Marian Lajda

I am a full-time youth leader in my church. I lead several teams of volunteers. Together we prepare youth meetings for students from age 12 to university students. Last year my wife and I started meetings for people age 25 to middle age. I also teach religion in local primary schools and high schools.
It was 13 years ago at a confirmation camp. The main theme was Jesus and His story. I always knew that Jesus died for all people, but at the camp I realized that He died for me personally, I prayed that I wanted to walk with him. On that day I became his child. My life changed dramatically. I believe that that decision was the best thing I ever did.
I was attending the School of Leaders in Zilina, which was a one-year internship. The interns met monthly for a weekend training event that focused on ministry skills, theology, Bible study methods, character development, and leadership development. The most recent thing that impacted my life was my visit to the United States, where I was an intern at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Naperville, Illinois. As an intern I was helping with children’s and youth ministries. It was great experience for me; I learned a lot about the mission and Gods plan for this world.
I see many things in my ministry that could be improved. I think that the Forum can help me and guide me through many struggles and my ministry will be more fruitful. We did not have any meetings for university students in our church.
We did not have any meetings for university students in our church. I received a lot of ideas and encouragement for this ministry. Today there are around 30 university students coming to our meetings.