Emő Horváth shares about the Club:

How did the Mama-Baba Club start?
Three years ago we realized that we didn't necessarily have to pay high bills if we wanted to chat with other moms – we could have a special meeting here at the church instead. And as the playgrounds are perfect places of sharing everyday issues, we thought that if we came together at the church, we should make it more than a mere chit-chat.

Our group is a bit different from other ministries, other Bible studies. We are in the same room with the kids so they play and have their snacks while we are studying the Bible. It’s definitely not a quiet devotional time, its noisy and lively, but a happy communion! I learn by experience, so what we do in the club has changed a lot over the past three years. But one thing hasn't changed - we have always focused on the Bible.

In the beginning I would prepare with a topic and initiate discussions based on that topic. In the first year we used to meet every week, do the topical Bible study in the first hour, then have aerobics training, which we mums could really do with! The club started in September but later on more and more moms and kids were absent due to the winter-time flu and colds. That's why we have changed the schedule.

When do you meet? What happens at a usual club?
We meet once a month from 10am to 12pm. The kids receive their toys first then we chat a little and start with prayer. In 2006 we studied Proverbs 31, the Virtuous Wife. I prepared questions and collected related Bible verses that we studied together. Then we again prayed, talked more about our kids, our concerns, such as where the best second-hand clothes are sold, what the kids eat, what they don’t eat etc... At our meetings there is always is a kiddie made background noise and different goings-on, but I believe as practising mums we can still pay attention to each other and to the topic :).

How old are the babies in the club?
There are various age groups and the members also are changing. The mums usually bring the babies and the little kids up to three years old, as they are the ones they look after at home. Some of us come regularly, as often as it is possible, some mums can’t attend as often as they would like to. It depends on various things like sickness, difficulties in traveling...

As a Mom of 3 young children, you know the challenges of being a Mom. What are some of the biggest challenges you (and other young mothers) face today?
It is definitely the questions of how to raise and discipline your kids. Nowdays the world's ideal and the Biblical view are two opposing ideas, as is the case in many life issues today. Not many parents know what the Bible teaches about discipline and even less apply it in the right way.

Its clear what God requires of parents and what their responsibilities are. The main idea today is that there is no need for discipline, that kids will form by themselves, that they will realize by experience what life is all about. God’s idea is quite different. His Word instructs us to teach the law of God to our kids day and night, when we lie down, when we wake up (Deuteronomy 6:7-9). Also God wants us to discipline the kids so that they become God’s servants, people who are full of love, gentleness and self control (eg: Proverbs 22:15, 16:32, 23:13-14). What’s really important to me, is that God tells us that if we train up our kids the way he tells us, they will not depart from this way when they grow up. (Proverbs 22:6) I know there are exceptions but as parents it is vital to know that it is the individual decision of each one of our children to follow Christ. The parents, guided and helped by the Holy Spirit can facilitate this, but the rest is in God's hands.

What are some of the most important issues raised?
For the kids: sleep problems, eating habits, screaming fits, periods of defiance. For the mums: struggling with depression.

Do you invite “guest speakers”?
Yes, we have had more experienced mums at some of our meetings. Whenever I come across a mum who has grown up kids whose life can be considered a good example, I immediately ‘interview’ her. We haven’t yet invited external ‘experts’.

In what ways have you seen God work through this ministry?
A very tangible fruit of this ministry is when newcomers make friends and gradually become part of our church.

Is there a Bible verse that has recently been especially encouraging for you and the club?
The ‘Virtuous Wife’ has worked in us. It is really encouraging that she was given the strength and beauty to become a virtuous wife through her everyday intimate relationship with the Lord. As the Word puts it: “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10). A virtuous wife can’t be found neither can we find a ruby scattered in the street. She is formed and shaped and that takes time. By the time we reach the age of 60, I hope we will have stored enough to teach the young ladies.

What are the best things about attending the club?
Fellowship, friends, common challenges, explorations as we go through the Bible.