Forever His

Friends and Family,

This past weekend Samantha, Megan and I invited a group of high school girls to come and spend the night at our flat for a girls night/Bible study retreat. Our theme: Identity in Christ.

Beginning Friday night we had six girls (SIX!) come to spend the night. I began the night by leading a bible study showing who we are and how we're defined if we have a personal relationship with Jesus. To see for yourself I encourage you to look up these verses: You are God's masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10), you are significant (1 Peter 2:9), you are created for a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11), you are loved (Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 5:6-7), you are forgiven/free (Romans 8:1-2; Colossians 1:13-14), you are accepted (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), you are secured (Romans 8:35-39, Philippians 3:20), you are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and you are a child of God (1 John 3:1). Each student was given one of those bible verses to read out loud and afterwards we discussed which each one meant. Along with looking up these bible verses I showed them a wonderful video that talked about four identity myths we as a society like to believe in.

The 4 Identity Myths

Megan led a wonderful craft activity, that helped illustrate how God defines us. We were all gathered around a table, chatting, when all of a sudden Megan grabbed a beautiful piece of scrapbook paper and tore it in half.  Well of course, this grabbed our attention. She continued to explain that because of our sin we are like this ripped piece of paper. We are broken, messed up. But through a relationship with Christ he puts us back together and makes us into a masterpiece. So we all began ripping pieces of scrapbooking paper and gluing them onto a new piece of paper, creating a collage of colors. Once our collage was done we added "I Am" at the top, along with words such as "redeemed," "chosen," "loved," "accepted," and many, many others. What was once messed up and broken became a masterpiece, a work of art.

The rest of the night was filled with laughter, games and of course Disney movies! It brought joy to my heart when us oldies went to bed but heard whispering, laughing and then yelling "shhhhh!" until the wee morning hours. It reminded me so much of my early mission trips that were so influential in my walk with Christ. It reminded me of Life Together. It was an environment where these girls could just be themselves, an environment where they felt comfortable. In the morning we all got up for an American pancake breakfast! The six girls thought it was so much fun to flip the pancakes and make big stacks of them on a plate. On the table we had a layout of many toppings to choose from and showed the girls how to stack, layer and then eat the pancakes because one of the girls tried to roll them like palacsinta (their version of a pancake) which proved to be very unsuccessful.

Afterwards Samantha gathered the girls around in the living room for the final bible study. She taught on Ephesians 2:1-10 (Stance before God) and did an amazingly wonderful job! A couple of students read the passage for us and we began to discuss it. Either we are in the Kingdom of Darkness, or the Kingdom of Light. Placed on a door, Samantha drew two castles, colored accordingly to the kingdoms. Each student was given a notecard with a description on it. "Dead in sin," "following Satan," "alive in Christ," "obedient", etc. One by one the girls taped their cards underneath the kingdom it belonged to. Samantha then went on to explain how we are all born in the Kingdom of Darkness. No one has to teach a child to disobey, lie, or be selfish. We are all born that way. So how do we get into the Kingdom of Light? Is there hope? Samantha placed a cross between the two kingdoms. Only through Christ can one go from the Kingdom of Darkness to Light. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that its by Gods grace, not by our works. We cannot get to Heaven through our own merit. Christ died for us, this is how we are able to be in the Kingdom of Light and have communion with God, through Gods gift.

Throughout our time with the girls we emphasized that without a personal relationship with God, our identity is not "redeemed," "chosen," or "new creation." Without him we're still in the Kingdom of Darkness. Thus the message puts us in a position to make a decision. We will believe in Gods word or choose to ignore it? Where does your identity lie? Are you going to let the world define who you are or are you going to let God?

Many of the girls seemed to have been soaking in every word and really thinking about what was being said this past weekend. Please pray that they would continue to think about all that God has done for them and the great love he has for them.

Love and miss you!
Kaitlyn

Város Napja (Town Day)

Petra, Vírag, Megan, Me and Samantha hanging out during Város Napja

Fire Works Show! We had the perfect view from our balcony! 

The girls and I learning how to cook traditional Hungarian food for a Goulash party

A beautiful little village we came across while taking a Sunday drive

The Adventure Continues

Dear Friends and Family,

I know its been awhile since my last blog post and I'm sorry I haven't updated you all in how things have been going here lately. Life has gotten busy and its been hard to find a time in the week to actually sit down and write something. (Factor in that I'm a terrible writer and it takes forever for words to actually form on a page.) So...... now that I have a few free hours today I can inform you on a few highlights of how the last couple of weeks have been: 

First off, with a joyful heart, I would like to share that a student of our's, Petra, has prayed to receive Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior!! How amazing and awesome is that!? It has been incredible to see the enthusiasm and excitement she has living her new life in Christ. Not only has she begun learning and growing in her relationship, she's begun sharing it with others as well! She understands the urgency believers should have in sharing the message of Christ. (Matthew 24:42) It's been such a blessing and encouragement to witness and I would encourage you to check out her blog: http://szbpetra.wordpress.com. She would love it if you read about her stories and experiences she encounters as she learns about God and the amazing life He has planned for her!

Petra and I at the gym

As you know, the girls and I had the opportunity to go on a trip with a group of 45 high school students to Paris, France. Most of the week the three of us were trying to find ways to interact with the students which proved to be difficult. Many would observe us, trying to figure out why we were there but overall they didn't seem interested in getting to know us. Yet we kept praying that God would provide an opportunity to become acquainted with some of the students. Finally on our way home, a 17 hour long bus ride, some of the students came up and started talking with us. We were thrilled! All week we tried to make conversation and finally on the way home they wanted to talk! Through this interaction we had the opportunity to share why we're living in Nagykanizsa and made acquaintances with many of the students. Although we didn't necessarily make friends, we've become quite familiar around the school, among the students and teachers. Pray that this door will remain open!

Friday Nights have been going really well! Petra has been bringing a friend, Szandii, to bible study. Pray that while she's coming her heart will be open to the truth. Along with Petra and Szandii, Annette, Emma, Nóra, Virág, Barni, and Máté have been coming regularly. Tutoring is going great, as well. I haven't gained any more students but Szandii will start lessons with me this summer. Along with tutoring and Friday night bible studies, me and Samantha have been going to the gym with a few girls from the school. Not only is this good for my health but it's a great ministry to share the love of Christ. Lastly, we've started a baby English night (teaching young kids English) which is right up my alley! This past Tuesday was our first night and we had two families show up! We taught them the creation story and played with bubbles; it doesn't get much better than that :)

Baby English Night 

Friday Night Bible Study 

Bible Passage we read this past Friday night: 

"Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!-- assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to you former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." 

Ephesians 4:17-32 

Grace and Peace be to you, 

Kaitlyn

A recent trip to Zagreb, Croatia. We met with another missionary family there. 

Paul, Samantha, Megan, Me, Missionary Couple

I'd have to say Croatian ice cream is the best! 

Life in Christ

Friends and Family,

Have you've ever been to a place that has just taken your breath away? A place where all you can do is stand amazed in God's presence? Well.......I experienced this while my roommates and I took a vacation to Ireland. While we were at Giants Causeway (last two bottom pictures) we sat down upon the rocks, watched the waves crash, felt the wind through our hair, and just stared speechless. After a while I started talking saying, "If this is a broken, sinful world, groaning for transformation, what is it going to be like when redemption does come?" What an amazing, incredible, unimaginable future do we get to look forward to!!! (Read Romans 8:18-30) By me finding life in Christ I know one day I'll be made in the likeness of His image! That's true love right there! (Read Romans 8:31-39) Ireland was just amazing! Filled with laughs, great friends, and unforgettable memories. Easter morning we attended Lifegate Baptist Church and was just awesome to see how God can bring believers from different countries together and unite as a family!
Places we visited:
-Dublin                                  -Carrick-a-rede
-Hill of Tara                          -Giants Causeway
-Loughcrew                           -Belfast
-Trim Castle                          -Boyne Valley
On another note, I'm excited to tell you all that I will be living in Hungary a couple of months longer than originally planned. (to my mother's dismay) I will be staying in Hungary till December! After much prayer and talks with my supervisors and family, I made the decision to extend my stay. I can't wait to be a part of the work God is going to do in these upcoming months but I ask that you will continue to pray for my family and I while I'm away.
I love you guys and miss you all!

Blessings,
Kaitlyn

Exciting Times

My Family and Friends! 

What an exciting week this has been! God is so awesome! On Saturday we hosted our first big party. The party started at 4:00 and the three of us girls had no idea how long the party would last or how many would attend. Turns out the last student didn't leave until 10:00 and we had 12 students come! It was a great night of laughter, fun games, eating pizza and just sharing the love of Christ! As each student left we handed him or her a New Testament with a couple of bible verse bookmarks as a gift from us to them. They gladly received them and told us they would love to come back! 

Top Row: Máté, Melinda, Vírag, Petra, Georgina, Annette, Boglárka (Bogi), Barni 

Bottom Row: Barni, Megan, Me, Samantha, Sára, Nóra, Emma (Betsy's on the phone) 

I ask that you pray for each and every person in this picture. Out of the twelve students eight of them do not have a personal relationship with Jesus.........yet. Barni, the boy in the back row, almost didn't come because he knew we were Christians. Sára, however, convinced him to come and he ended up being the last student to leave. The next morning I sent messages to every student that came to thank them, Samantha did the same thing. Barni responded and we set up a time to go and have coffee with him. During this time we shared with Barni why we were here and how Jesus has completely changed our lives. We shared the gospel. Although Barni wasn't ready to receive Christ, he did listen to us which in itself is amazing! Another student, Petra, recently told Samantha today that she is ready and wants to have a personal relationship with Jesus! Please pray that this is genuine and will happen! Wow is all I can say! 

Samantha, Vírag, Petra, Laura, Bogi

Georgina, Annette, Melinda

  Barni, Samantha, Megan, Bogi, Me 

Waiting for the pizza! 

Just Dance! Barni, Emma, Megan, Sára, Nóra

Craft time!! 

Prayer Requests: 

-Leave tomorrow for Ireland! 

-My students (Judit, Lili, Zsuzsanna, Zorka, Dorka, Matyi, Sára)

-Meeting new friends

-Being bold in sharing the gospel 

-Our trip to France 

Love you all! 

Kaitlyn

More News Coming Soon! 

Rejoice!

"Rejoice in the LORD always; again I will say rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The LORD is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." 

Philippians 4:4-6 

 Family and Friends! Szia!  

I can't believe another week has come and gone! Seriously, where is the time going? As these weeks go by the Lord is constantly giving me reasons to fall more deeply in love with Hungary, this city, and these people. This past Thursday the girls and I went to a small village, called Murakeresztúr, to teach at the local primary school there. As many of you might assume I was extremely excited! Getting to spend a whole day with children: Yes, please! As it turned out this day was incredible! Although we planned actual English lessons we spent the majority of the time just interacting and socializing with the students. They had so many questions for us. The big one being why did you come here? Why would you come to a small little town in Hungary? We told them it was simple: we came for them. Because of our personal relationship with Jesus we had a desire to get to know and love Hungarians. There's nothing more beautiful than seeing children's faces light up after telling them this. It will forever be imprinted in my mind. We are hoping to be able to return to this primary school very soon. 

My heart is overwhelmed; overwhelmed by everything. Each week we're adding more "coffee dates + bible studies" to our calendar and friendships we've established are deepening! Rejoice!  Going to Murakeresztúr this week has been a reminder to us that Jesus wants His children to come to know Him. At times I wish I could just make people believe but that wouldn't bring maximum glory to our God. When people CHOOSE to follow Him, He receives glory. This Saturday we will be hosting our first Game Party at our home. One of our new friends offered his Xbox to us and we hope this will get some boys interested in coming to our Friday Night Bible Studies. Pray that many new students will attend and that opportunities will open up to share the gospel with them. 

Prayers:

-March 24 us girls will be traveling with two other HandOn students to Ireland! Pray for safe travels. -Trip to France pray that hearts will be softened before leaving. 

-Us girls staying in the Identity of Christ (Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:1-3)

-Saturday Game Party 

Love you guys! 

Kaitlyn 

Please worship with me through this song! 

 

Teaching in Murakeresztúr

Group Pic! (7th grade class) 

Playing Spoons at House Church

Tuesday March 15 was a Hungarian National Holiday commemorating the Hungarian fight for independence in 1848. Here students decorated a memorial with flags and other crafts. 

http://hungarytoday.hu/news/hungarians-celebrate-15th-march-49847

Answered Prayers

Dear Family and Friends,

I know its been awhile since I've written to you all and I hope things are going well back home. As for me things are going amazingly well! These past two weeks have been jammed pack with teaching students, visiting schools, applying for residency, building relationships, and going on many adventures. I would love to spend the next few hours telling you all of everything that has happened but since so much has happened here are a few highlights of this past week and a half:

-Us girls are going on a trip to France with a group of students on April 4th-9th. This was a huge prayer of ours answered! Here we have the amazing opportunity to share the gospel, build relationships and enjoy the beauty of another country!
-Having kávé with a girl named Anna. Megan and I met her while teaching a class at a local school. She wanted to spend more time with us and we were finally able to find a date and time to meet! We had a great time getting to know Anna and hope we'll be able to meet up with her again. She is a non-believer and we pray a seed will be planted through the interactions we hope to have with her.
-Our interaction with local schools. This past week Samantha and I had the opportunity to go and talk with students during several classes. While we were there we got invited to go to two other local schools to meet and interact with students. These are two schools that Paul and Tena have never had any connection with!
-I am now considered "cool" to one of my students I'm tutoring because we're going on the trip to France with her. I guess before then I wasn't cool. Haha!
-Friday Nights. We have now started a bible study called The Seven Stories of Hope. Although there normally is a small group of five girls it has been a great time of fellowship and growth in God's Word!
-This past Sunday two girls we've been inviting to house church finally came!
-Our trip to Budapest this past Saturday. See pictures below :)

Love,
Kaitlyn

Prayers:
-The trip to France
-Anna and her salvation
-My students (Judit, Lili, Zsuzsanna, Zorka, Dorka, Matyi, Sára)
-Going into the schools, meeting new students to minister to
-Friday Nights will continue to be successful
- The other 14 HandsOn students around Europe, that their ministry will flourish

 Nora, Me, Samantha, Virág, Emma and Megan at Friday Night Bible Study 

 Playing Games during House Church 

 

 Samantha, Megan and Anna 

At the top of St. Stephen's Basilica 

Cat Cafe, cats roam free throughout the restaurant 

Matthais Church, Budapest 

We found this place that sells chips on a stick! 

Fisherman's Bastion  

For Sale Pub