Four simple words, but these four words would set in motion events that would change our life and ministry.

It was 1986 and the snow was flying in Beltsville and what does a good ole southern boy living in the land of the chosen frozen do when the snow flies – he heads south. When I first moved to Maryland in 1977, they told me that I would love this area as there was seldom any snow – wrong.  That winter, it snowed for five straight weeks – so much for little-to-no-snow. Snow belongs on the mountains, not in the city.

As I traveled, each night, I would call Janice and catch up on the “news” and one night as we were ending the call, Janice said, “Oh, by the way…” Janice explained that a pastor and his wife from Budapest, Hungary were coming to Washington and needed a place to stay. Someone in Hungary who knew the Arthurs called and asked if they knew anyone who could assist with this need. When asked, Janice said, “Yes, of course we will be glad to host them.” My response was, “Isn’t Hungary a Communist country?” My ignorance was on full display as I soon learned that less than 10% of the people of Hungary belonged to the communist party, and those only to get a better job.

Having the pastor and his wife in our home was like entertaining “angels.” These servants of the Lord are the real deal. The presence of the Lord was so real in their lives – they added a special blessing to our home. They ministered in our Sunday service at Maranatha and told of the miracle working power of God in their lives and ministry (those stories are for another time… stay tuned).

The couple came back to visit us in 1989. While having an evening meal, the pastor said, “We’ve been to your home two times; you’ve been to our home zero times. You must come to Budapest and visit us.” Of course, I thanked him for the invitation, but a trip to Hungary was not on my to-do list. In fact, I never gave it another thought.  

That is until, New Years day 1990 when Janice and I were returning from a family visit listening to the news on the radio. Among the news stories was a report about the rioting, chaos, and food shortages in Budapest. Usually, when we hear news like that we offer a quick prayer for “those people” and go on our way. That is until “those people” have a name and have been in your home as guests. I turned to Janice and said, “Our friends are in trouble, and we must see how we can help.”

We arrived home later on Saturday afternoon, I stayed up until 2 am on Sunday so I could call our pastor friend shortly before he would leave for his morning service. I told him about the news we had heard and he said there was some trouble in the city, but not in his area and they had plenty food. I should have said, “Great, glad you all are well and have food,”  but instead I said, “What can I do to help?”

The pastor said, “We need money to buy Bibles to take to Romania.” My response, “We can help with that.”

I was serving as Missions Director for the Mid-Atlantic Conference at that time and with the help of our churches we put together an offering of nearly nine thousand dollars. But how do we get the money to them? Before I knew it, I was planning a trip to Budapest.

This is the introduction to a story of God’s faithfulness in our lives. As I think back over the years, I marvel at what God has done. I sometimes call myself, “The Accidental Missionary”. As Christians, we know there are no such things as accidents. We believe in Divine Providence, but I’m about as close to being an accidental missionary as can be imagined. Janice and I have always supported missions, but the thought of going overseas to preach had never entered my mind. I did not have the training, had not met a missionary board for approval, and had not itinerated to gain support. In fact, I didn’t have a clue what my next step should be. All I had to qualify me was a spare room I could offer a fellow pastor. That simple kindness became an open door of service. We stepped through that door and are so glad we did.

God uses people. Someone in Hungary knew someone who knew our statesmen missionaries, Joe and Elsie Arthur. “Someone” began a process that has touched many lives with the Gospel. All these unknown people did was to ask for Christian hospitality for a friend, but without them we would never have met the pastor from Budapest. Though unknown to us, they are certainly known to God and share in a ministry they will never know about this side of Heaven. God uses people.

Can God use a radio newscast to speak to you? He did for me. Can the Lord lead and make divine appointments supplying every need? That’s the story I will share in the days to come.

Four simple words changed our destiny and began a journey that has taken us around the world preaching the Gospel.

The story continues…  “Can This Plane Fly Up-side Down?”