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By Cheryl Crawford, Jeff Philbrick, Susan Sicard
A New Vision
At the beginning of the 2023 school year, Jesse Remington High School embarked on planning a unique "reverse mission trip," creating a cultural and spiritual exchange by hosting youth from Hungary. This was a first for JRHS and required extensive planning, as well as the hospitality and support of several JRHS families, the greater JRHS community, Candia Church, and Hungarian church supporters.
From October 23 to November 2, we welcomed 15 students and 6 adults from a Hungarian church youth group, led by former International student Nimrod Selmeczi. For many of them, it was their first time traveling outside of Hungary. Over nearly two weeks of carefully planned activities, the JRHS community embraced these guests warmly, shared daily school routines, showcased the beauty of New Hampshire, and collaborated on a community service project. A highlight was the Hungarian students' memorable participation in our annual Humanities Faire, where they enriched the Twentieth Century re-enactment by adding Hungarian historical perspectives.
Pastor Nimrod
This visit continued a story that began in 2010, when JRHS first connected with Nimrod during a mission trip to Hungary. At that time, he was a young man with great potential. He later became an International student at Jesse Remington, where he discovered his love for teaching, strengthened his leadership skills, and deepened his faith.
After graduating in 2015, he returned to Hungary, attended theology school, and eventually became a pastor. Inspired by his experiences at JRHS, Nimrod felt called to offer similar opportunities for spiritual growth to students in his own church community.
This visit fulfilled Nimrod's vision, allowing his youth group to experience the faith and community that once shaped him. It served as a "spiritual emphasis week," with both groups coming together for worship, reflection, and growth. Through faith, service, and friendship, lasting memories and bonds were created, underscoring the transformative power of community and global mission.
Lasting Spiritual and Emotional Impact on Students
This powerful exchange of faith, learning and service left a profound spiritual and emotional impact on JRHS students. Many struggled with saying goodbye, reflecting the deep bonds they had formed. The experience inspired personal growth and strengthened their commitment to faith. The students left with lasting memories and lessons in gratitude, responsibility, and devotion to God that will continue to shape their spiritual journeys.
A Vision for Global Service and Spiritual Dedication
The mission trip also inspired JRHS students to reflect on their role in global service and take their faith more seriously. Through Nimrod’s impactful preaching and the dedication of the Hungarian teens, students were challenged to examine their personal responsibility and deepen their relationship with God. The trip planted seeds for future service, encouraging students to envision themselves as missionaries or faith leaders. It also highlighted the invaluable gift of education—an opportunity that many young people around the world are not fortunate enough to experience.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the impact of this visit, we are reminded of the deep sense of purpose that defines the mission of Jesse Remington High School. This experience was more than just cultural exchange; it was an opportunity for growth in faith, community, and service. The lasting bonds between our students and the Hungarian youth group are a testament to the transformative power of shared values and experiences. At JRHS, we are dedicated to shaping hearts and minds for Godly purpose, and this mission trip beautifully exemplified that vision. Looking ahead to April 2025, when we plan to return to Hungary, we are inspired to continue building connections, cultivating faith in action, and raising up future leaders for Jesus Christ who will carry the lessons of this journey into their communities and the world.
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