This month we are taking a tour of Hungary. Join us and access all the printables, recipes, reading recommendations, and prayer points, to bring Hungary into your home. Come explore the culture and people of Hungary with us!
How to get the most out of Planted seeds
1. Download and print the resource package 2. Display the info graphic and prayer points somewhere where the whole family can see (ours is by the dining table) 3. Pray for the nation of the month each day 4. Pick two or more activities from below. (You are welcome to do them all, but let's be real, sometimes the "extras" just ain't happenin'!)
Make cards to send to the missionary of the month, be sure to include exactly what you have been praying for them during this time. Print a kids engagement letter
Pickup some of the recommended books from the library, scatter them around the house, or intentionally select them for read alouds
Plan a night to eat like the Hungarians
Locate Hungary on a map
Watch the the recommended videos
Hungary fell under Communist rule following World War II. This period came to an end in 1989.
Spotlight on a Missionary
You are encouraged to pray for a missionary from your own church to Hungary, but on the chance that your church is not currently supporting a missionary in this country, please consider joining us in praying for our featured missionary
Attila and Katalin Ban with Word of Life
About Attila
"I was born into a Christian family. I learned just about everything about God and the Bible in that Gospel preaching church where we went regularly but this knowledge had no practical impact on my life. I was 18 when God used one of my friends to call my attention to the condition of my heart. I realized that no matter how good I think of myself in God’s eyes I deserve hell because I am a sinner. I was broken and I asked God to take over the leadership of my life. Since then I am serving joyfully in different responsibilities, different ways and I strive to bring glory to God by using my talents and gifts that I got from Him. I spent my civil service time at Word of Life Hungary, after that I graduated from the Bible Institute. I am on full time staff with WOL since 1996."
About Katalin
"I was raised in a catholic family, we went to hear the mass regularly. I was 16 when I went to a Christian concert with my sister, who got saved that night. We both started to go to a Bible believing church. This is how I got to a youth conference where I learned that God is awaiting for me and He is ready to forgive my sins. I thought I have no need for repentance, I am a good girl, I am going to heaven anyway. But the speaker talked about Romans 3:23 and I realized that I am a sinner. I asked God to forgive me. After graduating from high school I went to Word of Life to serve for 2 years as a volunteer, after that I became a student and in the Bible Institute that just started right then. After graduating from the BI I served with AWANA for 5 years in the H.Q. office in Budapest. We got married with Attila in 2001 and I served in a church office part time till our first family addition has arrived. Now I am a full-time mom with our 3 children.
We met at Word of Life while Attila was in his civil service time and Kati served here as volunteer for two years. Later we became classmates in the first year of the Bible Institute and graduated together from there. We got married in 2001. We have 3 children."
Connect with their ministry here. Or send your letters of encouragement to:
WOL Elet Szava Toalmas Kokai u. 2. 2252 HUNGARY
Recommended Reading
Enchantment of the world - Hungary, by Ann Stalcup - Recommended Age 8-12
A non-fiction book covering the history, culture, government, and people of Hungary in greater depth for the independent reader.
The White Stag, by Kate Seredy - Recommended age 5-15
Winner of the Newberry Medal, this is a the mythic tale of the origin of Hungary. For generations the tribes of Huns and Magyars had moved relentlessly westward, obeying the voices of their pagan gods, which compelled them to follow the elusive white stag to their promised homeland. They swept Europe, all the while pursuing their vision of the stag. Their leader was called Attila, and the land Hungary. Here is the epic story of their tribal migration and their fierce leader--known to us even today. Kate Seredy is Hungarian herself, and the author of several other children's stories about Hungary. I was not able to find additional titles at my library, but it may be worth doing an author search at your library.
Magic and Misery, by Maggie Pearson - Recommended age 5-12
A collection of stories from all over the world. This was a fun anthology filled with many stories that were new to me. I borrowed it from the library, but would like to add it to our permanent collection. It contains one story from Hungary, about the road weary fiddler who trades his beloved fiddle for the home of his dreams. In the end he regrets the trade, and when the opportunity arises, looks to reverse his fortunes again.
Hush Baby Hush, by Kathy Henderson - Recommended age 3-10
Everywhere in the world mothers have soothed their babies with gentle songs softly intoned. This is another collection I would enjoy to own. It includes one lullaby from Hungary, and many more from other cultures.
The Star Houses-A Story of the Holocaust, by Stewart Ross - Recommended age 12 and up
Based on a true story, The Star Houses tells one boy's story about living in Hungary during World War II. Please be aware that this is a very honest retelling and that there are accounts of him being beaten, ridiculed, and seeing others shot in front of him. After reviewing I decided this was too graphic for my 8 year old, but I am including it for those of you who have older children, or want to edit it as you read it aloud.
Wheel on the Chimeney, by Margaret Wise Brown - Recommended age 2-8
A Caldecott Winner, Wheel on the Chimney tells how the story of the Storks annual migration from Europe to Africa and back again. The book explains the Hungarian tradition of tying a cart wheel to the chimney in summer to encourage the storks to nest on your farm for luck.
The Little Golden Lamb, retold by Ellin Greene - Recommended age 2-8
A traditional Hungarian folktale about the good hearted boy who becomes a shepherd and takes as his pay the little golden lamb to which he has become attached. A humorous story follows as the lamb dances whenever the boy plays his flute, and anyone who touches the lamb sticks fast to him!
Book of Saints, Amy Welborn - Recommended age 8-15
A Catholic compendium of the lives of Saints. One of the chapters is about Elizabeth of Hungary and how her love of Jesus compelled her to love and serve the poor from a young age. Beautifully written and engagingly told I appreciated the emphasis of good works springing from our love of Jesus.
Recommended viewing
The life and work of Hungary's cowboys (Csikos) Beautiful horsemanship, and fascinating tradition.
Hungary's thermal baths, from Roman times to the modern era.
The thermal caves running beneath Budapest that feed the world famous baths.
Rick Steves' tour of Budapest. Rick Steves' videos are great for older kids to adults because he always provides so much history and background. My 8 and 5 year old find them interesting too. Be aware that his tour of the baths includes some old men in speedos (4.50 to 5.30). The tour of the House of Terror, Headquarters for the Nazi and later Communist Secret Police may be somewhat grim for younger viewers (20.27 to 22.36).
This video is packed with informative facts about Hungary. However it's somewhat culturally insensitive on several counts, so, consider yourself warned.
Rick Steves weighs in a with some modern political struggles from Hungary
Recipes
Hungarian food is a derivative of many of its surrounding cultures. You will find influences of Italians, Germans, Poles, French, and Turks. Selecting some recipes to try was quite a difficult task as there were so many interesting and unusual creations.
Of course I always have to start with whatever is universally accepted as the national dish, and in this case it is going to be Hungarian goulash. This recipe seems to be relatively authentic as Hungarians sneer at the addition of tomato paste to this beloved dish. The redness should come from copious amounts of sweet paprika.
I decided to try this recipe primarily because it reminded me of something my mom use to make. This website had a lot of interesting and authentic recipes though, so feel free to browse for something appealing to your family.
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