Gábor Sztehlo, an evangelical pastor, is one of the leading figures of the 20th century. From the beginning of his career, he was known for his work in building churches, organising congregations, and establishing folk schools in Hungary. During World War II, Sztehlo was involved in the work of the Good Shepherd Association, which saved children of Jewish origin. Under his guidance between 1944 and 45, "hidden" children’s homes were run in 32 villas and apartments in Buda and Pest, with well-organised daily schedules and basic supplies, subjected to constant harassment by the Hungarian nazis. By the end of the war, he had rescued 1500 children and 500 adults. His service was outstanding in the rescue of Jews, recognised by the State of Israel with the "Yad Vashem" medal, and he was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Later, Gábor Sztehlo set up Gaudiopolis in the Pax Children's Home which was an example of children's republic as a pedagogical method. In the 1950s, he organised the diaconal work after the nationalisation of church property.