Beniamin Pere is a youth leader in Romania.
When did you trust Christ?
I decided to follow Jesus in 2011, when I was 15, during a youth retreat with my youth group. Although I was born into a Christian family, that was when I understood what a real relationship with Jesus looked like.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
The relationship I had built with my pastor during my teen years impacted my initial growth. Since then, God blessed me with other mature people, two of whom are mentors. Another critical moment in my walk with God was when He allowed depression in my life. That experience helped me realise that my greatest fear was losing people, and God proved to me that He was all I needed. He erased my fears. Now, I use that knowledge to help counsel others experiencing depression and anxiety.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I want to return because it was an encouraging experience, the information I received was both relevant and high quality, and I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people. In addition, the books I acquired provided good conversation topics for talking with young people.
What is your ministry?
I am a prayer group leader and serve in the youth ministry. My group has ten members made of up young families with small children, and we meet weekly. We study a Bible passage and pray during every meeting. As a youth leader, I counsel and deliver Bible studies during fellowship services. I am also responsible for the church's media department and serve on the church board.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I was a Sunday school teacher for seven years. I have also been a prayer group leader for six years. Lastly, I have been a part of the team that ministers to small Baptist churches in our area every month.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
Several people have confirmed that they see God-given gifts in me, and I have tried to be consistent in using these gifts so people can see that I take my calling seriously. In addition, I have made it clear to others that I feel responsible first and foremost before God, who called me, but also before the church and the people to whom I minister.
