A Mounument Commemorating October 23, 1956Today is a national holiday in Hungary. It's All Saints Day, a religious commemoration that many Hungarians view as important to their faith. As with many religious holidays in any culture, the significance of the day for younger people has decreased over the years. Younger Hungarians tend to think of this day as something that the older generation cares about. Although the younger Hungarians are not opposed to having the day off from work! So most businesses, grocery stores, and government offices are closed today.
Last week (October 23), was the 51st celebration of the Hungarian uprising against the Soviets in 1956. That uprising in 1956 was eventually crushed after only a few days but Hungarians mark October 23rd as a significant triumph in their history. On the 50th anniversaryof the uprising last year, the celebration was marred by riots against the current government. With this political unrest, the days leading up to October 23, 2006, were very tense. We had hoped that this year in 2007 would be different. But unfortunately, there were some riots and some blockades of the bridges over the Danube. We just tried to stay out of the areas where this was going on.
Please continue to pray with us for the country of Hungary. Pray that there will be spiritual revival in the land and a turning toward God as the supreme authority in life.
