XpatLoop Interview: Peter Strand, Writer & Inventor
- 12 Mar 2011 11:00 AM

My closest friend was the initiator & leader of this ministry, & my job was to be his 'right hand' , helping him with everything from preaching & teaching, to contacts with churches, pastors & translators. 2007 I moved to Hungary, & in that season it was also a 'switch' in my profession, when I began 'giving birth' to books & other things related to the gospel.
Great co-workers have made the first book '100 Conversation Starters, Practical help for sharing your faith' into a success. Selling now on all five continents, and 2013 it will be published in Russia by the biggest church in Europe & also in Scandinavia by the biggest church there.
1. Where did you grow up?
In a very small town in the south of Sweden
2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
It is true that I would choose Budapest! The Danube, Margit Island, the bridges, the Parliament, Fisherman's Bastion, the castle, the colorful markets, old charming cafe's, the hot baths, the climat, loving people! Shall I go on?
3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?
For sure Balaton & Duna , but also the charming eastern countryside, where I often withdraw with my bike for a whole day or two!
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Saturday they should go with a boat, upstreams in the Danube some hours, the night at a restaurant where they can see the city 'lighted up', the Citadella is a great place. After experiencing churches in almost 70 nations, I must say that, 'the' place for Sunday morning is: The mega church in Budapest Hit Gyülekezete, with 7000 people attending & a wonderful presence of God! Sunday evening is perfect for a romantic stroll at Margit Island.
5. What is your favourite food?
In the summer time I 'live' on Görög Dinnye! In the winter my favourite is halászlé fishsoup.
6. What is your favourite sport / form of exercise?
Running at Margit Sziget & after that stretching in front of the 'playing fountain'
7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?
The 'Danube knee'
8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Is it not all guys secret dream to become a pilot???
9. What’s a job you would definitely never want?
A work, where I have to be away from my wife & family for longer periods
10. Where did you spend your last vacation?
I was biking around Hungary last summer with some friends, almost the whole way! 38-40 degrees! I have never been so tired in my whole life, but I'm telling you, it was fantastic!
11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
I have a place in Sweden, that I often returns to. A small beautiful lake in the wood, with a small island. There I often spend a night alone with a sleepingbag in front of a fire!
12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
I was a golf fanatic. Often at the golf course the whole days when possible, even in heavy rain!
13. Apart of temptation what can’t you resist?
Coffee with much honey, in the mornings
14. Red wine or white?
White, Chapel Hill
15. Book or movie?
Book! The Bible is my breakfast. Now I am reading a book by my favorite Author, the late Lester Sumrall 'God's Blueprint for a Happy Home' . Just finished two great books that I can recommend to everyone, the Author is Joel Osteen and the titles 'Your Best Life Now' and 'Becoming a Better You'
16. Morning person or night person?
I love to go to bed early & raise early, when only you & the birds are awake, it is precious hours
17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Having the opportunity to come from a healthy nation with high longevity, I would like to see the Hungarians educated in 'healthy living' so they can enjoy their beautiful nation for a long time - happy & healthy!
18. Buda or Pest side?
The Buda side, preferably high up, with views over the gorgeous Danube, Margit Island & Pest side
19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?
I was happy when I entered into the 'last' of the 50 nations in Europe. It was really I dream I had, to see all the European nations 'live'. One of the biggest happenings in my life was just some days ago, when a leader for 1000 churches in Northern India said 'yes' to our invention! It is a creative 'tool' that presents the gospel. (www.gospelman.org)
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
If you can dream it, you can do it! (Walt Disney)








