Istvan Apjok
I am a youth group leader for three different congregations. I am a counsellor to many teenagers and adults alike. I preach on Sundays when pastors around my town need a hand in their ministry. In the Seminary, I lead worship groups.
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.
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.
I want to learn from my brothers and sisters in Christ around Europe. I wish to attain everyone's way of thinking and life experiences. Also, I would like to meet other cultures.
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.
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.