Travel Update: Quinton Hufferd in Hungary

I was a little nervous about going to Hungary. It wasn’t the potential language barrier, the new people to meet, or the distance. It was the pressure of teaching a national ministry team that has been operating for twenty years. I started with the Bible resource publishing program abroad less than a year ago… what could I have to offer them?

God is always strong enough

Fortunately, God uses us even when we feel ill-equipped. Moses was called to speak for a nation, yet he had a speech impediment (Exodus 4:10). Paul used to kill Christ-followers before he was called to found the early Church (Acts 9:1-19). Joseph was handed power over a kingdom he didn’t belong to (Genesis 41:41-43). Their testimonies are stronger because they put God’s strength on display.

God is in control

During my time in Budapest, one truth rang out over any other: God is always in control. He watches over the entire publishing process. He gifts writers, editors, and designers with culturally-relevant content. He guides the publishing, marketing and distribution of resources. He will help children’s ministries throughout the country get the material they need.

As I met with Andi Schauermann, Eszter Somossy, and Agi Baker (all leaders of EGM-Hungary), it was fascinating and promising. This ministry has been involved with publishing projects for years. At the same time, these leaders were hopeful to understand the ins and outs of the entire publishing process.

God has something to say about Bible resource publishing

Each day, we met to study biblical principles that support Bible resource publishing. Lesson topics included editing, financial management, evaluation, cultural relevancy, marketing and distribution, and inventory management. Ministry leaders confessed they needed help with the practical application of these elements.

By focusing on the model and wisdom provided in the Bible, God reminded us of the bigger purpose of publishing Bible teaching resources. It’s all about giving children opportunities to respond to God’s Word in their real lives.

God is always the “why”

During our time together, we had a very clear idea of why we publish. With this in mind, the days we spent in publishing development were fruitful. God provided our team with scriptural and foundational principles for the Bible resource publishing ministry. In addition, we spent time discussing how to respond to those principles. As a result, I believe the Hungarian ministry team has had a strong launch to their International Curriculum Initiative.

In the next three years, EGM-Hungary plans to publish, market, sell, and distribute 12 total curriculum books that cover an age span of seven years. As a result, Hungarian churches will have access to Bible teaching resources to help children respond to God’s Word.