"What a treat, guys"

More Than Cake

Growing up, Mission Month was one of my favorite times of the year at church. Each Sunday, a different missionary would come to speak, and at the end of the month, we held an international dinner—a highlight for everyone.

Church members brought homemade international dishes to share, and the night ended with a lively dessert auction where people competed over cakes, pies, and anything chocolate related.

It wasn't about getting your hands on the best dessert on the line. In fact, I've seen quite a few people bid $100 on a dry cake or burnt cookie batch! 

It was about coming together to celebrate missions, the spread of the Gospel, and topping off the month by helping one of the ministries we supported meet a need they had. 

Those desserts raised money for missions, but more than that, they showed me how joyful missions can be. 

On the flip side

This year, Zach and I had the chance to be part of Mission Month in a new way.

During the dessert auction, we served coffee through our young adult coffee shop ministry—a simple job, but such a sweet way to meet new faces and reconnect with familiar ones. 

We were also honored to share during our church’s main services and children’s service.

With the kids, we wrote letters and drew pictures for our teammate Haylee, who serves as the English ministry’s coordinator in Hungary.

Earlier in the month, we also had the opportunity to speak at Pleasant Grove– Zach's church in Nashville, Tennessee.

It was so nice getting to share our ministry goals with the people Zach loves.

Looking out into the congregation and seeing so many friends who care deeply and are invested in our ministry in Hungary was such a blessing.

Speaking in front of churches can feel nerve-racking, but each time we are overwhelmed by the encouragement we receive from the body of Christ. We are reminded that this is about sharing the work Jesus is doing.

Each time we speak, I pray and return to this passage, feeling my nervous trembling steady as the Lord reminds me that none of this is about me anyway.

It's all about Him.

In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul writes,

"When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God."

Afterwards, people come up to share their own mission experiences, promise to pray for us, or simply ask thoughtful questions. 

Each conversation reminds us why we’re preparing to go—to share this same sense of community, care, excitement, and joy with people in Hungary who have yet to know Jesus. 

As we reflect in this thankful and merry season, we’re grateful for every prayer, every conversation, and every person who’s partnering with us on this journey.