Janka Uri-Kovács works in a youth ministry organisation in Hungary.
When did you trust Christ?
I was brought up in a Christian household and in a strong Christian church community where the seeds of faith were first sown in my heart, but it took me years and failures for them to really sink in and take root. It wasn't until I was completely stripped of my own strongholds and nothing was left but to trust God, that my faith really became personal. I cannot deny the reality of the only One who saved me, Jesus. Although I had previous encounters with Him, I still remember that period as the biggest turning point in my journey with Him. Since then, I have been learning every single day that there is no life apart from Him, and I was never meant to live from my own strength.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
The strongest foundation was laid for me by my wonderful church community in my childhood, but one of the biggest impacts on my Christian walk happened during the years I served at Lee Abbey, Devon, in the UK. Living there, I've learnt an enormous amount about fellowship, community, Jesus, and giving my life for others. I am eternally grateful for the memories that enriched me through that experience and which have continued to build my life since then. God saved me and had wonderful dreams for me, even when I had no dreams left at all. That was when He called me out and called me to become a pastor, so I have spent the previous six years getting my master's degree in theology. Currently, I am working at a Christian youth organisation, and can't wait to give back to young people and their leaders and point them to the only One who can give hope and life when there's nothing left.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I learned about this forum through the ministry organisation I work for, as multiple colleges had previously taken part. People always came back from the Forum, their faith and ministry strengthened, and they inspired me and prompted me to go myself. Although I am sure God has placed me in this organisation for a reason, I can see how this Forum will equip me not only for this season of life, but also, hopefully, for future roles as a pastor. I can't wait to grow more and see what He has in store for me to bring forth for the benefit of others. I am also studying art therapy next year as a postgraduate degree. I believe the Artists Network will inspire me in more ways, and I can't wait for God to show me how He wants to use my passions, both for theology and the arts, as a graphic designer.
What is your ministry?
Currently, I work in a youth ministry organisation that focuses on leaders who work with youth, so my job is to support these leaders in their ministry through conferences, one-on-one sessions, publications, etc. Our vision and hope is that by equipping these youth leaders, more and more churches will grow again. My job is to use my experience as a pastor and bring that knowledge in, as well as to 'make beautiful things' as a graphic designer, so it's a fusion of both of my passions.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
At Lee Abbey, I had the opportunity to try myself in various roles and situations, including leading sessions for youth, organising and hosting conferences, and even leading the kitchen team. This was a safe place to grow and stretch, and to find my own boundaries, strengths, and weaknesses. Later on, as a theology student and a pastor-to-be, I had more responsibilities and roles to fill as I led Sunday services, sessions, Bible study, and prayer groups, etc. In these situations, I was stretched more than ever and learned to rely on God's strength, not my own understanding.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I am deeply humbled by the way this Forum works, and I wish I could express in person how grateful I am. I have heard stories and have seen how God has moved in the lives of those who came back, and I long to meet God there, too. My prayer is that God would stir me up in ways I never knew before, and that He would equip me to step into leadership more boldly as I grow in confidence in Him and His ways. If so, thank you so much for making it possible for me, and I wish with all of my heart that He would turn this blessing back to you as you bless me!
