"In His name the nations will put their hope", Is 42:4

Hungarians enjoy celebrating Advent by gathering for lighting of candles in the center of towns and singing Christmas carols together. One of the things we organize with our church during Advent season is a Women's Christmas tea. It is the time to invite non Christian friends, colleagues, neighbors to join and so hear about the real hope found in Christ. Having gathered around 50-60 women in the past we were amazed when this year over 100 women came. I met a new Hungarian lady who now comes to our Bible study named Reka and a Chinese seeker, Helen, who I haven't seen for a year due to Covid restrictions.   

Over the course of the fall Yulia and I (David) met a few international students from Egypt, Albania, Kosovo, Palestine. We shared with you about Nazmir and Fati in a previous letter. Advent was a great opportunity to show these precious new friends hospitality, encourage the believers among them, sing Christmas hymns together and provide Fatimir (on the photo - straight back in a black sweater) with another opportunity to hear about Jesus.