Hungarian Bible Camps

English Language Bible Camp in Beregszasz (Ukraine), 2007 - Broadening Horizons

The English Language Bible Camp happened for the thirteenth time, hosted this year by the Beregszasz Hungarian Grammar School. Seven native speakers came from England and Wales: Stephen Clark, Peter Banks, Julie Luff, Peter Martell, Sarah Martell, Pippa Philpott and Harvey Philpott, in addition there were three Hungarian English teachers: Guba András, Retek Levente and Dr. Ercsey Zsombor. The coordinator of the team was Emoke Hires Clark, an English teacher who last year moved from Beregszasz to Radlett, Hertfordshire. This year 120 students attended the camp.

We asked the British teachers about their first impressions of the Subcarpathian region, Beregszasz, and their new students.

Peter Banks has been to Beregszasz several times, this being the fifth occasion. "Probably you still remember your feelings of culture shock when first visited the town?"

Pete replied: "The strangest thing was probably being reminded that we shouldn't drink the tap water. Otherwise no major shocks occurred after that, for instance I fell in love with the Hungarian cuisine. I even cook some Hungarian dishes at home."

Pippa Philpott got on fine with the spicy food, but she had other comments: "We hardly ever have soup at home in Wales, mainly just in restaurants. That is why it's been strange that lunch every day has been soup."

For Peter Martell this has been his first time in Beregszasz. For him the heat was unexpected. "I was really pleased when it started raining earlier this week. The hot climate surprised us when we arrived on Friday. Some refreshing weather was really welcome."

To the question what is the difference between the students in Britain and here, the response was universal. Students in Subcarpathia are more attentive and polite than their companions in Britain. At main meetings they are more enthusiastic, however when it comes to individual performances they are less confident.

According to Guba András, a Hungarian teacher of English and Geography, students here are more polite than their friends in Hungary.

Peter Banks, the music teacher and the leader of morning meetings, adds that he rarely meets so many talented students blessed with good voices other than here. "I teach around 400 students weekly in and around our town, in Newport, thus day by day I have the privilege of meeting with lots of talented people. However, it is unique that one would have so many talented students in one place as we do here in this camp. Children learn the songs more easily and they sing really beautifully."

All in all, the leaders greatly enjoyed the experience of the camp. The majority of them expected much worse conditions.

Peter Martell commented: "The picture we have of Ukraine has mainly been formed by the media. We've had a positive time since arriving in the town. Undoubtedly, the greatest surprise has been caused by students who value their families above everything else. It's been a pleasure to work with them."

But why does a young English teacher come back with her husband to organise the English Bible Camp? Emoke Hires Clark replied: "My husband, Stephen and I have received so much from the earlier camps. We'd like to give back something to this younger generation since the camp provides excellent opportunities for language practice and making friends. But the major reason why we keep organising these camps is that we like to share God's love not only in words but also in deeds too. Furthermore, there are so many bonds that tie us to this region: family and a great number of friends. The camp serves as a means of keeping in touch with people back here as well."

"How hard was it to organise the camp from Outer London?"

"It wasn't the easiest. The Hungarian government stopped the funding of the camp so the camp could not really take place as usual last year. We received generous financial support from both St Julians Baptist Church in Newport and the Hungarian Reformed Church in Beregszasz. In addition we'd like to give thanks to Mrs. Ábrahám Károlyné, to the Hungarian Teachers' Association in Beregszasz, to the Hungarian Grammar School and to our anonymous supporters."

We hope the camp will take place next year, we look forward to seeing the teachers and all our friends!

Zsófia Kovács

Zsófia was one of the students on the camp and translated her article from the original Hungarian.