A Newsletter from Bela & Ildiko

Hey, I just thought I would post a link to a newsletter from two of the people we worked with in Hungary. Béla & Ildikó Dobos were an inspirational couple. They were very hospitable and had our team to their home for games and refreshments while we were at the Elet Szava. Click here to read their newsletter.

P. R. About our Hungary Trip!

Lauren Elsasser's mom sent me this article from the Standard-Journal. I think it is so great that we are still talking about our trip. Thanks Lauren for being a good ambassador for our group, the U.S. and Hungary as well. Here is the article.

By Jeff Shaffer
Standard-Journal
Tue Sep 09, 2008, 11:45 AM EDT
________________________________________
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MILTON — While some students were enjoying the summer sun at the pool, beach or amusement park, one local student found herself playing the role of teacher on the other side of the globe in the Republic of Hungary.
Lauren Elsasser, a senior at Meadowbrook Christian School, joined a missions team from Richfield Mennonite Church, for a chance to visit the central European country, share the gospel and teach English to some Hungarian children.
Through it all, the Mifflinburg teen gained a renewed appreciation for the opportunities available here in the U.S.
In her first week overseas, Elsasser helped prepare the Bible camp, Elet Szava in Toalmasra, a former communist training center.
When it came time to teach, there were some language barriers to say the least. Elsasser said Hungarian is completely different from anything she’s ever seen or heard.
But Hungarians are hungry to connect with the Western world and the first step is learning English.
Elsasser said she and Bria Leister of Richfield spent most of their time teaching things like days of the week, animal names, body parts and the hellos and good-byes to the young pupils. She added she tried to pick up a few Hungarian words in the process.
Other group members, Elsasser said, taught baseball to the natives, a growing trend there.
The Meadowbrook student had many chances to take in the culture. She visited Budapest, and experienced pastimes like horse shows.
Looking around in the country, Elsasser said “you’d think you were old time Europe. Walking to the local store for all your needs. The scenery is beautiful.”
Then there is the food — pork and bread.
Elsasser said that made up a lot of meals. Under communism, she learned the people weren’t allowed to eat pork and assumes they’ve just been making up for it all these years. One specialty is roasted pig fat, into which Hungarians dip their bread. It supposedly tastes just like a BLT, she said.
“We were all like, ‘an Applebee’s or an Olive Garden would be good right now,’” Elsasser said.
That’s something the teen has come to appreciate about her own country, a blend of cultures. In Hungary, it’s strictly Hungarian.
“There was a lot of culture shock, and it took awhile to take it all in,” she said. “Here (in the U.S.) we have the chance to experience everything. It’s a melting pot.”
Don’t let the lack of diversity take away from the people, however. Elsasser said everyone was full of hospitality.
In fact, she admitted it was sad when it was time to leave, but she can see herself returning some day. It meant a lot to her to lead children to Christ or at least put smiles on their faces. Some children there appeared to come from broken homes.
“It’s exciting helping people, and there’s a sense of accomplishment,” Elsasser said.
While Europe was a new venture for her, she is an experienced traveler having been on other missions trips. Elsasser and her classmates were in the Dominican Republic this past spring. A few years ago, she was in Arizona with the Navajo Indians, which she said was also incredible.

Jeff Shaffer: 570-742-9671
jeff@standard-journal.com

See the picture here.

Pics from our Short Report

Here are some pics of some of our group sharing during a rainy, outdoor service about our trip to Hungary. Enjoy

Second Week Pictures

A few more pictures from Hungary. More coming, keep checking back.

Report from Bob

Bob "The Builder" Stauffer gives his take on our trip. More coming over the next few days.

Lauren Z's Comments

Here's Lauren Zearfaus' comments about her trip. This was taped on Tuesday. I am sorry I have gotten behind. All of this takes time and there are a lot of distractions. Keep coming back everyday, I will posting more as I can.

New Video Over At JoelSnyder.net

I just posted a video on my blog, www.joelsnyder.net, that shows a bunch of the "Castle" we are staying it. The video is cute/fun as well. Check it out here.

Video Report from Hungary - Andy

Andy Spade talks about the work he's done this week.

What a Response!

Here is a video of the response to the invitation here at Elet Szava. It was so cool to see SO MANY kids respond. Thanks for your prayers. We don't know their hearts but God does. Continue to pray for the kids and the rest of the week.

Pictures from Elet Szava

Here is some of Casey's collection of pics from our trip so far.

Bruce's "Monday Memo"

Again, Bruce sends out a weekly report to his supporters. Since most of the people that read this blog are supporters of us and we are with him, I wanted to let you know what he says about our trip. Here is his "Monday Memo".

Here we are beginning week four. The English team is teaching. The sports team is on the field. And our evangelistic team leaves for the city in about 30 minutes. We have no idea what we will run into at city park Budapest today. We plan to play music, perform pantomine and illusion, pass out tracks, and talk to as many people as we can. This is a little fearful, since we need to use translators for all of this, but we plan on doing this type of evangelism all week.

The main programs with the children's camp begin each night at 7:15 (1:15pm your time) so if you remember us at lunch time pray for the success of our team on the streets and the meetings at camp to begin in minutes. An invitation will be given on Tuesday evening, and a dedication service on Friday evening. I need to rush back to Toalmas, get a shower (nearly 100 degrees in Budapest today), change and get to the meeting to either play, do magic or both. I am already looking forward to the plane ride home so I can get some sleep.

So the camp is prepared, the staff is trained, and we're into the hands on ministry this week. Pray for all of us here and, Lord willing, we'll be back in the states next week.

Pics of our Hungary Trip

Lauren Elsasser shares some of her pitures from Hungary.

Dead Battery - No Video Report

My video camera battery went dead yesterday and so I didn't get a video report yesterday and I haven't had as much time to get the video stuff done. So I appologize for the lack of report. I did do a video for my blog, www.joelsnyder.net, you might want to see. It is of the roller coaster ride some of the team took. Needless to say, they were not able to complete the ride. The ride came to a complete stop while going up the hill! We had a little fun with the whole thing. Check it out here.

Yesterday was a nice day to relax. The weather is getting warmer now but not too warm until possibly Monday and Tuesday. We have a few small projects to get done today but most of our work is done for the week. The different teams (evangelism, English, baseball) will also be meeting again today to get ready for tomorrow when the campers come. It is also a day to do wash. Most of the group will go to the local "Community Day" here in Toalmas for a little bit as well.

Even More Pictures from Hungary

Monica Rozelle shares some of her pictures with all of us. Enjoy!

First Friday Video Report - Alex Konya

This video is of Alex Konya who is the Director of Word of Life, Hungary. He and his wife Deb invited us for supper at their house this evening (Thursday). I recorded his 12 minute talk to all of us and edited down to about 6 minutes. I thought it would be nice to hear from those we are serving. I also thought it would be nice to hear about who we will be ministering to.

We are basically finished with our work projects and tomorrow afternoon we will go to an "old" city (I can't spell it) for some shopping and a meal. Saturday is wash day. There is some sort of celebration in the town as well on Saturday which we may try to go to. Sunday after church some of us have orientation and the kids register for camp.

Here's the video. . .

Video Report From Hungary

Nathan Brubaker puts his twist on today's video report. It rained this morning so we worked on English, baseball and evangelism teams in the morning and worked in the afternoon.

More Pictures From Hungary

Lauren Z shares some of her pictures so far from her/our trip. Enjoy!

First Wednesday Report

It is raining here so we had a little down time this morning. So, I thought I would get this video report done early. We have been getting a bunch of stuff done already this week. This morning some are working at one of the appartments here on the complex, Seth and the evangelistic team practiced for next week, and the English teachers and the baseball team members have meetings planned. We are taking advantage of the unforseen rain. We will be all working this afternoon. Check out the video to find out what Justin has to say about the week so far.

A Few Pictures from Hungary

We made a slide.com show of some of Andy Spades pictures. Enjoy!

First Tuesday Video Report

Here is a new video post with a "report" from a few of the girls on the team. More later - it is time for us to be working and I am late.

First Monday Report from Hungary

Here is a video report from Bria and Oscar about our day on Sunday.




Today everyone is working getting the camp ready for the camp season. Check back for more updates. Check out www.joelsnyder.net for a picture of us in church on Sunday.

Bruce Heffner Updates about Hungary

Bruce Heffner writes a weekly update to his supporters and this weeks' is about our trip to Hungary. Here is his report:

Our team arrived from New York on Saturday Morning, spent the day with us
in Budapest, attending Budafold Baptist Church and enjoying the beauty of the
capital city, and is hard at work this morning, transforming the Elet Szava
grounds from a Bible Institute into a summer camp. This means moving beds,
cleaning dormatories, setting up volleyball fields, preparing the campfire area,
cleaning up brush and gutters, hanging curtains, and a myriad of other odd jobs
and preparations. Here's the team all together except for me -- somebody had to
snap the picture.






Tomorrow and Thursday I will be doing the training for the Serbian team and
the Hungarian children's workers. Some of the guys will be mowing and
weed-wacking soccer fields with the new blades we brought over for their
tractors. There are always many many odd jobs to do on a property as big as
this, so it looks like a busy week getting ready for the camp to open on Sunday.
We hope to get the group to Sentendre and to "the bend of the Danube" on Friday
to see Hungary as it was in theold days. Of course, here "the old days" MEANS
the old days. We were in buildings yesterday, including the largest Jewish
Synagoge in Europe, which are older than the USA itself. I have been asked to
preach at the Tolamas Bible Fellowship Church on Sunday and we look forward to
the fellowship there with many that we have known for years. Then Sunday
afternoon the campers arrive. God is blessing with record-breaking registrations
from this nation and we trust, with you, that there will also be a record
harvesting of the lives of these children and young people for the
kingdom.

Hangin in Hungary

Here is a quick video a couple of us did during a little bit of free time we today. Our airline cancelled our first flight a couple of months ago and we had to come a day early. So, we had a little "hang" time. Enjoy.

Our Arrival in Hungary

Twenty hours later we have arrived! We had an interesting trip to JFK via the Newark Airport, downtown Manhattan and traffic delays, and a rush through the airport all to wait 80 minutes on the plane waiting to take off. Anyway, we are here and getting settled in. We will be eating lunch (we are 6 hours ahead of PA) and then relaxing/napping before an orientation meeting before supper. Tomorrow we are planning to go to church in Budapest and get a tour of the city. Monday the work begins. Check back daily, maybe more, for further details, videos and pictures.

Day before

Well, it is the day before. All my clothes are ready to be packed and marked like a nursing home resident. I don't have to act like a senior resident, it just comes natural. Anyway, in the morning we will be off to Hungary.
Whatever our group can accomplish will go to further the glory of God as we go in Christ's name. We all want to see mighty changes and might only plant the seed. Regardless of what happens, I hope everyone is praying for us. Many people have supported us to allow us to go because they are unable to go. I hope they feel very blessed and recive more blessings because of their sacrifice to have this mission trip go forward.
Bob

English Teachers Nedded

Looks like they are looking for English Teachers at the camp for the two weeks following ours. Is anyone interested in spending a week or two in Hungary. Contact me if you are interested. Dates would be June 29 - July 5 and July 6 - July 12.

Greetings from Hungary

Bruce Heffner sends word from Hungary. We will meet up with him on Saturday, June 14 at the Airport in Budapest.

Here we are in Hungary again enjoying this pearl of a country in
central-eastern Europe. The Bible Institute has finished the year and athe
students are on their way home. Camp starts in two weeks from today and
the staff eagerly awaits Richfield Mennonite to make the transition and get camp
ready to open. A record number of campers are registed for the opening
week -- our week -- children's week, and everyone is v-e-r-y excited about this.
The rooms are finished in the castle and awaiting the group. I am here
early working with the director and staff in preparation for the camp season and
your arrival. See you all at the Budapest airport next Saturday.

Blessings.

Bruce

We'll Worship at Budapest Baptist Church

Here is some information about the church we are planning to attend on Sunday, June 15 in Budapest. Well, I guess I don't have as much as I thought. The web site is in Hungarian, which it should be. Bruce says this about the church:

The name of the church is BUDAFOK (Buda-folk) BAPTIST CHURCH. Web site: http://www.istenhaza.hu/
Isten = God
haza = house

I am REALLY looking forward to worshipping with the Hungarian Christians!

Baseball Gloves and Baseballs

We have just received word that the camp is in need of 10 adult and 10 child size baseball gloves and 20 soft baseballs for the summer. We will be trying to get these to take along with us. If you have any gloves you would like to donate or know of anyone who might donate some, please contact Joel at joel@richfieldmennonite.com.

Pack, Pray and Proceed

We are only nine days from our trip and I think I should be getting a little nervous, but, I feel really good about the team going. We are planning to meet at the church parking lot at 8:15 AM on Friday, June 13 to Pack, Pray and Proceed to the airport. Anyone who is interested in coming out to send us on our way is welcome. It would be great if there would be a bunch of people there to see us off. Look for posts coming more frequently now.

Flying Tips from the Cyber Celt

Here are some suggestions about our fight to Hungary from a blogging friend of mine who commented on my personal blog. I just wanted to post if as "food for thought". Anyone else have anything to consider?

Cut salt from your diet for a day or so before you fly. Drink lots of water, no coffee or soda. When flying, wear nonrestrictive clothing and shoes you may easily take on and off. Walk about the cabin when you can, find ways to put your feet up.

Short Hungary Trip Update

We are coming down to the wire for our June 13 flight to Hungary! Last night we had a meal to introduce the team. A total of $1109 came in for the trip. With that money and what has been pledged, we still need to raise about $1500 until next Friday, May 30. I am confident that God will see us through. I am not stressed out about the finances, but a little about all the logistics. Again, God will see us through it.

Hopefully, you will begin to see more and more posts here until we go and during our trip. Please come back often and be in prayer for our team and those we will minister too.

People behind us all the way.

Considering all the support people are putting behind us, I truly hope we can be deserving of this opportunity to serve the Lord. I wish for all who check in to this site that you pray our eyes will be open to what the Lord has for us to do and we are willing to do it with out stipulations. Praying each one of us going and supporting will grow in the love of Christ together.

I'm So Excited

It's finally starting to kick in, that I'm going to Hungary! I'm so very excited. Thank you to everyone who is helping us finaancially, and praying for us. much appreciated.

Eat More Chicken in Hungarian?

Justin was sending me some pics for his support letter and also sent me this video. It is short but it is a reminder to me to pray for the kids we are going to be working with.

Patience

We talked about this at our first meeting, but I thought it would be good for everyone to be reminded about it. It comes from the Purpose Driven Daily Devotional I get every day via email.

Making Allowance For Each Other’s Faults - by Jon Walker

“Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2b NLT)

The more we understand, the more patient we become. When we see the hurt beneath the anger, or the reason behind the behavior, we’re more likely to “make allowance for each other’s faults.”

The ability to understand is a sign of patience. (Proverbs 14:29) The Bible teaches, “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11 NIV) God’s wisdom teaches us that love is patient (1 Corinthians 13:4), and that impatience is not love.When facing a challenge to our patience, it helps to remember God is not asking us to give more patience to others than the patience he gives to us. The apostle Paul uses his own life as an example of this, saying God showed him mercy, despite his many sins, so that “Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience.” (1Timothy1:16 NIV)

We need patience with one another because God created each of us with different shapes, assigning each of us a different mission in life. We all have different backgrounds, and we’re each at a different place in our journey with Jesus. Practicing patience keeps our view on the things above, allowing us to see how God works even in the most difficult of circumstances. It is in patience we often learn that diversity is a strength, instead of a weakness.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with – even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.” (Romans 14:1 MSG)

What does this mean?

· Work at being consistently patient – Anybody can be patient when it’s convenient, but it’s much harder to remain patient when the day is slipping away or when you’re faced with the same mistake for the third time in one week. Patience often comes at significant cost; it requires you set aside your agenda and yield your rights in order to “welcome each other with open arms.”

· Learn to listen – Listening means more than just hearing someone talk; it means carefully considering what the other person is saying and actively trying to understand his or her point of view. The Bible says, “Listen before you answer. If you don’t, you are being stupid and insulting.” (Proverbs 18:13 TEV) That’s pretty clear! It means we shouldn’t evaluate what someone has done or said until we’ve heard the full story. God gave us two ears and one mouth, perhaps to tell us we should listen twice as much as we talk. Ha!

· Ask yourself these questions:

§ What makes me impatient?

§ What does my impatience say about my priorities?

§ How can I better understand the people who bring out my impatience?

§ Have I taken time to listen to their full stories?

§ In what ways do people have to be patient with me?

§ Do I give the same amount of grace to others as I expect them to give me?

§ “Love is patient.” (1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV) – that means love puts up with a lot for a long time.
The next time your patience reaches its limit, remember how patient and understanding Jesus is with you.

© 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved. Pastor Jon Walker is a writer for www.GraceCreates.com.

Getting excited and ready

I have been getting all sorts of positive feedback from everyone I have talked to. People around here are getting excited just by helping others to go. It is so nice to see the spirits and willingness of friends arise to help in these events. I do know that they are being blessed as much, if not more, than those of us who actually get to go. I have to wonder if we are ministering to others or if we are the ones being ministered to.

The (Official) Beginning

The group from Richfield met on Sunday afternoon to begin talking about more fund raising, prayer, and a few details about the trip. It was good to finally get started. I really think this is going to be a GREAT group to work with.



We have raised about $4800 of the $28,535 so far. That includes almost 2500 from our dinner theater "Uncle Phil's Diner" which seemed to be a huge success. We have asked each team member to send out support letters, just like full time missionaries would have to do. Also, we will be doing some dinners and hopefully distributing grocery cards to help raise some funds. A lady in our church who is anxious to help is going to be making peanut butter eggs to sell and will give the profits to our trip which will be really appreciated.



We need about $9,500 until about the middle of March to pay the second round of payments. God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. We are praying that he will help us meet our need. Would you pray with us to that end.

The Richfield Roster

The group from Richfield will consist of Seth Beech, Aaron Benner, Nathan Brubaker, Lauren Elsasser, Justin Fogle, Bria Leister, Monica Rozelle, Andy Spade, Joel Snyder, Casey Soder, Bob Stauffer, Kevin "Oscar" Strawser, and Lauren Zearfaus. Bruce Heffner and his wife are heading up the trip along with Joel. Bruce has a number of people going along as well. Look for posts from each of the above over the next few months.

Hungary: Here We Come!

This is a new blog about the trip to Elet Szava in Toalmas, Hungary in June of 2008. We will be updating this as much as possible to let you know about our progress and also post while we are in Hungary. Come back often and become our partners in the mission endeavor.

Tending the Temple

These pictures are for Matthew McNutt. I am posting them here since, for some reason, my email isn't sending them.