Backpacking A Success

Backpacks seem like a strange tool for sharing the Gospel but when God gives an idea there is a purpose. They have helped open doors, first with the local partners but more importantly with the people on the streets.

Our first four days were spent in the city of Debrecen, Hungary's second largest city. After meetings with the local partners to introducing ourselves, they invited us to see their ministries. The Reformed Church has a day shelter where they feed up to 60 people. They also have Bible study and worship time. In the evening several of these same people find refuge in a government-funded night shelter.

Much of our time was spent on the streets visiting homeless in various places. Our guide was Christina, a full time social worker and committed servant. She took us to many places including the woods where two brothers lived in a makeshift tent, to the dump where a couple lived in an old train car trailer and then to the train station. We visited the homeless in parks, on the street and in temporary shelters out in fields.

As we presented the backpacks, we told them that many people and churches back in America were involved with gathering goods and putting together the gifts. "Those same people are praying for you even now," we told them. We showed them the many items in the bag and explained the space blanket. Then we gave the most important gift in the bag...the Bible. Some were familiar with the Bible others were not. Some had tears as we told them of God's love for them and shared the message of His word. Especially moving were the words, “God knows you, He loves you, and He has not forgotten you. He hears your prayers.”

The impressions left on all of us will not fade easily. I know without a doubt some lives were changed as the result of a simple backpack. Of the 30 bags given in Debrecen, for certain five people had a visible encounter with the living Spirit of God. Of course there were the naysayers in the balcony telling us our efforts were in vain. They said many of the backpacks were sold for alcohol or cigarettes at a fraction of their value. They did not understand. We did not come to watch the people carry backpacks and use the contents of these gifts. We were there to obey the Father’s directive to be givers in His name. The results are in the mighty hands of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. May His name be blessed!

As a result of this trip a new ministry is being birthed here in Debrecen. Someday they hope to have a rehabilitation center complete with a church just for the homeless. The ultimate vision is to bring the talents of each organization together to change lives in Jesus’ name. God's plan is large and He will enlist our many hands.

~Jason and Valeria Wiser (Missionaries to Ukraine)