Angela Bošnjak is a theology student and youth leader in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
When did you trust Christ?
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 age eight, I went to a Christian camp and accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
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. His love, mercy, and kindness remain unchanged despite many ups and downs.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
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 expand my views and perspective on Christian life, giving me hope and strength to continue ministry and church life. Lastly, meeting with a mentor was refreshing, encouraging, and gave me some new observations and lessons for my ministry.
What is your ministry?
I am part of an organisation called Novi Most International, primarily working with youth and teenagers. This includes planning and implementing different activities in which that age group can participate and grow closer to God. I am also actively involved in church ministry, where I help in different areas, from translating sermons to worship to planning 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 the preparation and administration of camp.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
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.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I was thrilled when I received the invitation for registration. It made me feel appreciated. Knowing someone is ready to invest in and support me in my ministry and growth is genuinely encouraging.
