Angela Bosnjak
Currently, I am part of an organisation called NoviMost International primarily in the work with youth and teenagers. This includes planning and implementing different sets of activities in which that age group can participate and grow closer to God, from Saturday meetings to different excursions. I am also actively involved in the church ministry where I help in different areas from the translation of sermons to worship. Recently, I was given the opportunity to preach at two Sunday services and speak at a couple of youth meetings. I am also part of the church team, in which I participate in the planning of church activities and events. What I would also like to single out as my ministry is the camp ministry of the Evangelical Church in Bosnia and Herzegovina in which I have been actively involved for many years, especially in helping with preparation and administration of camps which has been a great blessing to me.
I grew up in a Christian family. So from a young age, I knew about Jesus and the values of the Christian life. Then, at the age of 8, I went to a Christian camp and accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour.
At 16, I experienced a complete breakdown when my parents separated. The weight of disappointment, sadness, and hopelessness crushed my heart. I became an angry and bitter person toward people and God.
One evening, I came home tired, and instead of my regular outbursts of anger toward God, I started to cry. As the tears flowed down my cheeks, I felt His strong presence. I felt accepted the way I am; I was broken. From that moment, He became everything to me. He changed and shaped my heart. In Jesus, I found the One I can trust, knowing that He will not destroy my soul but save it. His love, mercy, and kindness remain the same despite many ups and downs. I am incredibly grateful to have a chance to experience new life and joy in freedom in the Creator of life.
The Forum has given different sets of skills and ideas that I was successfully able to implement into my work with youth. It was also a brilliant opportunity to work and learn with other leaders from all around Europe which helped me in expanding my views and perspective on Christian life, giving me hope and strength to continue in ministry and church life. I would also mention how encouraging it was to sit down and talk with a mentor during ELF. That conversation alone was refreshing and my mentor encouraged me and has given me some new observations and lessons for my ministry.
As an undergraduate theology student, I was the vice president of the student board at the Evangelical Theological Seminary. I was also a camp leader at the "EmekBeraka" camps of the Evangelical Church in Bosnia & Herzegovina and a volunteer at a youth organisation “Novi Most International.”
I was thrilled when I received the invitation for registration. It made me feel appreciated. Knowing that someone is ready to invest in me and support me in my ministry and growth is genuinely encouraging.