Transition to Hungary FAQ's

Why international ministry instead of continuing in local U.S. based ministry?

We firmly believe in FCA’s mission to lead EVERY athlete and coach into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. Over the last decade, FCA has increased its efforts and calling to reach EVERY outside the borders of the United States. We also are committed to God’s command in Matthew 28:19 to make disciples of ALL NATIONS. This burden has always been on our hearts, however, a recent trip to Malaysia gave us a new sense of urgency. While we believe that local ministry is needed more today that ever, FCA currently has more than 2,500 staff serving in the US and only 500 internationally. As we prayed and discerned this with friends, mentors and others, it was clear that the Lord was calling us to serve outside of our comfort zone in this next season.
 

Why Hungary? What is Hungary like?

A significant aspect of our calling was a burning desire to use our gifts and passions through the game of baseball to share the love of Christ. Specifically, we felt a burden for those whose access to both baseball and the gospel is limited. As we explored this in prayer and conversation with many who have international baseball ministry experience, we were unexpectedly and continually pointed toward Hungary. Each time we explored another possibility, God divinely brought Hungary back to the forefront. We met Terry and Rebecca Lingenhoel who have been in Hungary for 30 years and over 20 years ago started baseball ministry as a way to develop meaningful relationships. In Hungary’s storied history, the nation has been ruled by multiple empires and religions. This has created a culture that is open to faith, but one where trusted relationships are key. Baseball is a unique opportunity to provide access in a non-threatening way to relationship. Baseball was first introduced in Hungary less than a half century ago and while it lags far behind sports like football (soccer), water sports, and basketball, Eastern Europe is one of the fastest emerging areas for the sport.
 

What does Erd Baseball/ Softball Ministry look like?

The Erd Baseball and Softball Club is the largest in Hungary with 115 players between ages 8-45 participating year round. They have built and developed three fields, the largest indoor training facility in the country, and the only lighted baseball fields in Hungary. The primary ministry elements are individual relationships and team huddles (Bible studies). Part of our role in coming to serve is to help expand discipleship opportunities including new huddles, internship mentoring, coaching education, evangelism in the club and with visitors, and wholistic ministry to families associated with the club. We are encouraged by the open door to the community, the vision of European FCA leaders for growth, and the current relationships that can offer opportunities to minister.

What is your transition timeline?

There are several milestones in our transition. In late May, Josh and Candace will return to Europe for FCA Europe Vision Days. We will join staff throughout the continent as we pray and develop ministry plans together. We will also return to Hungary at that time to secure housing and other logistical details. In July, we will attend Missions Training Institute in Colorado as a family and depart for Hungary from there (early August). We are working on an extended three-year transition plan with current FCA staff in Hungary as we learn language, adapt to a new culture and learn the details of the ministry.

What does this mean for your current roles with FCA?

In short, we will continue with our current FCA roles until we transition in the summer of 2024. Josh will continue to work on supporting and equipping local coaches and ministry leaders, while helping make ministries more effective and sustainable. Candace will continue serving as the Great Lakes Region International Advancement Director supporting FCA’s Nordic Region until her replacement is found. She is also taking on responsibilities with FCA’s Global Impact Internship program.

What about the kids?

Our children, Addison, Holland and Ayva, continue to be our most important ministry. While we all have a variety of emotions from excitement to scared, we are united in serving the Lord together as a family. Our oldest two will move to Hungary entering 7^th and 8^th grades. Given their ages, the language, and school system requirements, they will attend the International Christian School of Budapest. ICSB was started for and intentionally serves missionary families. At the recommendation of numerous people, our youngest will go directly into a Hungarian school in their equivalent of kindergarten. We are promised that she will be fluent in Hungarian far before the rest of us!
 
What does this mean financially for your support? Needs?

While we are transitioning locations for ministry, we are remaining fully on staff with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. All of our support and finances will continue to flow in and through the FCA Support Center in Kansas City. At the appropriate time of our transition in the summer, all of our current supporters will have the opportunity to support our ministry in Hungary and/or remain with local FCA ministry. While many cost of living items are less expensive in Hungary, we will have additional costs such as schooling and travel. While our overall budget is still being built, it will be very similar to what it is currently. We will need to be 100% funded with recurring gifts because we will not have the opportunity for fundraising events (Trivia Night, banquets, etc…). We are also raising an approximately $30,000 transition fund for airlines tickets, housing, vehicle replacement, and other transition costs. As of early April, we are at about 90% of our monthly goal and 75% towards our transition fund.
 
In what ways can we partner with you?

• DAILY PRAYER: Lord willing, we will make our transition in August, 2024 (8/24). Add a reminder to your calendar to say a prayer for us at 8:24 p.m. each day (or change to whatever time is best for you).
• CONNECT US: We are humbly asking each of our supporters to connect us with just ONE individual or family who would be open to hearing how the Lord is working. There is no commitment or expectation beyond making the introduction. However this is most comfortable for you to be done is fine, and we can provide template messages to send if helpful. The most important thing is helping us expand our network, allowing us to engage more people in Gospel partnerships.
• JOIN OUR HOME TEAM: In order to be good stewards and have a sustainable ministry, we need to be 100% funded with recurring gifts before leaving. We are currently at 90% of our budget funded with recurring giving. Our goal is to add $1,000 in monthly partners by July 2024, which is 9 new partners giving between $50-200 a month.