Manca Filo disciples teen and young adult women in Slovenia.
When did you trust Christ?
My coming to Christ has been a longer process that lasted my four high school years. Starting freshman year, I became friends with a classmate who was a missionary kid from the U.S. Her family was in Slovenia with an organisation called Josiah Venture, so this friend invited me to one of their evangelistic summer camps. At that camp, I was first introduced to Jesus; however, it took about three years for me to finally accept Jesus into my heart. At the very end of high school, I realised the truth, which was that Jesus really must be the son of God, and he really did everything that the Bible says He did. Once I admitted this out loud, my friend challenged me, saying that I must either keep living the way I live with the knowledge I have, or accept what Jesus is offering and start following him. I chose the second option and prayed for the very first time.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
The three most significant moments that defined my Christian walk were going through a three-year student program called Teologija in mladi (theology and youth). It was at this program that I learned to walk with Christ in community and to finish the race that is our life on Earth well. Later, I interned with Josiah Venture, serving and spreading the gospel in Slovenia. That summer, I learned how to be still and find rest in God. That summer, I went through a very difficult time when one of my family members passed away. Although I never walked away from Jesus, I didn't feel His presence at all during that time, and it took months of mourning and a very intense prayer session my friends held for me to begin to heal.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I heard about the Forum from a few brothers and sisters from my community who have participated in the Forum in the past years. By attending the European Leadership Forum, I expect to develop my skills in effectively facilitating Bible study groups and guiding others into Scripture. This, I hope, will ultimately equip me to nurture stronger spiritual growth in those I serve.
What is your ministry?
My current ministry includes teaching at a Sunday school, a role I have recently felt called to. I also organise and participate in youth evangelistic camps for junior high and high school kids. Additionally, I am involved in discipling teen and young adult girls, mentoring them in their walk with Christ, the way I was once mentored.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I have been one of the leaders at youth evangelistic camps. Along with that, I have also co-led the high school youth group at my local church. Outside of ministry, I have also led numerous projects with the student organisation I was part of, including a roundtable, educational workshops, and a Christmas fundraiser.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
They may want to invest in my training and my ministry because it would directly impact the spiritual growth of children, youth, and young adults, helping raise generations rooted in biblical values. Supporting my ministry is, therefore, an investment in long-term leadership formation and local community impact.
