Marcela Carolina da Rocha e Oliveira Alves Moreira is the Communications Coordinator for GBU Italy.
When did you trust Christ?
I grew up in a Christian family in the evangelical church. At age 10, during a lesson in Sunday Bible school, I understood the message of the Gospel and surrendered my life to Jesus. At age 12, I got baptised and made my profession of faith.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
My parents were good witnesses of faith and discipleship and carefully guided me as a child. As a university student, I served with the GBU evangelistic ministry in Brazil, where I was born and raised, and in Italy. Having colleagues and other student believers and missionaries alongside me ingrained in me a desire to be intentional in my testimony, and a deep zeal to study the Word. During my one-year mentorship with IFES, I began to better understand my call to serve in the Kingdom. I am grateful for the people God has given me as examples, especially in my local church.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I hope to find substantial teaching of the Word, exchange ideas and experiences with others in both similar and different ministries, and learn new ministry tools. I hope to gain a renewed vision of God's Kingdom so that my heart can always rejoice in serving for His glory. I would like to be able to improve my communication management skills and learn the tools to be more effective in reaching our audiences.
What is your ministry?
I have been Communications Coordinator for Gruppi Biblici Universitari Italia (GBU Italy) for the past few years. I manage internal and external communication, support local student groups with their communications, and work extensively with fundraising. l help create content and graphic designs.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
As a young staff member in training within the University Evangelistic Movement, I spent two years leading a local group of young students, supporting them in their testimonial journeys at the university. I led Bible studies and did discipleship and Bible training. Later, I took on a new role, doing ministry communication at the national level.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I believe that evangelism in universities is of considerable importance. My ministry exists to make it easier for believers to enter the university environment, a world often hostile to their faith. Having the opportunity to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually would be a great blessing for me as well as the whole ministry. We are an interdenominational organisation operating throughout Italy, so relevant communication is important, not only in the university context, but for the entire Italian evangelical community.
