Greetings from lockdown in Diosd … again. This month Hungary moved from a soft lockdown (8pm curfew, limited gatherings, distance learning for high schools) to a hard lockdown. Hospitals are reaching capacity, health care workers are stretched thin, and more and more people continue to fall ill. We’re writing to ask you to pray for Hungary and specifically for our school community. Many are covid positive and several in the hospital in serious condition. For perspective, three of Noemi’s five teachers are currently sick.
Pray with us for healing and strength for the sick. Pray that they would be able to stay out of the hospital and recover at home. Pray for strength and stamina for healthcare workers. Pray for those who do not know the Healer to come to know and trust Him.
And now for a little history…
Hungary recently celebrated a national holiday – 1848 Revolution Day, and we took some time to read and learn more about it. It was so interesting we wanted to share it with you as well. Learning the history of our host country helps us understand the values and priorities of our neighbors in a deeper way. While we grew up hearing stories of Washington crossing the Delaware, Hungarians grew up with different stories that shaped their nation and culture. Here’s one…
The leaders of the 1848 Revolution woke up that March 15th in a land ruled by the Austrian Habsbergs and tilled by serfs. The revolutionaries started their morning at the local Budapest coffee shop that offered free breakfast with purchase, because revolution doesn’t pay well and shouldn’t be attempted on an empty stomach. Once breakfast was out of the way they decided to go ahead and revolt by … reading a poem in public. A poem that one of them had written the night before.
This poem, it caused a stir. Crowds gathered as they travelled around Budapest to read the poem at various venues. The leaders also read their list of 12 demands. Things like – civil and religious liberty, equal taxation, equal legal representation in courts and juries, and number one on the list was – a free press.
They took this fiery poem and list of demands to the printing press to make some copies and the printer asked, “Where’s your stamp from the censor? Where do you think we are? Somewhere with a free press?” But then, after hearing the poem, he had a suggestion. “Legally, I can’t print this, but if your revolution were to occupy this shop …” Copies were made.
As we read an English translation of the National Poem on March 15th we imagined impassioned crowds chanting the refrain as Petofi Sandor read, “We vow, we vow, that we will be slaves no longer.” May the people of Hungary find all the freedom they seek, and so much more – in Christ!
Behind the Scenes
Life in lockdown hasn’t been particularly glamorous, but we’re thankful for the ability to work and learn from home until we don’t have to do so any longer. Joshua has been busy with his new role as team leader, as well as working alongside the Diaspora People’s Europe leadership team. Last week was filled with meetings for a virtual gathering of ministries to the unreached.
Kara has been teaching the kids, studying Hungarian, and stalking spring as it meanders, ever-so-slowly, to Budapest.
When this new lockdown went into effect, zero of our kids were surprised or dismayed. They’ve rolled with the changes and challenges of this year, and we’re so thankful for the grace God has given them in this season.
Thanks for keeping us in your prayers and for praying with us for our local community and our host country as we walk through a tough season together. Joshua & Kara Dunckel
(and Noemi, Isobel, Anders, & Annika, too!)