27 October 2014 | Budapest, Hungary [Christa Zarka, tedNEWS] Almost 13,000 viewers watched the programme “Connect to Escape” on LCTV (www.lctv.today) during the first two weekends in October 2014. The main presenter was Dr Miroslav Pujić who discussed different social issues and possible solutions found in the ancient book, The Holy Bible.
The programme was enriched with musical items, quizzes, health tips and life stories. All the viewers had the possibility to participate through the chat room available on the website. The topics presented were: trust, life purpose, corruption, forgiveness, love and hope for the future, showing God’s ideal for our lives. Dr Pujić started by looking at the popular thought of today and then turned the attention to God’s supreme power and goodness, which enable us to make wise choices if we turn to Him. Each time his startling illustrations drove home different lessons.
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Despite being in an age and part of the world where the word “church” might evoke negative sentiments, uneasiness or at least feelings of irrelevance in many people, we experienced that visitors and members were happy to gather in the church hall in downtown Budapest. There was excitement, deep interest, attentive silence and thoughtful discussion, and the almost two-hour long programme went by unbelievably quickly. After the programmes participants stayed longer, not wanting to leave. Each night about 80 people sat around the tables representing all ages from university students to pensioners. They were joined by 12,664 Internet viewers who followed the programmes and contributed with their comments via chat services.
“This is an excellent initiative and a highlight of our mission efforts,” said Peter Zarka, Pastor of Central Church. “It was a historic moment for our local church and also for our Union (Hungarian Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church). We have experienced a new, positive way of evangelism which works. People struggle with many issues; they are lonely and long for a place where they can belong to. Using this method, we are able to connect with the people of today with relevant life issues and timely messages from the Bible.” Pastor Zarka continued to say that, “while we discussed important questions, interest and enthusiasm were both evident and we enjoyed the friendly atmosphere. Our guests and members were open. I heard words of appreciation over and over again. My conviction is that our Union, Conference, and church followed God’s leading implementing this initiative. There was exceptional co-operation within the team, speakers, local church members and our guests. We have worked very hard, and are thankful for God’s blessings.”
Here are a few comments from the viewers:
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“This programme is extremely, maybe even surprisingly, professional. It’s a privilege I could take part in it” – said a church member from another city. Sharing the same enthusiasm, another participant explained: “I will miss the high standard of these meetings, and the spiritual, friendly atmosphere. I am so glad I could be a part of ‘Connect to Escape’. I will come back.”
One young man commented, “Colourful, informative, interesting. I did not know what to expect, but now I see I can find wisdom in the Bible.”
A man who earlier could not find purpose in life said enthusiastically, “The approach of Dr Pujić is fresh and thought provoking. Now I see that in the Bible God gives wisdom for a better life. I needed to hear just these words, I am sure God brought me here. Thank you for this programme!”
A young lawyer commented on the implications of the used illustrations, “I loved the illustrations, such as the shirt, which showed how corruption can be hidden, or the two plants pointing to the consequences of our own decisions. I will never forget these.”
A student who attended all the programmes, expressed his sadness that the programmes had ended, saying, “I wish it would continue next week! I’d be glad to come back any time.” Another commented, “This is a positive church experience. I want to come back. I met new friends here.”
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A very positive approach to life, which was strongly emphasised by Dr Pujić, made a great impression on one young lady, “People are terrified of the end of the world, of a disaster, but tonight I heard that God is going to recreate the world, and He will keep his promise. Now I do not fear, rather I feel energised. This positive approach has touched me!”
Viktória Törőcsik Mészöly, LIFEconnect Community Developer in Hungary, along with the media crew and members of Central Church have worked very hard and with enthusiasm. Our common understanding is that “Connect to Escape” is not a one-time programme, this was just the beginning. We will continue!
For more information, please visit www.lifeconnect.info and www.lctv.today. [tedNEWS]
tedNEWS Staff: Miroslav Pujic, director; Deana Stojkovic, editor
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