20 June 2023| Budapest, Hungary [Enikő Szöllősi with tedNEWS]
When Enikő Szöllősi, the GLOW (Giving Light to Our World) European coordinator, began this literature ministry, little did she expect the ministry to take off in the way it has across the Trans-European Division (TED). GLOW, a Supporting Ministry of the Church dedicated to sharing Christ through tracts, is impacting the lives across the TED. Below are two of the most recent inspiring stories.
GLOW Hungary
Peter, a member of the Tata church, Hungary, loves trekking, running, and hiking in nature. After he participated in a GLOW Sabbath at his local church, he was inspired to combine his love for exercise in nature with GLOW. So Peter started a “GLOW Hike”, which provides 5 different routes for people to participate in from 3 to 35 km. At the starting point, church members welcome everyone and help with registration. During the walk, stations are placed where refreshments and stamps are provided. When finishing, everyone who completes their route receives a certificate, a pin, and GLOW tracts! After receiving these items, all are welcomed for a healthy sandwich and tea, which gives the opportunity to have great talks and fellowship. There is a crafts opportunity for children too.
GLOW Hike is a great combination of health and mission (hiking, vegan sandwiches, tea and apples). Representatives of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Hungary, present at the hike, provided a CPR training programme and GLOW tracts. As hikers arrived at thier refreshment stations, church members took the opportunity to have great talks with the participants. With 5 routes to choose from ranging from 3km to 35 km, it is a great way to engage families and children – even little children. Last year there were 459 registered participants. This year, despite the mud and rain, approximately 140 people returned to hike, receiving much positive feedback. The local Tata church organised the event, and is also having a “Hike with the organisers of the GLOW walk” event in June. When they are not just helping at stations, walking together with the participants, creates opportunities to build friendships even more.
Watch this homemade video to get a feel for the GLOW walk.
GLOW Dublin
“The second GLOW story comes from the Dublin soup kitchen”, reports Szöllősi.
“Recently, I received a voice message from a friend of mine, telling the story of the man who thanked them for saving his life through receiving this GLOW tract (Help for Loneliness). The man was determined that this would be his last meal, but something changed…” shared Szöllősi.
On Saturday night, the 6th of May, GLOW tracts were distributed in Ireland at the Dublin Adventist Community Services soup kitchen. Shane, an Irish Church member, shares this inspiring story:
“We had different tracts with us, one of them was Help for Loneliness. Almost everyone took not just a meal but a tract as well. It was great to see the impact on the people. Along the queue, an Irish homeless person came in. We spoke with him and gave him a tract. He took the loneliness tract, and you could see he was very touched. I started talking with another person, but suddenly this guy appeared again. He grabbed my hand and he said, ‘I want to thank you guys for saving my life here, for giving me this leaflet. Something happened to me tonight. I want you to know I had determined to make this my last supper. This was going to be my last meal. I was going to end it all here tonight. But something has changed through receiving this tract.’
“We praise God for all that He does! All Glory and Honour goes to Jesus, our Saviour,” said Szöllősi.
GLOW tracts can be used in many different ways. Thank God of the ministry of GLOW in both Hungary and Ireland, which shows how church members can unite in outreach using their talents and interests.
Both the Tata and Dublin stories were first published on the GLOW Europe website. [Main image: Shutterstock].
