From Open Hands to Stepping Forward

(Archived from April 2025. Updated October 2025)

A Year of Preparation and Trust

It’s hard to believe how much has unfolded since I first joined One Mission Society in 2023.

From training and support raising, to Zach’s vision trip to Hungary, to getting engaged, getting married and navigating job changes—it’s been full-speed ahead in every direction.

So many of you have continued to pray for us, check in, and cheer us on—and that has meant the world.

Hebrews 10 encourages spurring one another on toward love and good deeds, and you’ve been that for us.

We’ve wanted to sit down and write it all out for a while to share where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and where God is leading us next as we prepare to step into ministry together in Hungary.

Zach had the opportunity to take a vision trip to Hungary in the fall of 2024.

He toured Budapest with Aaron DePue—our field leader and a longtime family friend—and saw firsthand what everyday life and ministry could look like on the field.

In that space, his desire to serve the Lord wherever He leads became more than just an open hand; it started to take shape, grounded in real people and real places.

In January, he was officially accepted through OMS and completed his initial round of training for the field.

Fast forward, Zach and I were married in June! We are excited to begin life and ministry together as we prepare to serve in Hungary.

This is something God has been preparing in us individually for years, and now we get to step into it with a shared vision.

Our goal is to move to Hungary by the spring of 2026, once we complete our support raising.

In the year ahead, we’ll be continuing with ministry training that’s preparing us—spiritually, practically, and cross-culturally—for life on the mission field.

We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received so far—our launch fund is fully raised! That fund covers essential one-time expenses like travel, moving costs, pre-field training, and language school.

It’s a huge milestone, and we’re deeply thankful for those of you who made it possible.

What Are We Up To Now?

Right now, we’re doing our best to be present and intentional in this season of preparation.

I (Emily) am diving into Spiritual Formations for Missional Community: House Fellowships, reading with the hope of learning how to lead house fellowships that make disciples.

It’s not only preparation for ministry in Hungary but also a way to grow right now as a leader and member of current small groups.

Zach plays guitar on our church’s worship team, and during the week he’s been going through the Book of James with a close friend, learning together what it means to live out our faith with humility and perseverance.

Together, we’re part of our church’s young adult small group, and we’re so thankful for the community and friendship we have in that space.

As we look ahead, we’re excited by all that God is unfolding. This journey hasn’t been linear or easy—but it’s been full of purpose, growth, and confirmation.

We’re incredibly grateful for your support, encouragement, and prayers. Thank you for walking with us through this season.