1 Peter 1:16 -" Be holy, because I am holy." It was not on our bucket list to go to Europe, especially Hungary.  Bob and I had done mission work in Nicaragua.  We were considering Puerto Rico.  God brought to our church the Smalleys, home from Hungary.  We were deeply moved by their sharing of their mission work there through IM and Pioneers. They travel all over Hungary and surrounding nations helping with youth camps all summer!  Where do they get their energy? About that time the Global Mission Study Guide 2015-2016, Stretch Forward, was published.  I digested it! We started checking into helping Kurt and Carrie with English camp for 2017 but God said we weren't getting any younger and He just kept opening doors for us to go this year.  

It is important to be invited to a mission field, to be in excellent physical health, and important to work with International Ministries and their partners.  We were so blessed to have proper guidance and the necessary skills and equipment to prepare all the electronic forms.  It is important to have family support and a good travel agent.

Our background in teaching and supporting camps prepared us for the joy of working with youth in Hungary. The camp was full of opportunity for sports and crafts, but emphasized worship and togetherness in small teams.  There were 3 opportunities a day for campers to broaden their English skills comfortably.  We do not speak Hungarian - there was a translator for every session in both languages.  Campers were given opportunities to accept Christ and it was beautiful watching their transformation with "living hope", 1 Peter 1:3.

What most surprised us was the joy of meeting so many missionaries from Hungary and surrounding nations who were also helping at this camp.  Rev. Sharon Koh was in Budapest meeting with the Smalleys and other European missionaries while we were debriefing from camp with all the staff; our hearts were both places. 

 The highlights were our first day with the Smalleys, and Sunday attending services at 2 church plants.  We were most impressed with the hunger these young people have for God's word; we continue to support their need for Hungarian Bibles.  "The word of the Lord remains forever.  This word is the Good News that was proclaimed to you."  1 Peter 1:25.

Bob & Cathie Hopper's served in Hungary with Carrie and Kurt Smalley the summer of 2016