2021 Jászfényszaru VBS Report

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One week after finishing an impactful VBS in our hometown of VBS, we held our second VBS camp in the town of Jászfényszaru where we have been seeking to church plant for the past few years. A number of kids who already attended our VBS in Petofibanya enjoy our VBS so much that they also sign up for this camp as well.

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Above: This is the second year that children from foster care were allowed to attend as well as a large group of Romani kids. This presented us with challenges with behavioral issues and balancing discipline and a clear expression of love with some of these troubled kids. God was gracious to help us and provide a safe place for them to experience His grace and hear about the new life available to all of them through faith in Jesus.

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Above: One of the challenges for this camp was Miki and his family (who made up 5 important volunteers at camp) had to leave for a family wedding a few days early. Miki leads our morning and afternoon singing and is very gifted in getting them laughing, listening and unified in their participation.

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Above: Panni who filled in for Miki the last two days of camp did a great job brining some new songs, while also making sure to sing the songs the kids had come to know. She was very intentional in connecting with some of the Romani boys. One afternoon at our scheduled free time, she helped them write a song that they presented together on Saturday's Family Day. Praise God for helping with this transition from Miki to Panni.

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Above: The mother of the little girl on the right was one of the parents that gave us their information to be contacted about an upcoming home group that our church planting partners in ministry Miki and Erika will be holding next month. She also asked me if any of our official camp shirts were available for the kids and offered to pay. I told her that we only had shirts for the adult volunteers but we found a solution where I would send her the camp logo and she would print her own. Later she sent an email saying that she hopes to someday visit our Sunday worship service. Please pray for the parents who have signed up for this home group to come to understand their need for restoration and relationship with God through Christ.

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Above: The great team of church volunteers God provided for this year's camp in Jászfényszaru. This camp ran into some serious barriers even before the first day! We found out that the requirements here were much more strict than what we had just experienced in our VBS in Petofibanya, and because of these requirements, a number of volunteers as well as our kitchen workers would not be allowed to serve with us. How would we feed 70 kids with no experienced kitchen staff? We prayed and looked for solutions that involved obtaining a specific type of health document that may allow another volunteer to fill in for the kitchen work. As kids were coming the first morning to begin camp, Frida who was one of the initial kitchen workers who would not be able to attend remembered that she had another document that should satisfy the same requirements as the new document required. What an answer to prayer! Frida has lots of experience in the kitchen and did a great job with the help of the hard work of Bogi, Melinda and Zsofi.

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Above: Benni returns to camp. Unfortunately on the first day of camp, Benni tripped and awkwardly fell leading to a broken arm. We were thankful to see his desire to return to camp, and still enjoy the activities, singing and conversation each day.

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Above: Emma and Szaffi who were already close in making a decision at our VBS in Petofibanya wanted to talk to Erika more about putting their faith in Jesus. Instead of taking part in the scheduled afternoon games and activities, they met with Erika who reviewed what we had been learning over the week about salvation in Jesus. They both prayed and put their faith in Christ! They have expressed their desire to attend our youth group meetings on Friday. Please pray that we would have continued opportunity to help them grow (as they don't live in our hometown).

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Above: Jázmin, Emma and Szaffi. It didn't take long for my first opportunity for discipleship with Szaffi. A camp worker grabbed me and asked me to talk to one of Szaffi's girlfriends (not pictured) who was in tears. Szaffi had done something that hurt her feelings and seemed to break trust between them. I called Szaffi to talk with me one-on-one which I'm sure can be intimidating (as I'm the camp leader). I explained to her what I had heard and gave her an opportunity to tell her side of the story. Then I shared with her how I have made many mistakes and have failed in relationships, but Jesus teaches us a new way to make peace and be reconciled and forgiven. I told her that I heard she had chosen to put her faith in Jesus and I suggested that she talk to her girlfriend and ask for forgiveness and seek peace. I asked if I could pray for her which she agreed to with teary eyes. Later that I day, I saw them sitting together as friends. On the last day, I was able to share this testimony (without naming the kids) with the parents in our small group time. I told them that this is evidence of real faith and Christianity is not just some kind of religious badge. It has a real impact on relationships and how we treat people as we seek to forgive and love the way Jesus has forgiven and loved us.

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Above: Patrik praying with Boti who also continues to express interest in Jesus. Looking back at the beginning of summer, Boti attended Baseball Camp with no intention to go to VBS. He then decided to go to VBS in Petofibanya (where he also broke his arm) and afterwards began attending youth group meetings. Then he decided to attend VBS in Jászfényszaru where he prayed with Patrik. Praise God for the journey he is taking Boti on. Please pray for this new generation of young believers to flourish in their faith and become a conduit for their parents also coming to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

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Above: We're always thankful for our brother Tibi (handing cotton candy over) who volunteers his cotton candy making machine and inflatable slide for our family day.

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Praise God for His amazing provision through the course of this VBS! We had beautiful weather every day and God provided solutions each time we had need. It is a joy to see the growth of our youth group members taking on more responsibility and joyfully serving with the giftings God has given each of them. They made up a large part of our staff and brought the needed strength, creativity and fun that blessed these kids.

Camping weekend


Today (Thursday), we're off to our next ministry focused more on teens. We'll be setting up tents and camping in the woods for three nights. Please pray as we talk about the wisdom in the book of Proverbs and have times throughout the day for small group discussions and one-on-one meetings with the kids. This is a mixed group of believers and unbelievers. Pray that God would cause the seeds that have been planted throughout the summer to grow and flourish in their hearts, and that lives would be transformed at this camp.

Joyous Anniversary


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Above: Just before VBS, Sharon and I spent the day in the hills of Budapest where we were engaged. We celebrated 23 years of marriage August 8th. We also were able to reenact a photo that we took 23 years ago in the same coffee shop that engagement day (albeit having to wait a bit for elderly German tourists to clear out :) I know there are some of you reading this that were at our wedding at BVBC. God has richly blessed us and we're thankful for God's grace in making us one in marriage for His glory.

Here are some highlight films from the VBS in Jászfényszaru. Thanks for keeping us in prayer!








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