Hungary IPHC Celebrates 100 Years

- Regional Director of Central/Eastern Europe, Bill Schwartz

WMM Executive Director, Bishop Talmadge Gardner, addressing the gathering.

Delegates from the United States and multiple European countries gathered in Budapest, Hungary the weekend of Nov. 2-3, 2024, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Hungarian IPHC, known as The Free Christian Church, or Szabker in Hungarian.

The celebration began Saturday with a strong delegation of Hungarian pastors and leaders, along with delegates from Belgium, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Finland, Romania, Ukraine, and the United States, all joined together to share about the impact the IPHC is having in Europe. Reports shared from various National Leaders, The Awakening, Central/Eastern Europe Regional Director Bill Schwartz, Northwest Europe Regional Director Harold Presley, and Mediterranean Regional Director Linwood Berry provided a day of inspiration and networking.

Regional Director Bill Schwartz sharing with the Hungarian Church.

A presentation from the Ukrainian Church at Hungary's 100 year gathering.

The Sunday service gathered more than 700 in attendance. The day was filled with worship and multiple speakers. Leaders from many denominations such as the Hungarian Assemblies of God, the Baptist Church, and Agapé Churches, shared words of encouragement and congratulations. A particular highlight was the inspirational message delivered by Hungarian Bishop Peter Lakatos and World Missions Executive Director Bishop Talmadge Gardner. Both messages were filled with hope and a challenge for the future. The phenomenal Hungarian worship team also played a crucial part in leading the gathering into the presence of God before each session.

God was lifted up throughout the weekend, and the Hungarian Church was deeply encouraged. I want to give a special thanks to my colleagues, Regional Directors Linwood and Nancy Berry and Harold and Kathleen Presley, Jim and Peggy Edy (Missions Catalyst), and to our World Missions Executive Director, Bishop Talmadge Gardner, for their support and presence during this historic event.

Hungary 100 year gathering.