Juri Veikkola
I was a foreign exchange student during high school. I came from an unchurched background and had no connection with believers in my family or friends whatsoever. I joined a hard rock band with high school mates. One of them became a believer. He was a living example of how to live out biblical faith in the modern world. He shared his faith with me, and I was interested. I wanted to follow in his footsteps, so I prayed in a cafe one night to receive Christ.
When I went back to Finland, I had a hard time at first joining a church, but once I shared my testimony, I formed a bible study group that went pretty large. That led me to enter the ministry shortly after, and the following year, I was traveling with a pastor all around Finland, giving my testimony and getting healthy mentoring.
In pursuing effective leadership within my current ministry context, I anticipate gaining profound new insights that will enhance my capabilities and influence. The unique challenges of ministry leadership can often create a sense of isolation, making it a lonely endeavor despite the communal nature of the work. By engaging in this learning journey, I aim to uncover innovative strategies tailored to address the specific situations and dynamics I encounter regularly. The isolation I feel in my role stems from the multifaceted responsibilities and the emotional demands placed upon me. Therefore, I am eager to discover approaches that not only address these pressures but also foster a more supportive environment for myself and those I lead. These strategies will ideally encompass both practical and spiritual dimensions, enabling me to navigate the complexities of ministry with greater confidence and resilience.
As the CEO of Sansa, I lead a ministry focused on spreading the Gospel through various media channels. Sansa utilises radio, television, online platforms, and social media to reach people worldwide, particularly in regions where traditional missionary work is challenging. Our mission is to communicate the Christian message in an accessible and relevant manner to diverse audiences. By leveraging technology, we aim to make a global impact, ensuring that the message of faith reaches those in need, regardless of geographical barriers. Through innovative media strategies, we strive to inspire and uplift communities worldwide. We target the unreached people groups.
I foster relationships with global partners, including organisations like SAT-7 which broadcasts Christian programs across the Middle East and North Africa. I coordinate efforts to enhance our media ministry's reach and effectiveness. My role involves strategic planning, resource allocation, and ensuring our projects align with our mission and values. By collaborating with international partners, I strive to expand our impact, delivering the Christian message to diverse audiences worldwide and supporting our goal of spreading the faith through innovative media strategies. I belong to the board of directors and I lead a team of 8 people. Some of them live abroad and work with our partners.