Hungary – Pentecostal Theological College
In February of 2008, the Pentecostal Theological College (PTC) in Budapest began a continuing education and training opportunity for individuals who are currently ministering in local churches. This is not a degree program, but rather gives the students the opportunity to gain both theological and practical training in their specialized area of ministry. 78 Hungarians are currently taking part in this monthly training which focuses on three areas including pastoral ministry, Christian counseling and Christian education. This number is in addition to the 98 students who are studying in PTC’s B.A. degree program.
On April 14, a visitation committee from the Hungarian Higher Education Accreditation Commission spent the day at PTC. This was the final step in a year-long process of maintaining the college’s official accredited status for another eight years. All of the preparatory work has gone well and the time that the visitation committee was at PTC went extremely well. Their evaluation of the college was very positive, commending it in several areas, and no problems are forseen in maintaining the college’s accreditation. AGWM Personnel, Paul Gracza, serves as the president of the college.
In September 2008, PTC began a year-long training program designed to minister to the growing Gypsy community in Hungary. They are targeting the cities of Hajdúhadház, Dány and Kótaj and have the opportunity to teach the Bible and various topics on the Christian life to the entire Gypsy community in these cities. There are 800,000 Gypsies living in Hungary. Thus far, all is going well with good turnouts for the instruction and time of fellowship, 120 to 160 people. This ministry will continue until at least December and on into January.
From Newsletter of Paul Gracza
AGWM Personnel in Hungary