VBS Final Update

It was encouraging seeing pictures from the Petofibanya VBS that our team served in while we were in the States. We were so thankful to be reunited with them and being able to serve with them in English camp a few weeks ago and in this VBS in Jászfényszaru this past week.

Since VBS had been working so well over the years in Petofibanya in reaching kids and parents, the Lord directed us to do the same in Jászfényszaru where we have been doing outreach for the past few years. This year is only our second VBS in this town, but it is clear that God is using it already to extend His love and His salvation in Christ to those who were able to attend.

P1133619.jpg

P1100573.jpg

P1133760.jpg

P1133993.jpg

Above: This family attended the VBS in Petofibanya for the first time in July and were so deeply touched by all that happened there that they began asking more questions about God and sent their son Bende to attend VBS again in Jászfényszaru this past week. They live in the neighboring town of Lorinci and (just minutes away from the church in Petofibanya) they have already visited our worship service and we ask you to pray for them as they continue seeking.

P1100610-2.jpg

Above: Krisztian (center blue shirt) is attending for the second time this year. His teachers commented on how much more involved he is in discussions, in singing and overall how much he loves being at camp. Krisztian will also be joining us in just a few days as we have a follow up camping trip planned for the teens. There is a sense that Krisztian is close to making a decision. Please pray for him.

P1133541.jpg

P1133551.jpg

Above: As VBS was being planned, the team found out that there needed to be an official person with the right papers that could do the kitchen work and that there would be an inspection while camp was going on. We didn’t have such a person or the right papers. Soon after, a woman from Petofibanya named Frida (pictured in white above) asked if she could work with our church in some way to fulfill needed practice hours. It turned out that she had just the right papers we needed! Praise God for providing what we needed and for allowing Frida (along with her child) to experience all that God wanted to reveal to them at VBS.

P1133619-2.jpg

Above: Some of the older kids and leaders presented a drama for the kids at the end of each day telling the story of King David and lessons they could apply to their own lives. The story does an excellent job weaving the Gospel through the events and one of the main characters played by Szabi (blue shirt far right) makes a decision to give his life to Jesus in the drama. But in real life, this is just what happened to Szabi just two weeks ago at English Camp!

P1133680.jpg

Above: Viki (yellow shirt) began talking to her mom Hajni (a church member) after one particular day where her group shared multiple testimonies of how they came to put their faith in Jesus. Viki came to understand that it was not enough just to know about Jesus, but she needed to make a personal decision to put her faith in Him. The next day we were able to meet with her and she gave her life to Jesus! Hajni recounted that even earlier this year, Viki was very resistant to coming to church and was not interested in spiritual things. Praise God for doing a miraculous work in her daughter’s heart.

P1133579.jpg

Above: Hajni with her husband Tamás who has visited church and come to our VBS the past two years but shows no interest in pursuing Jesus. Please pray for her husband Tamás and for God to strengthen and bless Hajni and Viki as they follow Christ.

P1133777.jpg

P1133798.jpg

P1133846.jpg

P1133863.jpg

P1133936.jpg

Above: On the last day of VBS, parents were invited, and we praise God for a good number attending. Miki shared that he had good conversations with Tamás (blue shirt center) about the Gospel. Tamás is seeking for truth in life and has explored many different religions. He is related to Margit who is a church member in Jászfényszaru. Please pray for continued open doors with Tamás and that He may find Jesus who is the Way the Truth and the Life.

P1133882.jpg

Above: While the kids broke off into their small groups, we held a small group time with the parents who attended. We discussed the story of the prodigal son and were able to share testimony from our personal lives about how we found salvation and life in Christ. I was thankful for the openness of the group and for how some parents who were attending for the first time were willing to answer questions and share about their lives. Later on in the day, I was able to sit and eat with some of these parents. They commented on how this camp was so unique and that all the people had something different inside of them that they just couldn’t find in the world. I was able to share with them that we had found God’s love through Jesus Christ and that He is the reason we are different.

P1133894.jpg

Above: On the last day of camp, Lilla came to Hajni and shared that she would also like to make a decision! We sat down with her and went over Scripture explaining the Gospel and Lilla understood and decided to pray and put her faith in Jesus. Unfortunately, Lilla is one of the few campers that is not local but was staying with relatives over the summer locally. Praise God that she was able to come and hear the good news. Please pray for God to direct her steps and to lead her into opportunities to mature and grow in her faith.

P1133018.jpg

P1133096-2.jpg

Above: On the last day of camp, Sharon was able to spend some time with Lili who was also thinking seriously about making a decision to put her faith in Christ. Sharon was able to encourage Lili with things she had learned over the years with Jesus and invited Lili to church. Lili attended church previously, but because of various challenges in her family, she was not able to attend even though she had a desire. Sharon ended up calling her mom Noémi who made a decision and was baptized last year but since then has stopped attending. Sharon offered to pick up Lili for Sunday worship service, but in the end, Noémi ended up bringing her daughters herself on Sunday. After our time of singing worship songs together, Lili went outside with Hajni and Sharon, sat in the shade on a bench and talked more about faith in Jesus. Praise God that Lili decided to put her faith in Jesus Christ!

P1100616.jpg

We rejoice in seeing a new generation respond to God’s good news that Jesus is their Savior and their Lord! Szabi just a few weeks ago in English camp and Viki, Lilla and Lili have turned to our Lord and could now use your prayers as they have many challenges ahead.

On Thursday, we will have a follow up camping trip for the teens. This is another great opportunity before summer ends and the school year begins to help them know God’s will for their lives and His tremendous love for them. Please pray for all of us involved in the planning and serving at camp that we be used to truly bless these teens. Pray for those that are already believers to be strengthened in their faith and commitment to follow Jesus and for those who are not yet believers to be moved by the Spirit to understand and believe in Jesus. Thank you for your prayers!

Here are some films from VBS in Jászfényszaru. Enjoy and praise God with us for how He used this VBS for His glory!












blog comments powered by Disqus