Beata Szrejder is a senior staff worker with the Christian Academic Association (ChSA - IFES Poland).
When did you trust Christ?
I grew up in a traditional Catholic family, but God has been very important to me throughout my life. When I was in my first year of university, I went to a mission week prepared by ChSA - IFES Poland. There, I realised I wanted to have a deeper relationship with God. I started going to small group meetings where we studied Romans. During this time, I realised that I needed a change in my spiritual life. After six months of attending meetings regularly and reading the Bible, I understood that I should repent and put my whole life in God's hands. One night, I asked God for help, and He answered. He gave me people and a church and called me into His ministry.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
God has used many wonderful people in my life who have helped me grow. Also, it was very important for me to read good books that encouraged me to be faithful and reminded me of God's good works. The most important defining moment was when I recognised that God was calling me to be a missionary after attending a conference where I first heard about people not knowing Jesus and reading one book, They Knew Their God (Harvey & Hey).
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I hope to refresh God's perspective on ministry, and second, I want to grow in my understanding of problems and how they can be solved. I also hope that new contacts will bring much valuable inspiration.
What is your ministry?
I was employed by the church as a missionary and sent to serve in a student organisation, ChSA - IFES Poland (Christian Academic Association). My main task is to help create an action plan in line with the vision of the association and support the students in their evangelistic activities. I have also started acting as a mentor for my colleagues and student leaders.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I was a regional coordinator looking after several cities with student groups for a long time. For several months, I served as director of the association, where I continue to minister. My current leadership role is again related to supporting student groups, but this time more as a mentor.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
God has called me to serve among the students, and, by His grace, I faithfully continue in this ministry. Students are a very special group that requires a specific approach. I need to develop myself continually to understand this group's needs and help them find answers with God. I want to come to ELF so that I can benefit fully from the abundance of gifts and blessings that are there. I would be very grateful for your help in raising the necessary amount.
