Day in America.
God’s faithfulness continues to both surprise and break us. When we began to grow self-dependent, God crushed our idols. And when we came to the end of ourselves and cried out to our God, he answered in ways that were not only better than expected, but came at a time to remind us to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in all things give thanks.
Joel and Eszti serve in Bible teaching and church planting in Hungary
Photos: Main: Hungary; Grandma’s house; Family photo: Back row: Joel, Eszti, Elisabeth. Front row: Sophie, William and John; Our new home and landlady.