Drahoslava Stehlíková is a youth leader and mentor in the Czech Republic.
When did you trust Christ?
I grew up in a Christian family as the third and youngest child. It was really hard for me because I wanted to be unique, and I knew when I chose to believe in Christ, I wouldn't be unique anymore. Therefore, I started to look for my own way of living, but it was not simple because I didn't want to hurt my parents. I knew that belief in Jesus was the most important thing in their lives--like a big, huge heritage--and I knew that God was real, but in my desire to be unique, I forgot that my life without Him had no purpose. All I had done was empty. I knew that the people who loved me thought I was someone I was not. I had to live like a hypocrite and was ashamed of that. I started really struggling since I longed for another life where I could be myself, free, and live with a clear conscience. Thankfully, my parents were praying for me during this time, and when I was 13, God spoke to my heart, and I decided to live my life for Him. I understood that I could be unique with Him, just how I wanted to be because he created me totally different from anyone else. That was the best decision I have ever made. I know that being a Christian is not only about having knowledge about God, but it is about knowing Him personally.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
My family has definitely impacted my faith--the living faith of my parents and my brother as a leader. I've also walked through some difficult situations in my personal life that have helped me to grow in my faith: caring for a sick child, difficulties in church relationships, my marriage, and personal crises. All of these experiences have helped me to grow and learn more about God and also myself.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
ELF has been a great encouragement and inspiration in my ministry. I still use the materials we received in small groups from past years. I expect encouragement again, new ideas for ministry, new connections with Christians with similar burdens on their hearts, additional arming for ministry, and inspiring literature.
What is your ministry?
My current ministry has grown from almost 20 years of leadership among young people. I now lead young women and teach them how to become a leader themselves. I am also involved as a leader in Alpha courses for youth.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I currently work as a lecturer of prevention programs. I used to be a leader in Sunday school, a worship leader, and youth leader for almost 20 years.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
That isn't an easy question. I believe that we, as Christians, are all family. For some of us, it is so natural to have visions, for others to lead, and for others just to share their resources. I feel drawn toward youth and women's ministry. And working with youth, for example, is an investment in the future of our countries. When you invest in me, you are giving me access to information that can help me improve my ministry but also enable me to pass what I've learned on to my coworkers back in the church. I believe it is all about giving and receiving.
