Created in His Image: A Week of Hope at VBS

There are weeks that leave you tired, and there are weeks that leave your heart overflowing. This year's Vacation Bible School was both.

We had the joy of welcoming a wonderful team from Jackson Free Methodist Church (JFM) to Hungary as we served together in two locations: first in Budapest and then in Győr. Throughout the week, we spent time with children and families, sharing the love of Jesus through Bible lessons, games, crafts, music, and countless conversations.

Our theme this year was that we are created in God's image. In a world where many children are told they are not enough—or where their circumstances make them question their worth—we wanted them to hear God's truth: they are deeply loved, uniquely created, and valuable because they bear His image.

Each day was filled with laughter, creativity, energetic games, and meaningful moments. We watched children grow in confidence, ask thoughtful questions, and engage with the Bible. We saw friendships form across languages and cultures as our American and Hungarian teams served side by side.

One of the greatest blessings was serving not only children but also the mothers and caregivers. While the children participated in VBS activities, there were opportunities to build relationships with the adults as well, reminding them that they, too, are seen and loved by God.

Some of the deepest moments came quietly.

At the end of the week, the children shared their prayer requests. Several of the children from the state care home asked us to pray that they could one day return to their biological families. For some, that may become a reality. For others, it may never happen.

Those prayers reminded us that ministry is about far more than crafts and games. Behind every smile is a story. Behind every child is a longing to belong, to be loved, and to have hope.

Throughout the week, we talked about prayer and trusting God. We were reminded together that God doesn't always answer our prayers in the way we expect, but He is always faithful. Even when we cannot see His plan, He is working to bring beauty from brokenness and hope where it seems impossible.

As we said our goodbyes, there were hugs, tears, and promises to pray for one another. It is never easy to leave people you have come to love in such a short time, but we are thankful that God continues His work long after camp ends.

We are incredibly grateful for the JFM team, who traveled across the ocean to serve with such humility, joy, and love. They gave themselves wholeheartedly to the children, encouraged our churches, strengthened our ministry, and became part of our family. Their willingness to step out in faith has left a lasting impact on everyone they met.

We are also thankful for every person who prayed, gave, encouraged, and supported this ministry. You were part of every conversation, every game, every Bible lesson, every prayer, and every smile.

Camp may be over, but the ministry continues.

Please continue to pray for the children and families we met, especially those living in state care. Pray that the seeds of God's Word would continue to grow, that the relationships built this week would deepen, and that each child would know they are created in God's image and deeply loved by their Heavenly Father.

Thank you for partnering with us in sharing the hope of Christ in Hungary.