Ariel Neri Winter is a research associate at a university in Germany.
When did you trust Christ?
At the age of five, I made the decision to follow Jesus. I was raised in a Christian environment—my grandparents were missionaries in Patagonia, and I lived with them. I often listened to stories about Jesus. One day, while alone in my grandparents' garden, I prayed. I told God I did not want my sin to stay between us and asked Jesus to come, clean me, and stay in my life. He did.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
For most of my childhood and teenage time, I kept my relationship with God for myself. At age 18, God clearly called me to the mission field, and I left my country trusting Him. I joined OM-Ships for about three years. Most of my growth as a Christian was while serving there and living along with hundreds of experienced missionaries who taught and mentored me. Later, while in my last year of university in Patagonia, a friend and I started a Bible study for university students. That year was also a growing experience personally and in my knowledge of the Bible. One last defining moment worth mentioning was while I was serving with YWAM on medical ships in Papua New Guinea. Although I only had a technical role in the ship's navigation and maintenance, the love and passion of the community of believers were so inspiring, and it really moved me to know God deeper and closer.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I hope to network with the community and share experiences with other believers. I also look forward to the planned activities, sessions, and forums.
What is your ministry?
Together with another believer, we run the 'Central Germany Christian Academics'. We meet fortnightly to share and discuss topics related to Christian life in the academic environment.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I have had some short-term leadership roles while serving in OM ships (training new crew members and leading small groups to visit churches, prisons, hospitals, etc.). I was also a youth group leader for a year while living in Patagonia.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I would like to pass on what I received and learned at the Forum to the students in Gottingen. It's probably my last year there, and only God knows what comes after. Hopefully, what I have received keeps multiplying further. I trust in what the Lord will do with that investment.
