My name is Andrea, and I am a covenant community missionary from Hungary. Two years ago, I began my mission in New York, living as part of the life community. In October 2022, just before the Feast of Saint John Paul II, I arrived to join this community as it celebrated its second anniversary in this vibrant city. I truly believe it was a gift of grace that God sent me on mission in October—a month dedicated to missionary work and to honoring saints who are great patrons of our vocation in the Shalom community.
I come from a Greek Catholic family with strong traditions, where faith and family were inseparable. Growing up, this faith was a constant in my life, providing a solid foundation. My journey with the Shalom community began when I was 19 years old. I moved to Budapest for college and started attending a prayer group. It was through these gatherings that I encountered God’s love in a deeply personal way, a love that deepened during Acamps, where I experienced a profound encounter with Him. I was especially touched by the missionaries’ service, their joyful spirit, and the way they reflected God’s love through their simple and pure presence. Their example moved me, and I began to feel God’s call, along with a desire to become a missionary and one day embark on my own mission.
The journey that led me to New York was miraculous, though filled with challenges. Yet, I can truly say that these two years of missionary experience have transformed my life and strengthened my vocation in ways I never expected.
Long story short, I felt a strong call to mission for a long time, but fear, the pandemic, and the thought of leaving behind my family, job security, friends, and community in Budapest held me back. The year 2021 was challenging, filled with trials and inner struggles in both my workplace and personal life, as well as within my family. I also felt a crisis in my vocation, but I held on to the hope that the Lord was preparing something new. Then, in early 2022, while praying, I received a defining verse from the Bible: “Behold, I will make all things new!” (Rev 21:5). This promise brought me profound peace, and I saw God gradually begin to rebuild and renew my life, leading me toward mission. The calling in my heart never faded; it only grew stronger, and I became certain it was from God. I had originally planned to go on mission in 2019 and even submitted my application, but the pandemic disrupted everything. With renewed courage, I reapplied in 2022, and just a week later, on Pentecost, I received confirmation that the community was sending me to New York. Reflecting on it now, I see this mission as one of the Holy Spirit’s most precious gifts to me.
Arriving in New York felt like stepping into another world. The city’s pace was overwhelming, and the diversity of cultures and experiences was unlike anything I had seen before. But beneath the hustle and bustle, I met people who were deeply searching for meaning, healing, and a connection with God.
During my time in New York, the Lord worked powerfully within me. He strengthened my vocation and healed me through the life community schedule, apostolic activities, intense community life, and daily prayer—the most beautiful moments of my days in the community. Stepping out of my comfort zone became a daily practice, but it also became the way I learned to love more deeply and open myself to the transformative power of the Lord. Through street evangelization, shepherding people in the prayer group, helping with apostolic work, doing everyday activities in the life community, and serving others, I discovered more of my missionary identity and my calling to bring the peace of the Risen Christ to others.
In the mission, I have truly lived the promise found in Matthew 19:29: “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” This has been my experience; I have truly gained a mother, father, and many brothers and sisters in this journey.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on mission is that we must leave things behind and surrender our dreams to attain a higher goal—the one the Lord has already prepared for us. I believe with all my heart that God’s timing is perfect. Even in waiting, He is working and preparing something greater than we could ever imagine. We must be patient and trust in His plan.
Through my two years on mission, I’ve realized that the greatest transformation happens within. It starts in the heart and changes everything: our thoughts, perspectives, and desire to serve. I believe that to reach where God wants to take us, we must walk paths we’ve never been before. I can tell you that if you are brave enough to say “yes,” this will be the greatest adventure of your life. You won’t regret saying “yes” to Him. He will surprise you and give you more than you ever thought possible.
Our life is a mission, and the Holy Spirit is our guide. So, don’t be afraid to say “yes” if He is calling you to go. Take the risk, and you will witness miracles in your life.
Looking back, I can see how God used my time in New York to reshape my heart and renew my vocation through every moment of missionary service and each encounter with the people there. The mission didn’t just give me an opportunity to serve—it revived my calling in a way I desperately needed. My doubts began to fade as I realized it wasn’t about how much I could accomplish, but about allowing God to use me as His instrument. He was transforming my heart just as He was transforming the lives of those I served. I truly witnessed miracles and powerful conversions in the lives of people involved in the mission. Reflecting on this journey fills me with deep gratitude. It reignited the fire of my vocation, giving me new strength and fresh vision for the future. Today, I continue my missionary work with renewed confidence, knowing that God is leading me and that every step is part of His greater plan.
