In May, Jonathan and I, along with 3 other Campbell University students traveled to Hungary for a missions trip. Our destination was Pecs, Hungary (3 hrs south of Budapest). We would be working with high school students helping in English lessons/conversation. The students are not only Hungarian, but also Roma (Gypsy). The high school was formed about 15 years ago just for Roma students. The name of the school is Gandhi Gimnazium (text is in Hungarian). I would like to direct you to Jonathan's Blog- "Notes From The Journey". Below is the post from August 19th... it is a great place to begin so you will know where we are in life up to this point.
"Updates"Before Thanksgiving Jonathan received his letter from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary accepting him into the Master of Theology program at GCTS in South Hamiliton, Mass. I am very excited about the idea of moving to the "North Shore", but today I am also emotional, thinking this could be the last Christmas everyone lives in NC. I say this b/c my sister, Sarah, was offered a job with Bank of America in Texas. She accepted. Both Jonathan and Sarah will be graduating in May with their Master degrees!
If any of you have been checking this blog, I apologize for the lack of updates. The past few months have been a whirlwind, to say the least, but I hope to begin writing consistently in the near future.
The latest item of business that one might consider newsworthy is related to my and Anna's mission trip to Pecs and Budapest, Hungary this past May. Our trip, which lasted approximately ten days, was an eye-opening venture in which we felt God's presence like never before, saw injustice first-hand, and were moved to the innermost of our beings with a compassion to serve the Gypsies (Roma). Having taken three months to process this experience, we are publicly acknowledging the possibility that God might be calling us to serve in missions.
Of course, this would be a major relinquishment for us, our family, and friends. We would be living thousands of miles away in (possibly) central or eastern Europe. Neither Anna nor myself have ever lived a significant distance away from relatives. Before this trip we planned to stay in North Carolina and serve a local church. But we have seen and are continuing to see that we are mere vessels in the hands of God. We are not telling him what we want nor are we saying "no" to his leading. Our answer has been and will continue to be "yes!" by God's grace. We are not saying that this turn of events is set in stone; we are letting you know so that you will be in prayer with us. Please pray that God will continue to lead us, stretch us, and use us in far greater ways than we can imagine. Pray that he will pour out our lives for his glory. That is our wish, whether in North Carolina or abroad.
So where does that leave Anna and me now?
I will finish the MDiv program at Campbell University Divinity School in May of next year. As I have planned for a great deal of time, I hope to continue my studying for one more year by earning a Master of Theology (the seminary/divinity school at which I will study is yet to be determined); however, I will likely concentrate in missions to prepare more fully for the task that might be ahead of us.
In the meantime, if you would like to help the Roma in Pecs, Hungary, you can do so by ordering a documentary featuring many of our friends. The proceeds will be donated to Gandhi Gimnazium, a one-of-a-kind residential school that gives Roma what they so desperately need: an appreciation of who they are.
Posted by JHAltman
I have researched to see if my NC RDH license will be accepted without having to retake a state board, and... it looks like all will transfer! This is a blessing. We are thankful that both our families are praying and supportive of our journey. This means more to me than I ever thought.
We are on the brink of a decision, praying fervently and daily that God will reveal HIS plan to us.
