In 15 years as a sixth-grade Sunday school director, Ellis Hudgins searched bookstores and libraries for an engaging, age-appropriate book to help teach his students about the life of Jesus. He never found one, and this book is his contribution to fill that void. A Good Man Who Came out of Nazareth is based on a one-year adult study Hudgins developed and taught at his church. Several of his sixth-grade students provided valuable criticisms of the draft that are reflected in the final text. Hudgins has worked with junior high through college-age students for more than 40 years as both a Sunday school teacher and director, creating lesson programs and support materials for the teachers in his departments. His first book translates the Bible truths he assembled for adult study in language that a junior high student can read and readily understand. Hudgins taught American history for 14 years at Texas A&M and at the University of Houston, primarily in evening classes. Throughout his career he worked in various design positions in construction technology for the petrochemical industry. After leaving the teacher's desk for four years he was invited back to the University of Houston to teach engineering graphics for an additional six years. Now retired, Hudgins continues to teach Sunday school in the College and Career class of his church in Bellville, Texas. A native of Houston, Ellis is married to Betty, whom he met one summer when he formed a youth choir at his home church. They have four adult sons and six grandchildren. Hudgins earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history and religion and a Master of Arts in history from Baylor University. He completed his Bachelor of Divinity at Southwestern Baptist Seminary and remained there for an additional year of post-graduate study
