On Sunday, February 7th, we were very excited to gather for worship with our local church family here in Gyor, as we appointed Pastor Sylvia as the new "Lead Pastor" for this body of believers. Sylvia has been pouring herself into growing in her new role, and continues to show the grace and gifting of someone God has invited to serve His people as a shepherd in the local church. Her excitement and gratitude for the ways she has experienced Jesus personally, ignites a Holy flame within her to share that same Jesus with others. She has such a Love for the Word of God, and wants to help others come to understand the scripture as well. I remember when I was first given a set of business cards that had my name along with the title "Pastor" on it. It was humbling and exciting all at the same time. I saw that same excitement as we gave Sylvia her own business cards. It

was a moment of affirmation, declaring all the things God has done in her life leading to this point. It was an encouragement, knowing that the Church sees the fruit of her calling - and partners with her in an invitation to shepherd God's people with the heart of Jesus. It has been almost a month now, and she has continually stepped further into the role of pastoring the people here in her new role. The most important qualifier that she brings to her new position - is the calling and empowering of God's Spirit for serving in this way. Yet it is also a particular encouragement here in Hungary for a Roma woman of God to be affirmed and up front - leading God's people in receiving from the Table of the Living Word every week. Already, there are others who are now able to see someone like themselves having the potential to serve God in new ways. We are excited to see how God will continue to use all of these present moments for future harvests and work for the Kingdom! In the past month, we have had new people who have begun attending. We have had new people who have translated the preaching. We have new talents being offered to our times of worship in music and praises. We have begun the season of Lent, and have been asked about preparing for an Easter baptism service. We have a new leader stepping forward to lead a transformation group. All of these and more, are exciting signs of God stirring New Creation and shaping us as His redemptive people. But the most incredible thing we celebrate - is Jesus Himself. Jesus who has revealed God's great Love for each of us. Jesus, who changes lives and offers redemptive Hope - giving us a new tomorrow, no matter what our yesterday. He brings us together as His people - globally, each in our unique places and abilities to join Him. May you be encouraged, and thankful for Jesus even now...

Last week we traveled to Budapest to join Zsuzsi McNamara in serving at the Salvation Army Women/Children shelter. Addison and I had served there previously - and we were excited about going as a family. Sarah had prepared a presentation for the moms, of how the good news of Jesus Christ had transformed her life - and we had craft and lesson ready for the kids. Unfortunately, due to the recent rise in COVID rates here in Hungary, a more intense "lock down" has been implemented, and they had to cancel the activities with short notice. We were already in Budapest, and so we had extra time to explore the city, learning some more of the history (which the kids LOVED), and okay - even stopping at a couple stores that the kids were excited to see one more time before we move in April.

At one point, we paused to recognize and sigh together at another "missed opportunity" that had been taken away by COVID. This has happened several times in the past year - and not just in Hungary. We hear from many of you, and as the people of God we collectively lament what we feel like has been a very limited year in building relationships and pursuing new experiences in sharing the Love of Jesus with others. Yet in that same moment, and even in our collective lament - we confess something we would all readily agree to: prayer is not the "fall back" or the "meager crumbs" we must accept when "real ministry" becomes not possible. Prayer is the most powerful activity we can employ in the direction of sharing and inviting the Love of God on behalf of others. Over and over again in scripture - we see the people of God turning together in their times of need. They turn - not to programs, activities, conferences, best-sellers, or leaders. Whether for themselves, or on behalf of others, they humbly turn to God in prayer. So today I will close with one of my favorites:

"I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the

breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." -

Ephesians 3:16-19

Here are some prayer needs for the month ahead:

- At the end of March, we have a new "Transformation Group" that will begin, led by one of our local members, Melinda, who participated in the group led by

Sarah. We pray these moments will continue to provide and encourage moments of Holy Spirit transforming lives and homes.

- We're so thankful for the response and prayers of our supporters to our February Newsletter! An anonymous donor gave the full amount needed for our air travel

home!! We still very much need all committed givers to continue giving until I begin employment at the new church in June if possible. We are so grateful for all

the ways God continues to provide through so many of you offering Him your resources.

- Please be in prayer for the children from government homes, and elderly living in locked-down facilities here in Hungary. It has been a long year already, and being

shut-in again is a discouraging experience for so many of them. Pray for opportunities and strengthened relationships for Zsuzsi McNamara and the "Set

Free" movement here in Hungary.

- Thank you for your prayers for Addison's arm. Her cast has been removed, and she has regained full range of movement and abilities. She'll be more careful

jumping rope on the rooftop in the future. :)

- COVID Rates are rising rapidly here in Hungary, as the new "variations" have arrived. The government is warning that these next couple of weeks may be some of our worst yet. All of this - while we are trying to stay healthy for fly out in April -

and soak in our final weeks with friends & church family we've grown to love.

- Pray that God would continue to give His encouraging vision to the people of our local church here. That Pastor Sylvia, our Lutheran Missionary partner Sarah, and European FM leader Gerry McNamara & his wife Kathy would continue to see God

stirring Holy Spirit transformation in homes and the communities here.

If you're looking to make an extra gift, or one time donation to our transition back to the US, you can give easily online here (https://give.fmcusa.org/donation/df-

vihuanderson), and it's tax deductible!