Maksym Berlinets leads a youth ministry in Ukraine.
When did you trust Christ?
I knew about Jesus, but my true decision to follow Christ came at a Word of Life youth camp when I was nine years old.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
I was baptised at 15 and served in Hillsong Church in Kyiv. I was growing in the media team and then started to attend a Christian college for leadership. So, this was a very active period in my life. When the war started in 2022, I organised a youth home in Lviv from scratch, where, with a team, we welcomed teenagers and young people and preached on the streets. My mom has also had a big impact on me, as she was the one who took me to church when I was a child.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I think I will definitely gain a lot of experience and resources, and discover the needs of organisations and potential solutions. I'm looking forward to meeting new people and building friendships to go through life together. I’m deeply convinced that together we can do more things through Jesus. So this atmosphere would be so helpful to build and grow together.
What is your ministry?
I lead a youth ministry where we run youth hubs and camps for young people to find a safe place, develop leadership grounded in Christian values, and receive guidance through life. As part of this ministry, we are starting to develop new churches.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I am the founder of a youth ministry and have led youth camps all across Ukraine.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I try to improve and grow every day to serve people more effectively in love. I really believe that, as the Bible says, we should do everything as if it is for God, so I’m doing my best to stay awake for God and for people. I have a big heart for youth and want to invest in the next generation.
