Members of the Christian Life Center Church in Verpelét gathered for a special thanksgiving service—and they had every reason to rejoice. The congregation, part of the Hungarian Gypsy Missions International, celebrated the near-complete renovation of their church building.
The sixteen-month restoration project was made possible entirely through donations. “This building belongs to the congregation, and every new wall, wire, and tile exists thanks to generous donors. During the renovation, not only were the exterior and interior updated, but the heating system, electrical wiring, and ceiling structure were also modernized,” emphasized Senior Pastor András Berki.
He shared that the mission work in Verpelét began thirty-five years ago with a simple evangelistic outreach. Since then, 750 individuals have been baptized, and church leaders trust that God will continue the work He began through them.
The success of the renovation was not solely due to financial support—it also required significant volunteer labor. Lajos Balogh and his wife dedicated nearly all of their free time to helping. “We came to faith fourteen years ago, and since then this congregation has been our home. We’ve seen that people living in deep poverty are especially open to the Good News of the Gospel. It’s important that alongside financial donations, we also show God’s love through our actions,” said Mrs. Balogh.
Pastor Zoltán Papp noted that it wasn’t just the church’s physical walls that were renewed—spiritual renewal is equally vital. “The world is changing, and we too must be renewed in how we reach people,” he said.
The celebration concluded with a sermon by Albert Durkó, President of the Hungarian Gypsy Missions International, who reminded the congregation that God’s promise is true: He is present wherever two or three gather in His name.
The grateful community felt that truth deeply as they rejoiced within their renewed church, celebrating the faithfulness and providence of God.
