English Camp - Day 10

Well, I can site here tonight and tell you with great joy in my heart what an awesome 2 weeks it has been. The Lord has worked in so many ways - both in the Hungarian students we served and in our own team.

Since it's coming up on midnight here and we're only just getting back now from a celebratory dinner with the Hungarian ministry team, and since we need to be awake at 4:15am tomorrow to head out to the airport, we'll be glad to tell you about day 10 when we see you face-to-face back in the States.

Please pray for smooth and safe travel tomorrow.

We've had a great time and watched the Lord move in some incredible ways, and so we are very sad to leave, but we are also anxious to get back and see all of you!

See you soon,

Tom (for the team)

English Camp - Day 9

Well, today was the second to last day of English class. Our staff meeting this morning was full of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord for what has happened over the last 10 days. Brad led devotions with a good word from Philippians 2, reminding us that our attitude should be like Christ even when we’re tired in these last couple days.

Our schedule today was mostly the same as every other day. We played rousing games of kickball, knock out, basketball, tug of war and baseball. Mate (Matthew) spoke in chapel about forgiveness. Pray with us that his words would resonate with the Hungarian teens and that they would see their need for the Lord and accept His forgiveness in their lives.

Much of our free time today was spent preparing our classes for Parent’s Night tonight. Each English class had to prepare a little presentation…a skit, a song, etc. It took a little while to think of something for my class of beginners, since we only have 3 boys in our class and they are not the most outgoing. I have to admit, we Googled “short, funny skits” and found a great one that our guys were excited about and thought was a great idea! ☺ So we spent time today practicing lines so their parents could hear them speaking English.

The program started a little after 7pm, following a dinner of hotdogs, hamburgers, chips and watermelon. After the welcome, all the students, teachers and translators stood up front and we sang 2 worship songs that we have been singing all week long. We sang the second song, Mighty to Save, in English and then in Hungarian. Interspersed between our class skits were Jason’s testimony, a testimony from one of our translators, special music from some Hungarian students, special music from Emily, Victoria and Dillon (accompanied by Tom and Brad) and a camp slideshow. All the skits were well done and drew many laughs! At the end, Shaun, our camp director, called us and our translators up front and presented us each with a little token of appreciation.

There were refreshments after the program, and we met several parents of the students. Everyone was in high spirits and many, many, many, many, many….many…photos were taken (a high percentage with Dillon creeping in the background). It was a special bonding time for all of us. Praise the Lord for the wonderful friendships that have been formed on this trip…and for all the new Facebook requests I have waiting for me when I get home!

Thanks for all your prayers!
Sharon

English Camp - Day 8

Well, I (Tom) am on blog patrol tonight, as we are on a 48 hour sprint beginning tomorrow morning. So I've sent the team to bed, leaving me to the blog :)


"All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16.

There are days when you see the truth of this verse so clearly. You see why the Lord has put you in this place, in this moment, for this reason. You see why the Lord has written this specific day for you in His book. Today was one of those days.

Most importantly, we got to find out today that one of the students at the camp, a guy named Zsolt, prayed to receive Christ last night! What is cool is to see how this was totally a team effort. This is Zsolt's third year at English Camp, so many American teams and many believers here in Hungary have poured into him for many years. And most of our team has built a good relationship over the course of this week. But yesterday, he had some really good conversations about the Gospel, in particular with Sharon and Victoria, and then when he and I got to talk this morning, he shared with me that he prayed to receive Christ! It was amazing to think through how the Lord brought about this day for Zsolt and how many believers the Lord used in his life along the way. This day was written in God's book for Him, and we are so grateful as a team that the Lord planned for us to be in Hungary with Zsolt on this most important day of his life.

Then, after another good day at camp, we joined up with a missionary couple supported by The Orchard, Brad & Kari Mullet, who treated us to a spectacular dinner. I'm a food guy - and it's a restaurant I'll remember for a long time - the great company, the Hungarian atmosphere, the excellent food, the accordion serenading us in the background...it was a memorable night. But even more significantly, the way Brad & Kari spoke to the team was so incredible to see. One minute they had the team belly laughing, the next minute they were exhorting the team for how God is using and will use each of them in the future, and then the next they were reminding us of the importance of personal righteousness and prayer. Simply an awesome night.

We've got a big day tomorrow - it's parent night. Many unreached parents will be hearing the Gospel, and the team has a lot of involvement in the program of the night - skits, singing, and testimonies. So please be in prayer for us during these final two days of camp and the intense schedule we'll be undertaking. Please also be in prayer for us as we have our final opportunities to talk and share with the students.

We're so thankful for your prayer and support.

God bless,

Tom

English Camp - Day 7

WOW!!!! I can't believe day 7 of English camp is over with! Time has flown by, and our energy levels are still high and running. Today was a long day, but could not have been any better. We had a normal day at camp, but this evening our group split up into smaller groups, and we went to homes of different campers. This was a great opportunity to get to know students on a more personal level.

Jason, Mindy and I are in charge of leading a small group discussion with some advanced students after morning devotions. Normally the students will talk in Hungarian to each other or our translator, and give us the "Sunday-school" answers. Today was a different situation however. The students started to express more in depth how they viewed salvation. A lot of them thought that they could lose their salvation so we spent a lot of time explaining to them that they can't lose their salvation and that any sin is the same in God's eyes; none is worse then another, even though the consequences on Earth could be different. It was really neat to have this in-depth conversation about salvation with the students. I just ask that you pray that God will continue to work in these students hearts to see that God's salvation is always there when you truly repent and ask God into your heart, and that God will keep working on the hard hearts of students who don't want to pay attention during morning devotions.

Tom, Jason and I have also had the opportunity to spend the evening with Adam, a camper who is in Jason, Mindy and my Intermediate English Class during day camp. It was really cool to see his house and how his family lives. We had Beef Goulash, which was phenomenal, and we also had Langosh, which is a pizza like food but the crust is more doughy and it has no tomato sauce but rather a lot of cheese. It was really neat to get to know his parents and sister and to meet his brother. After dinner we played Mexican Train (a game played with dominos). We played for a good 2 hours. While we were playing, Adam went and got his guitar for Tom to play and kept asking him to play songs we learned at camp (Marvelous Light, Everlasting love etc.), it was really neat to see because we don't think his family is Christian. It was just a neat opportunity to see how Adam lives at home.

Time for Bed, We have to get our energy for the rest of the week!

Good Night and in Christ,

Katie

English Camp - Day 6

Wow, I cannot thank God enough on how blessed I am that I have been given this wonderful experience to be here in Hungary serving Him and these students.

Today was AWESOME! We all were very curious to see how much strength God would bless us with after such a long, but wonderful, week last week. I was blown away by the strength that I was given today because of how tired I seemed when I woke up! I was so ready to lead and teach right when I got to camp and was so surprised by the excitement and joy that I had been blessed with.

Today, we started the day with a “Rock, Paper, Scissors” icebreaker! We then moved onto English classes where my group - Lisa, Michael, and I - taught about occupations. It was awesome to hear the students talk so confidently today in English after a semi slow start last week with some students. We were also so excited to get two new translators today who are always jumping in and ready to clear any confusion in the air.

Tom spoke today during chapel, and it was a great example of what marriage should be in our future. To see the perspectives between a good Godly man and a “fun” ungodly man was I think amazing for the students to see. It was so exciting in our end of the day meeting to hear how the discussion groups went with the students. They were all asking questions and very curious. It was very encouraging to hear how God is opening the hearts of many students. After another great game time in the afternoon, camp was over, but many students stayed to continue playing a new game with the staff!

After camp we hopped on the tram and went to a German restaurant at which I ordered cheese soup and wiener sausage, which was very good and very filling.

We are now back at the hostel and all hanging in Sharon, Lisa and Mindy’s room as we talk about our nightly new subject. Today’s subject is how your parents met. Emily just shared how Mr. G was an awesome defensive player in basketball, which caused lots of argument with the voice she said it with!!! Having so much fun with all of the wonderful students and staff here today!!! Miss everyone, however.

Shout out to my parents, I ate duck liver and chicken liver ; p…….Let’s just say when I found out what I ate I was very cautious about what I was eating the rest of the week.

Love, Linz!

Sunday, July 25th

Hey everybody,

There was no camp today, but we had a really important meeting as a team this morning that got us even more excited for sharing the light of Christ to the students this coming week. So please pray for us as we get started again for camp bright and early tomorrow morning. Also I would like to make a very important shout out to a very special little girl, Tovie O, on her second birthday. You will get a full update on camp day 6 tomorrow.

Thanks for your prayers,
Michael

Saturdays!!!

The weekend has arrived! It was quite welcome this morning due to extra sleep-in time and the more relaxed pace we were able to go at. This a.m. the boys and Tom did their laundry across the way at the church (KEGY Evangelical Free Church) where the English Camp is held. The girls hung back and had a leisurely morning at the Griff Junior Hotel (see photo above of Mindy posing with a statue outside our hotel as part of the leisure) and popped over to the CBA (small grocery store) about 10 a.m. for some fresh fruit and European candy.

At 1 p.m. the team met up for the first time with our two new translators for Week 2 of English Camp, Niki and Mariam (both 18 yrs. old), along with Lilla (18 yr old translator for Week 1 of English Camp) and Beni (14 yr. old camper & brother of Mariam). It has been incredibly encouraging for us to know that at least three of our translators came to faith in Jesus Christ through the ministry of the KEGY English Camp!!! Niki shared her testimony today with me and it was evident that God has really used this camp in years past to draw students to Himself through the proclamation of the Gospel, the joy of the staff and the prayers of many!

On Sharon's recommendation we headed to Palachenta's (a.k.a. Hungarian crepes / see photo to the left) and enjoyed one savory and one sweet crepe each, which fueled us for the walk to Parliament (see photo below).

BUT how could I forget to mention a critical detail that began our day with huge SMILES! Overnight the temperature dropped 12 degrees Celsius. What a gift given the 90+++ Fahrenheit temps all week with no A/C. I have sweat more sitting dead still this week than I have in many rigorous workouts. To be sure, the record high summer temps of Europe have kept us consistently glistening.



After much strolling and snap shots around Parliament and the Danube River (see photo to the right), we did what many Americans (and a Canadian) do best, we hit the shops on Vaci Street (the bustling city center of shopping) to buy postcards and trinkets for our loved ones back home. This was followed by a delectable dinner on the outdoor cobblestone patio, where blankets were available to ward off the first evening chill of our stay in Budapest.

We parted ways with Lilla, Niki, Mariam and Beni after dinner and headed up Castle Hill for a peak of the Chain Bridge (see below) and Parliament at night. There were many breathtaking views, violins being played on street corners, and lots of good conversations going on amongst the team as we reflected on the past week and God's goodness and grace in it all!



Praise the Lord for the beauty of this wonderful old city, great weather, an opportunity to serve Him, and for being amongst His body of believers! I am so thankful for the unique gifts of the Spirit each person has brought to the team. Each has become dear to me and I love the way God is individually encouraging and challenging us as we seek to serve Him not just in deed, but more importantly in right motive (Matt. 5:20).

Miss you all and hope to see you soon! Please keep us and the campers continually in your prayers.

Much love,

Lisa J.

English Camp - Day 5

Hey everyone!

So we’ve just completed our first week of camp! Already, we were on the verge of tears when we found out that some students could only come for this first week, and thus, today was their last day. Personally, I feel like some of the bonds that were formed this week were almost as strong, if not stronger, than many relationships that are formed over years. We’re looking forward to keeping up with many of these students on Facebook, though. Overall, I feel like that this week was super successful. In English class, our lessons went great, and for the camp activities we planned, the kids, although hesitant at first, really jumped into them and were always wanting the candy we gave away as prizes!

Most importantly today, the kids heard the gospel today. Gergo, one of the speakers, gave an extremely convicting sermon called, “Why Jesus Had to Die.” He explained how and why Jesus died for us, and at the end he called upon the group to repent and to accept Christ today. Then he prayed, and as he finished, I looked around the room, and everyone was amazingly quiet. Every other day, after the message, the Hungarian students had jumped up and talked and they didn’t seem to care too much about the message, but today there was silence. Then, when the small group that I was in met, after the devotional, to discuss the message, it was so comforting to see that the Hungarian students were jumping in the discussion and answering questions such as “Why can sinners not get to heaven on their own?” and “How has sin separated us from Christ?” Despite their language restrictions, every single person in our group became really excited. They started describing why they thought Christ died for us, and it was comforting to see students, as young as 11, actively discussing the Gospel. I really think that although many kids at the camp do not know Christ, they have had a major seed planted in their hearts!

On a different note, I would like to explain a term called “mission trip magic, or MTM.” Mission trip magic: When the team predicts two people who will, in the future, date and get married. As we have already seen in past comments, we know that Dillon and Emily are destined for each other. We call this mission trip magic. Hopefully, this will transition into MM or marriage material. =) We shall see…

Now, as I write this blog, we are having another team meeting in the hallway where we are telling stories and laughing. I think it’s going to be a wonderful weekend!

From us here in Hungary, jo napot (good day) and szeja (see ya!)

In Christ,

Jason

English Camp - Day 4

Today was yet another great day in the city of Budapest, Hungary. It was in the 90’s, which for most would be a bad thing, but for our team was great because we spent the afternoon at the pool. It was so refreshing to be in a cold pool on a warm day and to be able to get more connected with the kids. We raced downs slides, splashed, and dunked each other all afternoon. We also had an epic pick-up game of soccer, and the US (led by yours truly) won 2-1 against the Hungarian National Team.

I know it sounds like we are just having a lot of fun, but we are doing lots of work. Things have been going better and better in our English classes and the students have begun to become more active in our classrooms.

One of the coolest things for me to see today was at the end of the day. Camp went 3 hours longer than it normally does, so we came back from the pool and ate dinner with the kids and then had a little time to play a game. We played until 7 o’clock, but when we announced that kids could leave if they want, no one moved. It was so cool to see that the kids wanted to stay around and hang out with us. It shows that God is truly using us as examples to them.

I would ask that all of you to continue to pray that God would be using each of us to minister to these kids, whether we can actually talk to them, or just show them through our actions. I would also ask that you pray for our chapel time, where the kids are presented with Christ, in most cases for the first time. They each are have a small group so please pray that they continue to learn more about God and continue to ask questions.

- Love the best kid on the trip (and the humblest),
Dillon Mack

English Camp - Day 3

Hello All!

It has been another fabulous day in the beautiful city of Budapest. I feel like we are starting to fall into a routine: teaching English in the mornings, developing relationships with the Hungarian kids in the afternoon, dinner out with our team in the evening, and considerable amounts of laughter before bed.

Speaking for the intermediate class teachers: Jason, Katie, and myself, today was the first day that it felt like we knew what we were doing. We are getting to know our students, beginning to understand their personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. All of this has helped us in developing lesson plans and activities. Due to unforeseen circumstances, our class was without an interpreter today. While this was anxiety producing for me, I was also able to see God's sovereignty in action. Every single thing in class worked out perfectly today. The kids understood our directions, we understood their questions, and I think we all had a good time doing it!

It has been exciting to see the relationships developing so quickly between our students and the Hungarian kids. The love of Christ is shining so clearly through our team, and it is really exciting to see that happen.

Tomorrow we are off to the pool in the afternoon, it will be an extra long day. Please be praying for strength for the team so we can finish our first week strong!

Lots of love to my family, I miss you all like crazy!

In Him,

Mindy

English Camp - Day 2

Hello avid readers,

Something that has remained in my mind from Friday morning is how crazy this all is. I still cannot believe it is all happening. Its something I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of and it is simultaneously the greatest and most challenging time of my life so far. It goes without saying that God has chosen the exact people he needs for this plan and He is going to fulfill it. And then some.

Day one tested our nerves to what I saw as a new level for all of us. Meeting a bunch of new people in a short amount of time is a crucible for some, exhilarating for others. But add in a language barrier and the scenario is heightened. To my surprise, however, many of the teens spoke comprehendable English. I was able to have relatively fluid exchanges with most who I met. Above all else, body language coveys the strongest message and a smile was what everyone shared instantly. I was stunned to sense a seemingly instant bond that had birthed and was growing rapidly. It felt like dozens, if not all of the kids came with open ears and minds primed to learn English. The first lesson went so well that my group ended up with more than enough material. I think the classic condition of the Americans anticipating the Hungarians and the flip side played to everyone's advantage. The first day also illustrated the timeless lesson of nothing is ever truly how it seems.

Day two proved steady yet considerable growth from Day one was at work. Acquaintances had already been made and friendships were well on their way. I have established some solid foundations as well. Sometimes it seems like all you need to begin a friendship is a common interest or the mutual appreciation of a joke.

Everything from games, to the classroom, meals, singing, discussions, and good ol inside jokes have been more than enjoyable. God has answered so many prayers and He continues to stump me with His sovereignty. No trip is perfect, but things are honestly so good I'm having a hard time describing it all. My thoughts are paced at light speed so hopefully I remembered everything I wanted to mention.

Thank you so much for reading this, thank you for supporting our trip - without you it wouldn't have commenced - and thank God for all He has done and is doing and will do.

Yours Truly,

Bradley 'Stanley' Johnson

P.S.

"If everything's relative, then why the emptiness, in our souls?

Trying to untie, the knot, we thought we were untying, our entire lives, we're busied up and burnt out.

For we are known by what we seek."

English Camp Day Camp! :)

Hola!

Hungary is a beautiful place and the team and I have had a chance to explore Budapest the past few days!

More importantly, today was the first day of camp! I have the privilege of working with Sharon and Dillon *cough* (mission trip magic) *cough* in the beginner class. Bahaha... anyways, our first day with our campers was great! We started out with introducing ourselves with many of the Hungarian teens and then transitioned to playing the NINJA game, which was a big hit! During the English lesson later, our topic was family, so our class played games and did activities that helped improve their English. Although the task of teaching beginners is very challenging, Sharon and Dillon are great co-leaders and we all work well together. Our ultimate goal is to share Christ with the teens and glorify Christ with our words and actions. Overall, today was a very successful day, sometimes a little rough with a language barrier, but the whole team developed valuable relationships with many of the kids.

It's amazing to see how God plans every moment for His glory, even of we may thing we mess up, He is so gracious and His love is so visible at camp. It is also very humbling to realize that I am a very small part of His huge plan. I'm psyched to see what He's going to do in the next two weeks!

Love you Mom, Dad, Jackie and Marie! and I miss you all! xoxo

Emily

Finally over the jetlag...

Today was orientation at the church for working the summer camp, and I'm so incredibly excited to start serving tomorrow! Brad and I are paired together for the advanced group, so that should be a fun. Definitely a little scared, though. But anxious at the same time to get started.

I think the biggest challenge for all of us so far has been the jetlag. It was brutal, to say the least. but close behind is the heat. Apparently this summer has been recorded as one of the hottest in Europe's history (of course) but it was cool and breezy today, so that was very much appreciated.

The best part so far is the food. Our first meal here was cold cherry soup, a very common summer meal here, and it was reeeeeeeeally good. I'm predicting the gain of a few pounds here. :)

Serving starts tomorrow and I don't know about the rest of the team, but I'm a little nervous for the first day. Pray for us! I miss everyone!

We're here!

Hello Family & Friends!

I'm happy to let you know that we've arrived safe and sound here in Budapest, Hungary.
We had good flights from O'Hare to Brussels and then Brussels to Budapest.

With the 7 hour time difference, we are certainly feeling a bit out of sorts physically.
Most everyone is calling it a day and heading to bed around 8pm tonight, and hopefully we'll be on track with Budapest time beginning tomorrow (Sunday).

But even with adjusting to our new time zone, we've still had a great day getting to see where we'll be living and serving the next two weeks and getting to see some sights around Budapest.

The picture above is at a famous statue called, "Anonymous", that is downtown inside a castle.

Tomorrow we visit the international church, go through orientation for English Camp, and make our final preparations for our first day of teaching!

Thank you for your prayers - we are so grateful for them and in need of them!

In Christ's love,
Tom

WE LEAVE FOR HUNGARY IN LIKE LESS THAN 48 HOURS!!!!

To help you guys, if you want, I found this podcast which helps give some different Hungarian words.

http://podcast.com/show/100920/

Just if you guys want

Serving Well

Wow! Team Hungary, How neat is God's providence that this morning's message from Colin was all about serving. 1 Tim 3:13 tells us that serving well brings great assurance of your faith in Christ Jesus! My prayer for this trip is that you would all gain great assurance.

I wanted to start this blog so that we can begin to share and encourage one another throughout the coming 2 and 1/2 months of preparation to go to Hungary. I hope you will take time to comment and write blog entries, even now, as we are praying this week for the Lord to move in people's hearts to support our trip through prayer and finances at the Auction, and that He would remove the obstacles that would prevent people from coming this Saturday.

We have a God who strengthens us, so that we will be able to do great things for His glory!

So excited to be serving with all of you this summer! - Lisa