Today’s guest is Jenő Lakatos, pastor and executive elder of the Hungarian Gypsy Missions International. At the age of 10, he prayed for his gravely ill father, and God’s miracle later transformed the life of his entire family. As a result of this healing and conversion, the local congregation grew by more than 100 people in just a few weeks. What follows is an extraordinary and inspiring conversation.
You came here to Békés from Hajdúhadház, right?
Yes, I was born there and still live there. Hajdúhadház is a town of about 16,000 people, with roughly 5,000 Roma residents. My parents and grandparents also lived there, so I’m deeply connected to the city.
Could you tell us about the kind of family you grew up in?
My childhood was very difficult. My parents started their lives at a young age and often didn’t receive any help. I was around five years old when my father built a mud hut for us, and we lived in the yard of a kind family. Although our living conditions were poor—the rain soaked the hut and we struggled financially—my parents did everything they could to raise me with love. So, despite the hardships, I experienced a happy childhood.
Were your parents able to work during that time?
My father worked when he was young and commuted to Budapest, but by the age of 26 or 27, he became seriously ill and was declared 100% disabled, unable to work. All the burdens fell on my mother. As children, we often spent nights soaked in the mud hut; my mother had to constantly move the bed to keep us from getting wet. It was an incredibly difficult and painful time for me, but my mother did everything she could to provide care and love.
Did you have enough to eat back then?
It was very hard; many times, even food was scarce. I remember my first Christmas, seeing my friends receive presents while we had no tree, no gifts. My parents spent everything on basic needs and medicine. One day my mother came home with some flour and bacon from somewhere. She made some biscuits, fried the bacon, and that was our celebration. That’s when I learned that the true gift isn’t material—it’s being together and having something to eat.
Is it true that you saved your father from suicide multiple times?
Unfortunately, yes. After he was diagnosed with a terminal illness, my father attempted suicide several times because he felt he could no longer provide for us. As a child, I was often the one who noticed what was happening just in time and prevented a tragedy. It was very hard to experience this, but somehow—perhaps through God’s providence—I was always there when it mattered. My mother also saved him on several occasions, and together we tried to keep his spirit alive despite the hopeless situation.
Your family witnessed a divine miracle when your father was healed. What was that like for you?
It truly was a miracle. Since childhood, I believed that God would one day heal my father. When I was 10, I prayed with all my heart in a church, asking God to heal him. Years later, when I was 17, my brother-in-law brought the gospel and a Bible to our home. My father started reading it, and the next day, when some believers visited us, we worshipped the Lord together. At that moment, the Spirit of God touched him. He, who could barely move before, suddenly stood up, moved his arms and waist, and was completely healed.
Everyone in the town saw it. Our congregation, which had about 20 members, grew to over 150 in a few weeks because people witnessed the miracle firsthand. After that, my father lived a full life. He walked, worked, and spent the rest of his life proclaiming God’s goodness. This miracle didn’t just change his life, it transformed our entire community.
So your entire family turned to God after your father’s healing?
Yes, exactly. That day, after witnessing the miracle, our whole family was converted. What we saw was beyond human comprehension, what doctors couldn’t do, God restored in an instant. In 1993, doctors said my father had at most three years to live. But in 1996, God healed him, and he lived another 28 years in strength, joy, and faith. For us, this was living proof that God is real, and that He can give new life both physically and spiritually.
Did you always want to be a pastor after this, or did you start down a different path?
Honestly, I never planned to become a pastor. As a child, when I prayed for my father’s healing, I once said, “If You heal him, I’ll become a priest.” I don’t know where that came from, but it stuck with me deep down. Later, I worked as a bricklayer—I loved my trade—and all I wanted was to worship God. But I received several prophetic words, even from foreign ministers, that God had called me to be a pastor. I wrestled with it, knowing the great responsibility it involved, serving people is not easy. Eventually, in 2010, ten years after the calling, I accepted it and stepped into pastoral ministry.
Interesting that the prophecy was fulfilled ten years later.
Yes, and that’s an important message. When someone receives a revelation from God, they must understand that God wants to prepare them first. The time doesn’t always come immediately—it comes when we are ready to serve. Just like Moses, who returned to Egypt 40 years later. I also needed time to mature. Right before stepping into ministry, my sister-in-law passed away. It was a devastating loss, and I cried out to God, asking why He allowed it. But I came to understand that even through this, He was shaping me to be stronger and better prepared. Two months later, still in pain but with an obedient heart, I began my pastoral ministry.
Did you start a new church or take over an existing one?
It all started with a small home group. Several families who didn’t feel at home in other churches came to us, and we began gathering for prayer. Within a few months, the group grew so much that we had to rent the local community center, as we reached 80–100 people. I prayed and asked God that if it was truly His will for me to be a pastor, He would show it by growing the church, and week by week, it grew.
I saw God’s hand in everything. I often had doubts, but I always received confirmation and vision on how to lead the community. I had partners who helped me, and we lived those times in great love. We also witnessed many miracles: for example, a sister diagnosed with cancer was completely healed before surgery. We prayed, and when she was re-examined, the tumor had disappeared. The doctors didn’t understand, but we knew it was God’s miracle.
How did you meet your wife?
We met in elementary school. Back then it was just a childhood crush. She converted before I did and began attending church, praying for me to come to faith because she felt God intended us to be together. Two years later, I also went to church, and God confirmed to me that she was to be my partner. I received that confirmation at 17, proposed at 21, and we got married that same year. We were both fully convinced we were meant for each other.
Your wife is the one who runs the CharityPoint in your ministry, right?
Yes, she has been leading the CharityPoint since 2020. She coordinates donations, helps those in need, and mobilizes the congregation. For example, they’ve organized “charity breakfasts” for schoolchildren, provided clothes, food, and even helped renovate homes for families at risk of losing their children. There’s always something to give to those in need, and this brings great joy and spiritual strength to everyone in the ministry.
How did you join HGMI before starting CharityPoint?
We initially had our own independent church, but during a difficult period, I met Albert Durkó at a conference. His personality and vision deeply inspired me, and our church immediately wanted to join the mission. From that point, our mindset was renewed—we attended trainings, Bible school, and learned how to train ourselves and others to better serve and spiritually nourish more people.
What does it mean for you to be an executive elder? Is it more work and responsibility?
Yes, it comes with great responsibility, but I embrace it joyfully. To me, it’s not a position but a ministry. In difficult times, we must step up, lead by example, and act in faith. The example of executive leaders inspires me, and I want to pass on that same attitude to those around me.
You don’t just serve in Hajdúhadház, but also in other towns, correct?
Yes, we are active in several places within Hajdú-Bihar, and we’re now preparing for a national strategy. I’m very grateful to László Surman, who greatly supported my development and learning. I started studying for my high school diploma after turning 40, finished at 44, and now I’m preparing for theological college. My goal is to set an example for my community: it’s never too late to learn, and good decisions always bring blessings. My family supported me and is proud of me.
How many children do you have?
I have three daughters—aged 24, 22, and 20. I’m also a grandfather of three. I recommend this to everyone—to experience and feel what it’s like. When I became a father, I thought nothing could surpass that joy. But becoming a grandfather may surpass even that.
One of your daughters also experienced a miraculous healing. Can you tell us about it?
Yes, that happened in 2017, eight years ago. Her teachers called us, saying she had collapsed at school and couldn’t stand up. By the time we arrived, the teacher was carrying her into the doctor’s office. She couldn’t move her arms or legs and was admitted to intensive care. The doctors didn’t know what was wrong and suspected a tumor. It was a heartbreaking time, but our church stood with us in prayer. While praying, I received a word from God: “Within 48 hours, your daughter will leave the hospital on her own feet.”
I believed it, even when the next day the doctors said her condition had worsened. Just before the 48 hours were up, my daughter asked to be wheeled out into the hallway because she didn’t want to stay inside. As I prayed for her, she suddenly said, “Dad, help me up—I feel strength in me!” I helped her, and she began walking down the hallway. A miracle happened: God healed her right then and there. The doctors were astonished—they had been helpless for days, and suddenly she was completely well. She testified in front of them: “God healed me.”
She was healed—but what happened afterward?
It became another testimony for us. The chief doctor re-examined her and said within five minutes that he could issue the discharge papers. The joy I felt was indescribable. Not only was she healed, but exactly as God had promised: she left the hospital on her own feet within 48 hours. Glory to God! She’s still healthy, has given birth to three children, is happy, and lives a wonderful life.
In one of your sermons, you said that it’s worth serving the Lord. Is it really?
Absolutely, it’s worth it. Glory to God. The reward of serving Him on Earth is that the Spirit of God accompanies our lives, and we experience His presence. But the greatest reward is that one day we’ll see Him face to face, as our loving Father, and that surpasses everything.
