The first Hungarian Baptist Church was established in the 1960’s.  Rev Ferenc Horvath was called to pastor the Church five years ago from Romania (Rev Horvath and his family were Hungarians living in Romania as many other Hungarians now do). The family came to Australia five years ago, and just recently Ferenc, his wife Ildiko and their son Adam received Australian citizenship.

Adam is 14 years old, and in grade 8 at Gleneagles Secondary School in Endeavour Hills. Here is a glimpse of a 1.5 Gen migrant teenager’s family life and the changes he has been adapting to; especially, serving the Church together with his parents and highlighting his enthusiasm about his English service experiences.

Coming to a foreign country for the first time, I didn’t really know what to think, nor expect. Arriving in Australia in 2012, my vocabulary mostly consisted of “Hi, my name Adam”, and for the first year and quarter I went to school here, it was quite hard to learn, since I could barely understand English, but over the years, learning became no problem. I have been asked many times where would I like to live now – Romania or Australia? At the start, I said, “I don’t know yet”, however that changed after we became permanent residents, and after a long wait, Australian citizens, since now it is clear to us that this is where God wants us, so we shall be here, until He says so.

Dad and mum are always busy in church work. Dad leading Bible study on Wednesday afternoons and preaching on Sunday mornings. Mum leading hymns with her guitar on Wednesdays, and teaching the children in Sunday school. My family and I try to visit the sick members of the church on a regular basis, as well as the elderly people and families that could not attend church. Dad and mum also clean the church on Saturdays, and I try and help them with as much as I can. These things can sometimes be hard and exhausting, but dad and mum never back down, as they know they aren’t doing it for earthly causes only, but for the heavenly Father.

Since the church is a Hungarian church, we hold all ceremonies in Hungarian, although we have had very few special occasions held in English. The church members are mostly made up of elderly people, but there are a couple of young/er families around too. We might not have hundreds of members, but Jesus said “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) and we trust in Him.

Source: BUV News