Ioana Achim
Ioana Achim is a student and an oncology nurse in Romania.
When I was 16, I watched those 70's movies depicting the apocalypse and life after the Rapture. It scared me. Not much changed, though, until I turned 18 and went away to a Bible college. Then, I began to understand God's character and Jesus' finished work in salvation and sanctification. That's when I fell in love with Jesus and His grace and decided I wanted to serve Him for the rest of my life.
Bible college was the most crucial moment; my advisor, professors, and other great believers who became my best friends significantly influenced my faith. Spending one year in Central Asia as an English teacher/undercover missionary was another big defining moment. My mother's death also had a big impact on my Christian walk. Currently, my nursing career plays a big role as well.
The Forum is why I have decided to pursue a Doctor of Ministry degree. I am eager to return to the Forum to receive more guidance from God through the amazing people I meet there every year. ELF is a fountain of wisdom for me and a source of relationships that are absolutely crucial in my development and the shaping of my ministry.
I am pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree to serve patients diagnosed with incurable diseases and find peace in a relationship with Jesus.
I started interpreting English at church as a teenager, and I also led our youth group events. At Bible college, I led the student mission connection activities. Before, during, and after being a missionary, I gave quite a few presentations at church.
My cancer patients have perhaps just this one short window in time to hear about the love of Jesus. If I don't know how to share the Gospel, they may miss the opportunity to surrender to Christ. I hope that is enough motivation for others to support my ministry as it is for me.