The Investment of a Life Time...

  Imagine investing just one year of your life in order to know God’s Word better. One year that will establish a strong biblical foundation, upon which you can build the rest of your life. This is the message we are trying to share with young people around the world; one year at the Bible Institute in Hungary is an investment that will reap incredible rewards!

  It is so exciting to think about the ministry opportunities God will give the 33 members of our student body this year. We are continuously motivated to get the word out about our Bible Institute and the opportunity it presents to anyone who desires training in the Word of God. This year alone, our BI Promo Team has traveled to over 15 youth group, conferences, and Bible clubs to share about the Bible Institute, and to encourage they young people to come. We are asking you, as friends and supporters, to think about how you can help us share this same opportunity with some potential Bible Institute students you may know! 

                                         

  Many of our Bible Institute students cannot pay their entire school bill because they come from poor, under-developed countries. Yet, it is our desire at Word of Life Hungary for every young person to be able to come to the Bible Institute, regardless of his or her financial situation. However, we cannot reach this goal alone; it takes money from faithful partners like you! In order to supplement our low tuition rates for Hungarians and Eastern Europeans, we must rely on special gifts to the Bible Institute Scholarship Fund. Unfortunately, giving towards the Scholarship Fund has dropped considerably over the past several years. We are in desperate need of faithful supporters, such as youselves, who are excited about training nationals for the ministry, and will give towards this very worthy cause. No amount is too small. Would you consider giving just $5 a month? It is truly and investment in eternity! If you would like to make a donation towards the WOLH Bible Institute Scholarship Fund, or for more information, please contact me at awise@eletszava.org. We, the Word of Life Hungary Bible Institute team, would also covet your prayers as we are trying to increase the scholarship funds. 

Please take a moment to read a highlight about one of our scholarship recipients:

  Name: Ivan Nimcevic

  Age: 31

  Nationality: Serbian

  Ivan is currently a first-year student at the Bible Institute. He came to Word of Life Hungary after a former BI graduate from Serbia encouraged him to get more Bible training. An engineer by trade, Ivan has spent the past few years preaching in his home church and seeking God’s will for his life. His desire is to enter the ministry full time as a pastor or missionary. As a BI student, Ivan continues to travel to Serbia on the weekends, in order to preach in his home church. He is very excited about all he is learning at the Bible Institute, and he plans to return for second year.  Ivan is very grateful for the faithful supporter who gave to the Scholarship Fund so that he could come to the Bible Institute.

  

playing Mommy and Daddy for a weekend

This weekend I had the honor of playing Mommy and Daddy for two beautiful little girls. Meet Novie [right] and Eden [left]:

These two little girls have lots and lots of energy, love, and laughs to give away to whoever will give them the attention. I have known their parents, Andy and Tabitha Mater, since I went to WOL down in Florida. I use to babysit these little girls and enjoyed every moment of it. This past Friday afternoon Andy and Tabitha left to go minister at WOL Czech's winter camp for the weekend. I was very excited to spend time with the girls, but it was something else to know their parents trusted me enough to leave their precious little girls with me for a whole weekend

Here is just a little, not even close to complete, list of things we did. On Friday Novie was at Ovada- school. So Eden and I ate lunch, read books, and took a nap. When she woke up we played legos until Novie got dropped off. Then we played some more, had snacks, and they girls watched a show while I fixed dinner. After dinner they had a bath, and we read more and more books.  Played a game of match and the girls were off to bed. I had a friend, Nicole come to stay with me. [Yes, I was afraid to spend the night alone. haha.] So we watched a movie and went to bed. I was woke up by little foot steps on the floor around 6:30 am on Saturday and a sleep voice blocked by a pacifier asking for some chocolate milk. So, after I make 2 sippy cups full of chocolate milk and turn on a show the list of demands begins. Not bad demands, but different demands about games, and crafts, and puzzles, and books and much more. When Nicole woke up I was ready for a break and very thankful for her presents. She helped entertained the girls with her computer. So lets just say we both have tons of pictures on our web cams of silly girls… here are a few:

Soon Nicole had to leave and I became a one man show again. Luckily, it was almost time for lunch and naps. During nap time I took a short 30 minute cat nap and then began cleaning the house and myself [I hadn't showered since friday morning. Yuck I know] I was able to spend a few moments in the Word before Eden came crawling out of her bed wanting to cuddle. I must say this was my favorite part of being Mommy and Daddy. I got all the hugs and kisses. The afternoon was filled with a Skype call from my Mom. The girls loved watching my dogs at home jump from couch to couch. And then we played outside. The girls were shoveling when their mommy and daddy called. Once we headed inside I asked girls to clean up their toys, so I could vacuum. Then the first and only accident of the weekend happened.  Novie fell on a basket and got boo boo. She was such a big girl. We cleaned it and put medicine on it with only a few tears. The night routine was fast approaching, so I began to prepare for dinner while another friend, Karolina, stopped by. We played with the girls and once again took more pictures. Here are a few more.

The next day was Sunday. I was very excited for church, but I didn't realize just how tired I was until I had to sit still. The girls were in their sunday school classes, so I didn't have something to do or someone to watch every moment. I could finally relax. Yeah, relaxing = not a good idea. I fought off sleep the whole entire message. After church we went home just in time to play a little, eat lunch and climb into bed for nap time. The girls, went down fairly easily, as well as myself and Nicole. The girls didn't wake up until right around 4. WOW what a nap! It was such a blessing. Then we bundled up and headed to the Bakery to pick up dinner. It was good to get some fresh air. Once we got home we watched Monsters Inc. The girls thought this movie was hilarious. After dinner it was bath time and then we played Mario on the wii. Then guess who showed up… Mommy and Daddy. They got home earlier than expected, but it was great. The girls really missed their parents. 

All this to say… I am so thankful where the Lord has me right now. Everyone reading this should know I love children. Any where there is a child I am normally close by. But God has me at such a sweet place in my life right now. Sometimes I think because I am single I am missing out on life. This is partially because all my friends are either already married, or engaged, and many already have children, but I am learning to embrace where God has me.  I am able to do so many different things that married ladies and mothers cannot.  Over this weekend I learned how to value my alone time with the Lord because I didn't have much of it this weekend. I also learned how I be a blessing to mothers.  I use to babysit for my own enjoyment. Not that it is wrong, but now I see the flip side. 

Lastly here is a video the girls made for their mommy and daddy:

suddenly pale in comparison to...

While home on Christmas break I picked up Beth Moore study on David "Seeking a Heart like His". My friend, Summer, from my home church and I have been doing going through it together. I have really loved it so far and would recommend it. You watch 1 video session and then do five days of "homework". Of course Summer and I Skype once a week to discuss what we have learned. 

Today I was reading a section of  2 Samuel 7. I want to focus in on verse 11. "…Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house." Now this portion of scripture is talking about God's covenant with David. David had recently had the Ark of God placed in a tent. And then it dawns on David that while He is sitting there in his house made of cedar, the Ark of God was in tent. So, David tells his plan to Nathan, but in the night God comes to Nathan and tells him what to say to David. In Nathan's speech He says that the Lord will make David a house. Beth Moore has her own paraphrase and explanation which goes like this. "David, you won't build a house for me, I am going to build a house for you." She then explains that, "We, as in you and I, want to do so many things for God, then they suddenly pale in comparison to the realization of all He wants to do and has already done for us." Think on that for just a moment. It is kind of overwhelming. 

I have been overwhelmed by the promises of God. If only I would truly claim them. I say all the time I trust God, but those words are easy to say, but to actually allow His promises change my life. My prayer is that God would challenge my faith. 

weekend events

This weekend was filled with fun events. On friday we had a student/staff fellowship. It was sort of like American Idol. Hungary has a show called Mega Star, and since it was near Valentine's Day we changed the name to Mega Love. We started the night off with the dating game! And then we moved to a talent show which focused around love, of course. We had students and staff alike performing. Many sang love songs, we had two different skits, a biblical reading [no it wasn't the typical love chapter. Let's just say involved Song of Solomon chapter 4, and an instrumental. I had the honor of being a judge. I think I took on a Randy Jackson and Kara Dioguardi mix. :] It was a great time of fun and fellowship.

Farsang: I'm not quite sure how to write about it. So, here is a small, very small collection of  information I have read… It's Hungary's version of a Carnival/Mardi Gras. Every February the month is full of parties, balls, costumes, performances, and donuts. [We actually had donuts for lunch. Yep, you read correctly! As our main course, I might add.] Anyway we had an intern fellowship in honor of this celebration. At our party we played "minute to win it" games. And of course we dressed up. My dorm dressed up as the Mater family in which I got to be the dad [Andy Mater] who is in love with bat man. So, since I couldn't change much to make myself look like Andy I dressed up as bat man.

I am so sorry that I cant post any picture's of these events. I have tried multiple times and blogger just wont work properly. If your on Facebook, you can see them there.

I was going to do 2 in 1 post, but I need to think before I write my next one. God is teaching me a lot and I want to share, but I must get my thoughts together.

simple prayer

Dear Jesus,

Many people love the snow. I do for a time, but it has been long enough! I am so tried of waking up and before I go outside I have to put on a jacket, gloves, hat, scarf, and boots. [[Okay. Okay… I am over exaggerating a little here because I do not put on the gloves, hat, scarf or boots.]] But walking outside and seeing a fresh white covered ground for the past two mornings has been slightly painful, especially after enjoying the spring like days! I would like to thank you for those refreshing spring days they gave me such joy. I was able to walk around outside with only a light jacket, and enjoy the sunshine. I would ask that you would continue to give us those. I can't wait to see the beautiful spring time creations. The flowers in full bloom, bring green grass, blue skies, longer days and so much more. Thank in advance for your faithfulness. As I was reminded this morning in my Quiet Time, you don't answer prayers because of my good works, but because you are a faithful God. I love you.

In your precious and holy name, Amen!
Ashley Wise



Dear readers,

I know my prayer may seem a little childish or insignificant, but the Bible says in Phil. 4:6-7 "… but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God…" I would ask you to echo my prayer above. It would mean so much to me and many others here at Word of Life Hungary. Thank you in advance for your prayers. And I look forward to updating you on how God has answered our prayers.

With much love,
Ashley Wise

You Are More

I know. I know. It has been awhile since I have written. I want to say I’m sorry, but only because I want to be polite. Deep down I’m not sorry. Please don’t view me as some rude, inconsiderate person. I just have had a lot on my mind. Many times over these past few weeks I have sat staring at a blank blog post and have tried to write what is on my heart, but I can’t. I have typed pages and pages just to find myself moments later holding down the delete button. My heart is heavy in a good kind of way. Changing is a hurtful process, but with a glorious result.  God is working in my life and is teaching me so much through this process. Please be in prayer for me this is such a precious time in my life. I wanted to leave you with a song that has been such a reminder of who I am. It’s called: YOUR ARE MORE by Tenth Avenue North.

There's a girl in the corner

With tear stains on her eyes

From the places she's wandered

And the shame she can't hide 

She says, "How did I get here?

I'm not who I once was.

And I'm crippled by the fear

That I've fallen too far to love"

But don't you know who you are,

What's been done for you?

Yeah don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices that you've made,

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,

You are more than the problems you create,

You've been remade.

Well she tries to believe it

That she's been given new life

But she can't shake the feeling

That it's not true tonight

She knows all the answers

And she's rehearsed all the lines

And so she'll try to do better

But then she's too weak to try

But don't you know who you are? 

You are more than the choices that you've made,

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,

You are more than the problems you create,

You've been remade.

You are more than the choices that you've made,

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,

You are more than the problems you create,

You've been remade.

'Cause this is not about what you've done,

But what's been done for you.

This is not about where you've been,

But where your brokenness brings you to

This is not about what you feel,

But what He felt to forgive you,

And what He felt to make you loved.

You are more than the choices that you've made,

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,

You are more than the problems you create,

You've been remade.

You are more than the choices that you've made,

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,

You are more than the problems you create,

You've been remade.

Journey of Obedience

The first decision you have to make when you are creating a blog is what title are you going to use. I had to think long and hard about the name because I wanted it to be something that applied to my life, but not something that only focuses around the experience in which I began writing about. Which in my case was my latest adventure of moving to Hungary. I wanted my title to be flexible because even if my position, plans, or adventure changed I would still like to continue blogging.

Well, as all of you should know by now, the title of my blog is Journey of Obedience. Around the same time I started this blog the Lord was making something very clear in my life. I was learning that the choices we make in life are considered either of two things: An act of obedience or disobedience to the Lord. This very thought revolutionized my thinking. When I choose to sin I am disobeying the Lord. When I choose to sing a song that is uplifting and glorifying the Lord I am choosing to obey Him. And when I choose to follow through with an opportunity in life, I must decided if God is leading me in this direction which would mean and act of obedience, or if not, then an act of disobedience.

So that is why I decided to title my blog Journey of Obedience. When I was asked about coming to Word of Life Hungary, the Lord had already put a passion in my heart for missions, I saw the need, and felt as though the experience of living a year of my life in Hungary as a missionary would be an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I knew I would be in an amazing environment where the Word of God would be the center of their focus and I would have many opportunities to grow and change, as well as challenge others in the walks with Christ. How could I say no? I must say God had greater plans for me once I arrived here in Hungary. I have learned so much about myself, about God’s Word, faith and prayer. I can honestly say I have a deeper passion for the Word of God and ministry.

Well, this Journey of Obedience also known as my life isn’t finished yet. I am so excited about what God has planned for me. I am choosing to live by faith. This is a daily and sometimes even a moment-by-moment struggle for me. Nonetheless, God is good.

In advance I want to thank you for your prayers. I have been praying hardcore for the past few months about my future plan’s and what God would have me do. As most of you know I was given the opportunity to continue my ministry here at Word of Life Hungary. I didn’t know if I should move myself from such an amazing place. Not physically, but spiritually. You know? If I were to go home there is the possibility I would get stuck in the routine of everyday life. I could loose my passions for missions, for ministry because I would be too focused on money, and it would be a lot harder spiritually for me if I went home. There would be a big chance I would backslide because of the lack of accountability and become apathetic in my Christian walk. I began to worry and I got all stressed out. What would happen to the Bible School in HU, if I left? What would happen to my family if I didn’t come home? I saw so many needs around me and out of my own selfishness and pride I wanted to fill them, ALL of them. [I know I have already mentioned this in an earlier post about my return flight to HU.]

Finally, after much advice, praying, and seeking God, my heart stands true. The feeling I have had all along never went away and I knew I needed to trust God with this and step out in faith and obedience. I need to go home. Not for my parents, not for my loans, not for my church, or my family, but for ME because this is where God is leading me. I am scared out of my mind, but I have the greatest peace about it. It’s really weird actually. I have made some goals for myself to insure “life” wont over take me.  My goals are to get a job, maybe even 2. I want to work to pay off school loans. I want to help with the teens in my church, start a small bible study, and organize a discipleship program as well as a mission’s trip for my church. I am not by any means saying home is a permanent thing for me, although it is an option. Home is a mission field within itself, but I can’t deny the fact that I love to travel. But before can go overseas again, I will have my school loans paid off.

So that is my next step and honestly, I am so excited.

I tell you all of this mostly so you can pray for me. I would like to ask each one of you who read this to pray something very specific. Please pray that I will be all HERE. By that I mean pray that my focus will not be on my future. Not worrying about future jobs, ministries, and plans, but that it would be in the HERE and NOW.  Where God has me NOW, Word of Life Hungary. I know it is important for me to plan, but I also know that if I allow my focus to be on the future I will completely miss what God is teaching me NOW and ministry He has placed before me NOW.

Thank you so much for lifting me up before the Lord.