Istvan Francois Apjok is a theology student and a youth ministry leader in Hungary.
When did you trust Christ?
It was 15 years old during my catechism study. It is a tradition in the Hungarian Reformed Church that every baptised person should confirm their faith. And in my congregation, it is tradition that someone reads a question and answer from the Heidelberg Catechism every Sunday. One day, it was my time to do so, and that Sunday, the congregation had communion. When our pastor started reading 1 Corinthians 11 and said: "and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said,' This is my body, which is for you,'" it hit me. Jesus died for me. I am His chosen child whom he loves dearly.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
It has only been seven years since I was given the Holy Spirit, but there have been a lot. I didn't have a mentor until I visited a theological seminary in Budapest. But I would say my girlfriend (now wife) and my brothers in Christ whom I met in Seminary (for example, Botond Szabo, who recommended me to ELF) were the ones through whom God started working in me.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I want to learn from my brothers and sisters in Christ around Europe. And I want to grow more in Christ and meet believers from other cultures.
For the YRM, I would like to understand Catholicism better, pray for one another, and also try to communicate Christ's message to them.
What is your ministry?
I will be appointed as pastor in a year. Until then, I have been studying at a theological seminary. I lead a youth group and work with a youth group organisation.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I am just a student, but I have worked as a youth pastor in 3 different congregations in the past two years. I have also led a "just married" group with my wife. During my studies, I had a lot of opportunities to learn from other pastors, following their lives for weeks, and also to visit many other churches in Hungary, learn from them thoroughly, and preach on Sundays.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I (try to) preach the Gospel and the beauty of Christ as clearly as possible. I believe this is what everyone should be touched by.
