Marek Ilenin is the director of a Christian non-profit in Slovakia.
When did you trust Christ?
In 2002, I left my university studies in Information Technology and worked as a volunteer at Lee Abbey Devon in the United Kingdom. While volunteering there, I realised my priorities were wrong. So, I repented of my sins and gave my life wholeheartedly to Christ Jesus.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
The most critical moment in my faith was starting my work at Lee Abbey Devon. Shortly after, my priorities changed, and I have followed Christ since. After I became a Christian, I began to study the Bible, and more experienced believers mentored me.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
The Forum is a time of spiritual and practical recharging, especially in the areas of delegation of authority, forgiveness, and healing of the heart. It is a time of re-evaluating my service to God and drawing closer to Him. It is also a networking meeting where I can meet like-minded brothers and sisters. At this upcoming ELF, I hope to get to know other people serving in my area.
My biggest expectation is to experience mentoring and learn how to keep doing it. Of course, I want to continue to develop as a leader and as a person of faith and learn more about God and myself. I expect to experience a group dynamic where we get to know each other and, most importantly, enrich each other with the other participants. I would also like to be inspired by some successful ways to lead in changing the way a traditional congregation operates so that it cannot only win new people to Christ but also care for them and incorporate them into the congregation's life.
What is your ministry?
I work for a Christian non-profit organisation. Our vision at the NGO is to be a relevant voice and to support young and needy people. We strive to meet their physical and spiritual needs and create a space for their growth. The three main areas of our service include working with children and youth, assisting young adults, and working with the elderly by providing home care services for them. This ministry is connected to a local church where I serve as an elder.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
In addition to being the Director of a Christian NGO, I am an elder in my local church.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
As the Psalm says, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
