Friday, November 28, 2008

Gyor, Hungary





We spent Tuesday through Thursday in Györ, Hungary working at a Christian school of 1st –12th grade. We were blown away with how welcomed we were! They gave over so many of their class periods to us, allowing us to teach and share anything we wanted.

I taught morning devotions to the 10th grade class, and I had been told not to expect any participation from them. But God moved in that classroom as these students gave me their full attention and even spoke up, sharing their own stories. It was so great!

I also was able to spend quite a bit of time with the 7th and 8th grade girls during the week. They were so fascinated by what God has done in my life, and they want to keep in touch. It was so cool to have an instant connection with them. I was definitely reminded why I got my degree in Youth Ministry. I loved these kids!

During our time here, we also were able to spend time praying with student leaders and teachers, prayer-walking the city, cleaning up a park in the Roma (“gypsy”) neighborhood, teaching a class in the Roma elementary school, and teaching a combination devotional/dance class to the 3rd and 4th grade students.

Prior to coming to the school, we had no idea what we would be doing. With no preparation, we were amazed at how the Holy Spirit repeatedly gave us lesson plans on the spot and spoke through us! I think the faith of every person on our team grew this week as we saw God in action in our lives!

Most notably during my time in Györ, I heard God calling me to return to this city. I felt it the first day as we were walking through the town. I felt it the very first time I was in a classroom with the 7th graders. I felt it just as strongly the day we left to return to Budapest. I made many contacts during my time in Györ, and I shall wait and see how God plans to use this in my future!

Budapest, Hungary





My week in Hungary was so amazing! Here is a short look at what we did during our time there.

On Sunday, we joined with Calvary Chapel for street evangelism near the subway and bus stations. Our group performed the drama “Everything” to the song from Lifehouse. I don’t know if you are familiar with this drama, but you can find it on youtube. I was the main girl in the drama, and I have the bruises to prove it. We also played some music and shared testimonies. Mostly, we just walked around talking to people, and we passed out fliers for Calvary’s young adults’ service. I had only a couple of encouraging conversations, as it was difficult to talk to people because they were coming and going. Because of this, it was actually a frustrating night.

Prior to the street evangelism, we met at the church to pray for our ministry on the streets that night, and I encountered my first demon-possessed person. Sadly, she did not want to be free, so our prayers were not sufficient. But it was eye-opening to be a part of it. I do not know the woman’s name, but please pray for her as
you read this.

Sunday night we attended Calvary Chapel’s service. It was so cool to stop and think, “I’m in Hungary, on the other side of the world, worshiping in both English and Hungarian the same God that I worship back in Arizona!”

Monday morning we went to the other side of the city to the highest point. As we overlooked Budapest, we prayed for God’s love and transformation.

This afternoon, we met up with the YWAM Budapest staff and went out to do street evangelism again. We were underground at a metro station, and we had a completely different experience from the previous night. God’s love and hope poured out as people stuck around to listen and watch. I also had a slightly crazy, old man give me flowers. :)

We did the drama twice. I joined my teammate Aaron in singing some worship songs, and I shared my testimony on the mic. Who would have ever thought that one day I would be doing this?

Later in the evening, Aaron and I led worship at the YWAM base. It was the perfect way to end such a wonderful day!

Fast forward to Friday, and we returned to the YWAM coffee shop to serve free drinks and pray for the ministry (only after eating an incredible meal complete with tasty Hungarian pancakes)!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

November Summary



November was such a great month here at the base! As you may have read, I will be heading to Asia in January and leading my team! I am getting more and more excited as we plan the outreach and get a better idea of what the country is like and what we will be doing.

Last week all of the students here were sent all over Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and Hungary for a week-long mini-outreach. My team of 12 (8 students, 3 staff, and 1 friend) had an amazing week in Hungary! God multiplied His blessings over us all week long as we were welcomed everywhere we went, had cozy places to sleep, and had warm meals in our bellies. More about Hungary later...

One thing we are good at here is having fun. Between hip hop classes, fashion shows, and worship nights, it is never dull around here. It has been so wonderful to be in an environment where Christ is truly the focus, yet the importance of play is made known, as well.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Outreach in January

Last week we were told where each of us will be headed come January as we travel to another nation for the 10-week outreach phase of our DTS.

Before all of the locations were announced, photography students had already been notified what the two photo-hub locations would be. So as I headed into the meeting where other locations were announced, I told God: "Ok, I want to be open to wherever you want to send me, but I'm pretty sure I already know that I will be going to this specific photo-hub location. Afterall, I came here to do photography." Well, by the end of the meeting after all of the locations had been announced, I had NO peace about this location anymore. We were given only a few days to pray and seek God's voice before turning in our top three choices.

Whereas with Budapest, I knew immediately that is where God was sending me, this time I had no immediate answer. God took me down a bunny trail, leaving me clues along the way until finally revealing His choice to me. While it was frustrating at first to not have peace about where to go, I must say that I enjoyed this treasure hunt with God, and by the end, there was no doubt in my mind what my first choice should be! It was definitely a lesson in hearing God's voice.

Unfortunately, for the safety of all of our teams, I am not allowed to announce publicly on the internet where I will be going. I can tell you that I will be in Asia, though. I am so excited for what God has in store for my team!




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When I came here in September, I told God that I wanted to take a break from leadership for awhile and just enjoy being a student again. But as you can see, God had different plans for me! But it doesn’t stop at facilitating a small group, teaching dance classes, or leading worship. I have been asked to lead this outreach team! After my fourth week here, a staff member randomly told me, “I have plans for you.” She didn’t mention anything more until four weeks later when she said that she believes I have “an anointing for leadership.” A few days later, staff asked me to lead this team. This is a big responsibility, but also a wonderful opportunity, and I am just amazed that out of 86 students here, I was chosen for this. I’m sure God must have laughed when I told Him that I wanted to take a break from leadership!