What is your ministry?
I work in a community center geared towards the Roma community and at my local church's Sunday school for elementary children. The center emphasises their education, providing classes for all ages to fill their knowledge gaps, gain confidence, and think critically. I am involved in classes for women and teenagers.
When did you trust Christ?
Growing up with parents who believed in God, I would hear some stories from my parents and go to church every Sunday. But honestly, I was bored and connected Jesus with the boredom I felt during the service. My aunt invited us to a new fellowship, and we decided to go. I met kids my age and felt like I could express myself. There were people from all ages, countries, and cultures, and they were all accepting and loving one another. After observing that for a few months, I started understanding that the reason all these different people could love and accept each other was God. He was not a boring God that only grown-ups could understand but a God that is for everyone. He had so loved me that He sacrificed His own Son to save me. That was a mind-blowing act of selfless love that led me to follow Him, trust Him, and start living my life according to His will.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
The excitement of being a new follower of Christ faded very quickly. I needed a relationship with God but would not work or make time. Seeing the impact my distance from God had on my life was hard to get out of. I remember many times I was a hypocrite when going to church, and I hated that about myself but couldn't stop. Seeing people close to me own up to their sins led me to realise that I have to spend time with God alone to change.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
First, having the opportunity to meet leaders all around Europe, hear them, and share experiences, blessings, difficulties, and challenges we face will be a huge encouragement and fuel of strength. Secondly, hearing and studying the word of God amongst so many different people will strengthen my relationship with Jesus and help me dig a little deeper. Moreover, seeing God's work in all these people and hearing different perspectives and thoughts will broaden my thinking. Lastly, being in a forum filled with people who love God and can listen to their advice, problem solutions, creativity, and ideas will benefit me in how I act in my ministry.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I have been responsible for an elementary Sunday school. Also, for the last three years, I've been able to be a cabin leader in multiple kids and teen camps each year.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I have these teenage girls and teen mothers in my heart, and I believe it's worth it to serve God and them and invest my heart and time in this ministry. Being a part of their lives is a precious gift I do not deserve from God. Yet still, I am a part of this ministry, and it's a blessing in my life.
