A Time Out for Mission – A letter to the SMES community from the Auses

Dear Students, Families, Classmates, Colleagues: Friends,

Last summer, a long time pastor friend in Hungary invited our family to come and work with him at a retreat/conference center of the Hungarian Reformed Church in Balatonfured, Hungary.  The time seemed right and we felt the encouragement of our church community and friends to pursue this invitation.  We requested a one year leave of absence from St. Margaret’s in order to return to Hungary.  Mr. Hurlbut and the administration graciously agreed to let us look further into this opportunity.

Tammy and I met in 1989 in Central Europe.  I was studying and working with seminary students in Budapest, Hungary, while Tammy was working for Young Life, at international schools in Vienna, Austria.  After we were married we worked together in Hungary exploring new possibilities in youth ministry.  In 1994 we returned to the US and came to Southern California.  We have been here ever since, but we have always remained connected with Hungary.

During the Communist period in Hungary from 1946-1989, all church programs were restricted to within the physical four walls of the church building.  Religious youth ministry was against the law.  With the fall of Communism in 1989, the Hungarian Reformed Church and other churches were liberated with respect to the open practice of r faith and, in fact, the new government requested that the churches get involved in moral and spiritual education of the youth.  This was a 180^o turn around.  The government also returned previously nationalized schools and properties to the churches.  The Hungarian Reformed Church has spent the last fifteen years re-establishing church schools, elder care facilities and other church related programs.  One of these programs is the Siloam Retreat Center.  It was established as a place for spiritual renewal and Christian education.  Three years ago Pastor Olah and his wife were given the ministry of managing this retreat center.  They have invited us to come help them develop and expand this ministry to youth and congregations around Hungary and Europe.

Accepting this opportunity, we will spend the next school year in Balatonfured, Hungary working along side Pastor Olah.  We also hope to find a Hungarian sister school for SMES with which we could develop a long term relationship for all kinds of exchanges.  Our kids are excited about the chance to live in another country.  They will be attending a Hungarian school; learning Hungarian as they help others learn English. 

Until we return in August 2006, we intend to communicate regularly with the SMES community.  We hope that you will find our experience interesting.  If you are feeling particularly adventurous, come to Europe and put Hungary on your itinerary.  We would love for you to come for a visit.  The retreat center has room for you to stay.

                                                                                    Warmly,

                                                                                    The Ause Family