Edó:I started translating at the church services in the summer of 2003 when Ildikó Bacskó – the translator back then – started to feel God was calling her to full-time ministry in Vajta. There had already been two Sunday morning services and in the coming autumn the church was about to launch the second Bible study on Wednesday nights. So, because of all of these, a new translator was needed in Budapest.

I had been attending Calvary for 4 years and had just finished working with the Sunday School, when out of the blue – I cannot explain it in any other way – I felt an inner prompting and I really, really wanted to translate at the church.  Earlier I had on some occasions translated for Phil when he'd been the pastor at Calvary in Kaposvár and also at different outreaches. I really enjoyed these, although to tell you the truth, I was terrified of speaking in public. That’s why I found this strong desire to translate pretty  weird, as I knew that standing at the pulpit at the services in Budapest would mean hundreds of eyes ‘staring’ at me.  So, I decided to place the whole thing into God’s hands. Soon, the leaders of the church asked me if I would be willing to serve as a translator. It was sure enough evidence of God’s plan for me. Then I knew it was He who had planted this desire into my heart.  Ever since, this ministry has been a great honor and blessing for me.

Can you remember the first time you translated? What was it like?
Krisztina: I remember very well... :) In October 2001 Greg told me that when he finished the Book of Judges in November he wanted me to start translating the Book of Ruth. He said it was a beautiful romantic story, a great book of the Bible for me to start with and that I would enjoy it a lot. I was a nervous wreck for a month and really did not believe that I could enjoy anything as I stand up there translating in front of hundreds of people.

Finally the first Wednesday came – and I just got up there thinking I will pass out somewhere along the way – but I didn’t. It’s taken me years to be absolutely relaxed translating.

Edó: The first time I translated in a Sunday morning service...... Unfortunately, I don’t remember which passage it was on, but I can recall that although I was extremely nervous before and during the service, it was a wonderful memory, all in all. God helped me beyond measure. At that time I couldn’t imagine anything more threatening than standing in front of hundreds of people and attempting to say something that makes sense in correct Hungarian. I have never enjoyed being in the spotlight, I used to be very uneasy in situations when I had to address many people. Also, I was terrified of the thought that the right words wouldn’t come to my mind and I would just spoil the service, making a fool of myself. But deep within my heart the calling for this ministry had become stronger and stronger. Perhaps that’s why my experience of the ‘first’ Sunday morning service was so unforgettable. I simply felt I was in the right place in this ministry and I was greatly blessed.

Where did you learn your English?
Krisztina: I went to a bilingual high school where they put a great emphasis on English. After the first year I went to California to stay with my aunt and uncle there and to go to school for a semester. It really helped my English....

Edó: Since the fifth grade at the elementary school I have always been surrounded by English – at language courses, at the university, and also in my work. I am ’head over heels’ in love with this language.  And the British accent... I love it. :)

What do you enjoy the most about translating?
Krisztina: I think of it as a great privilege that God wants to use me this way. I realize this is the best and ultimate way for me to use my English knowledge – translating the Word of God to people. I must admit it took me while to really ‘enjoy’ what I was doing, because for a long time I was very nervous and had stage-fright. Now it is a part of my life and I love working with Phil, I like the fun we have up there (not so much when I blush...) and the blessing that comes with being in ministry.

Edó: I appreciate those most precious and exciting minutes when the Holy Spirit is poured out among us in a very special way and we can almost touch His presence. At these times I just wish that these wonderful minutes would never end.  Also, there are plenty of other things I enjoy about translating.  :)

Do you still get nervous?
Krisztina: Yes, sometimes....When I have no time to read the notes of the teacher, when we have a guest speaker and I do not know their speaking style etc. I try not to look at myself but believe that God is there, He is in control and He wants to feed His people – so I cannot really mess up His plan with all my mistakes :)

Edó: Yes, I do. Though it is a little different from what I felt when I had to perform in front of the church for the very first time.  Before almost all the services I feel that unless God helps me, I won’t be able to stand up and do the translating. And He always does. I am grateful to God for every single moment of ministry because I believe that over the past few years God has greatly transformed me, and handled my anxieties, fears, self-centeredness, the wrong mindsets I had, and taught me of His goodness, faithfulness and grace in all kinds of circumstances – even in the weirdest or most absurd situations. I am greatly honored and blessed to be part of this ministry.