Missions Blog

DAY TWO MISSION TRIP! Today was focused on meeting the rest of the missionaries that are a part of CREW and getting the training needed for the rest of the week. 

Before we started, Laci, the leader of Campus Crusade in Hungary, shared a devotional with us to kick off the morning meeting. In it, he unpacked the gospel, depicting it as a multi-layered cake called Orség Zöld Aranya, which is meant to have all three layers eaten together in one bite. He explained how the gospel is so much more than we often act like it is, and that we can't just leave it at the 'gate' we need to live it. Laci explained how the first layer of the cake is the great commission which is a very active commandment, but that we often get hung up on the do's and get worn out trying to carry them out. The second layer is the great commandment, which he paired with 1 Corinthians 13 to help us understand that we must share the gospel from a heart overflowing with love for others, but that if we are seeking to act in love constantly, we will easily burn out or become self-righteous. The final layer was a full understanding of the unconditional and fulfilling love of God for us. With this understanding we are no longer self-righteous, we no longer tire of doing good because we are filled constantly with gratitude that motivates us to love others and share the truth of the gospel with them. 

For the next couple of days, we will have groups of three (two Americans and one Hungarian) go into the local schools. There, we will teach the children an English lesson, break up into small groups to get to know them, and help them improve their English. (maybe they can, in turn, teach us some Hungarian…) After that, we will invite them to the “big event” of the week, happening Friday night called “Speak Out.” Please pray for us as we are going into the schools, that the children will be responsive, and that they will show up on Friday where the gospel will be shared. 

The Hungarian word of the day (that I just decided is a thing) is “Ciao” which means “hello” and also “goodbye.”

Hello everyone!! We are officially in Hungary! Our departure started at 355pm Saturday, March 5th and after three airplanes and a couple of delicious European desserts, we arrived in Hungary on March 6th at 12pm. Our excitement is equally matched with our exhaustion from being awake going on 36 hours. To fight jet lag, we decided to wait to sleep until eight (Jonathan’s orders) so we spent our time exploring the beautiful city of Budapest and getting to know the missionaries we will be partnering with this week- Gabor, Gabi, and Gabi’s wife Mara. Please continue to pray for God’s guidance and continued protection as we share the great news of the gospel and get to know more of the incredible country of Hungary.

My name is Dakoda Horner and I attend The Bible Chapel in Rostraver. We were on the Mission trip for 5 days, which started on July 19 and ran through July 23.

On the first day, we helped pack food in boxes for people that were in need of food. On the second day, we worked with Light of Life for people that need help. On the third day, my group went to the City Mission warehouse to help organize/clean the warehouse. What impacted me the most was when we went to the City Mission campus, and we helped wash cars, serve food, and painted joy rocks for all around the campus. Lastly, we went to Tanager Outlets and told some people about Jesus Christ. God has taught me on the trip to wait and have faith in him and to be more grateful for what I have.

Mission trips can always show us that what truly matters is knowing Jesus and living for him. I hope those reading this blog would be encouraged and challenged to make an impact for him.

• Dakoda Horner, Rostraver Student

As a Christian, we try to develop a love for people just as Jesus did. During this year’s missions trip, I, along with many other of the Chapel Students, was able to experience being the hands and feet of Jesus as we met with and worked with many incredible individuals and organizations.

One of the projects that my crew was able to experience, was working with the City Mission, where we were able to help organize their storage, serve food to their residents, and hear incredible testimonies. Along with this incredible work that God has allowed us to do, we also were able to grow closer to God through morning devotionals and spiritual development, in which our awesome leaders led us through worship and a sermon.

To me personally, the most powerful experience took place on Wednesday night during a time of worship. During this time the worship team gathered in the center of all of us while we circled around them. That night Jonathan preached about the importance of worship in between songs. The Holy Spirit was certainly present, and the feeling was powerful. Many of us (including myself) had never experienced such a night of worship and fellowship. That moment truly reflected the heart of worship that God wants us to experience not just during a service, but in everyday life.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to experience this mission trip and would suggest to anyone, youth or adult that wishes to grow their faith, to join this adventure which the leaders so thoughtfully put together.

• Brayden Freund, Robinson Campus

As we finish up Wednesday on the student mission trip, I am sitting in my room contemplating all that I have witnessed today. As one of the leaders, I have the joy and honor to lead a group of students throughout the week as we minister to those in our surrounding communities. So far, my group has passed out pull-away flyers for Choices Pregnancy Center to 40 businesses in Coraopolis, Moon, and Sewickley, as well as paint, clean, and rebuild a lovely woman’s home in Oakdale.

By being on this student mission trip I have seen firsthand what God can do through a willing heart, regardless of age, experience, or skill. I have seen students praying for each other, stepping out in faith, and being bold for the Gospel and Kingdom of God. We finished our time on Wednesday with a time of worship, which included a beautifully crafted message by Pastor Jonathan Lingenhoel, which expressed to students the purpose and value of the rhythm of worship in their lives. I watched as these students engaged their heart, mind, body, and soul to worship and praise their Father. I have seen these students living abandoned for the Gospel this week, and I invite you to as well.

Whether in your work, home, or recreational activities, God is inviting you to make the most of your life by living for him and using your gifts, talents, and opportunities to be a witness of the Gospel. So may you see the example of the students on this trip as an encouragement and challenge to your soul to partner with God in this Kingdom work he has set before you. Grace and Peace.

• David Brennan, Director of Chapel Students and Sports, Rostraver