Eva Petrzilkova is Coordinator for Scripture Engagement and for the Young Staff Network with IFES / InterVarsity Europe. She mentors and trains University students and IFES / InterVarsity staff to engage with the Word
When did you trust Christ?
I am from a non-Christian family, so the Bible was never part of my life growing up. I first encountered the Scriptures when I was 15. At school, we could choose a few books to read, and the Bible was one of the options. I read it from beginning to end. Even though I did not become a Christian at that time, I still see it as God's first step in calling me into His presence. A few years later, a friend of mine invited me to an English Camp organized by the Scripture Union in Czechia. At the camp, a leader who was patient and Bible-centered helped me with my questions, and I finally gathered my courage to trust Jesus.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
God has shown me His love, forgiveness, and compassion many times, in ever deeper and more important ways. At first, Bible studies in churches made me feel inadequate because of my non-Christian upbringing. In University, my Bible study leader used the inductive Bible study method. That was definitely the turning point for me, and where my love for reading the Bible with others began.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I find it enriching to be part of a community of believers who spend time together in the Scriptures. I would love to learn from others and also support them. I hope to get to know Christ better, be challenged and encouraged through the Scriptures and others, and to become more confident in leading Bible studies.
What is your ministry?
Currently, I am a coordinator for Scripture Engagement and for the Young Staff Network in IFES / InterVarsity Europe. I help university students and our staff engage with the Word. I share resources and teaching skills either through international conferences or by being invited by national IFES movements. My work with the Young Staff Network involves mentoring and teaching new staff from different European national movements. Both of my roles require teaching from the Word and creating resources or materials for students and staff to continue using in the future. I also lead Bible studies, both face-to-face and online.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
When I was mentored by one of the IFES / InterVarsity volunteers, I found joy in preparing my own Bible studies. Throughout the years, what has been integral in my growth and learning is God's people walking alongside me, giving me feedback, and diving into the Word with me.
