“To victorious Hungary, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life!”
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Europe
Population | 9.7 million
Area | 93,028㎢, Located along the upper Danube River in Central-Eastern Europe.
Capital City | Budapest (1.77 million)
People Groups | Total 28 Groups, Hungarians 93.9%, Roma (Gypsies) 3.1%, Jews 0.5%, Ukrainians 0.3%, others 2.2%
Unreached People Groups | 4 (0.8% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Hungarian
Total Languages | 26
Bible Translations | Completed 23, Partial 3
Religion | Christianity 87% (Protestant 24%, Catholic 58%), Non-religious 11%, Ethnic religion 1.5%, Evangelicals 3.1% (300,000 people)
》 About Hungary
Hungary‘s history began in the 9th century when the Magyars migrated into the region. After founding its first independent kingdom around the year 1000, Hungary was invaded and ruled by the Mongols, the Ottoman Empire, and Austria from the 13th century onwards. In 1867, Hungary formed the Austro-Hungarian Empire through an agreement with Austria, creating a dual monarchy with shared rule under one king while maintaining Hungarian autonomy. In 1918, after the collapse of the Habsburg dynasty, Hungary became an independent kingdom. Newly independent countries from the former Austro-Hungarian Empire signed the Treaty of Trianon to redraw borders, causing Hungary to lose 70% of its territory. After World War II, Hungary came under Soviet control and a communist dictatorship. In 1956, the Hungarian Revolution broke out demanding democracy. When the Eastern Bloc collapsed in 1989, Hungary transitioned peacefully into a democratic republic and became the first former communist country to shift successfully to a market economy without turmoil. Hungary has a parliamentary system. Viktor Orbán has been serving as Prime Minister since 2010, and Szők Tamás has been President since 2024.
Hungary’s economy is mainly based on services, manufacturing, and agriculture. Key industries include automobiles (Audi, Benz, Suzuki, Opel), food processing, textiles, and metalwork. Hungary received an IMF bailout in 2009 but repaid it in full by 2013, marking a return to economic growth. One of the main drivers of this growth has been historically low interest rates and favorable monetary policies. However, the economy faces challenges such as widespread corruption, labor shortages due to population decline and emigration, severe poverty in rural areas, vulnerability to changes in export demand, and high dependence on Russian energy imports. Hungary’s GDP per capita is approximately $31,000.
》 Scripture Focus
| Revelation 2:1-7(NIV) 1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.” 2 “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.” 3 “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.” 4 “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” 5 “Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” 6 “But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” 7 “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” |
》 Prayer Points
1. Hungary has a long Christian tradition, and Roman Catholicism and Protestantism are still the main religions. The government sees Christianity as an important part of national identity and includes it in many policies. However, secularism is spreading, and church influence and interest in religion are declining. Especially among the younger generation, the number of people with no religion or who are atheists is growing. Let us pray that the Hungarian church will return to its “first love” and not compromise in the face of secularism and challenges. May it keep biblical values and traditions with perseverance. Let us also pray that it will have a positive influence in all areas of society.
2. Hungary is a hub for theological education in Central Europe, with four Christian universities teaching theology, humanities, and law. Students from across Europe join exchange programs and joint research, and partner with international seminaries. Lutheran University, Reformed University, and New Hope International train pastors, while the Protestant Institute, Pentecostal Theological University, and Calvary Chapel University offer mission training and seminars. International organizations like CCCI, YWAM, Reach Global (RG), ABWE, and Greater Grace World Outreach focus on leadership training, mentoring, and lay education, and share the gospel with the younger generation through various programs. As the need for missions grows, let us pray that Hungary’s seminaries, mission groups, and churches will work faithfully to raise the next generation as workers of gospel and witnesses for Christ.
3. Hungary’s future lies in the next generation—children and youth. Many are influenced by secular, postmodern culture, following pleasure, materialism, or false religions. But when approached with love and cultural understanding, they are the most open to the gospel. CEF, Power Mission, and Awana serve children and teens, while CCCI, YFC, and MEKDsz (IFES) minister to college students. Churches, the Barnabas Evangelism Team, the Bible League, and OM also work together for summer evangelism programs. Around 320,000 Romani Gypsies face serious social and economic hardship, but many groups and churches are reaching them with the gospel and planting churches. The Jewish population has decreased to 50,000, but several Messianic Jewish communities (who believe Jesus is the Messiah) have been formed. Let us pray that Hungarian churches and ministries will stand firm in God’s love, preach the gospel to all people, and remain faithful witnesses for the name of Jesus Christ.
》 Urgent prayer requests around the world need your prayer!
