Marina Gnatyshyna serves youth through CCX Ukraine and in her local church in Ukraine.
When did you trust Christ?
I decided to follow Jesus when I was 12 after a near-drowning experience at summer camp. I realized I could have died, and I knew where I would go if I did not repent. After camp, the thought that I had not reconciled with Jesus and did not follow Him did not leave me with peace. So I kneeled and prayed to Jesus to forgive my sins, asking Him to help me follow Him.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
My parents were the best example of living with a strong faith. Meeting leaders in the FEUER network of evangelists has had an enormous impact on me as a student and evangelist. The IFES movement gave me a platform to love the Bible and grow as a leader. After the loss of my mother and during COVID, I found a new level of trust in God and committed to continue faithfully following and serving Him despite the suffering.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I believe attending the Forum will help me gain new partnerships, grow my experience in ministry, encourage me, and bring new insight and ideas to ministry in Ukraine. I want people in war-torn Ukraine to know God’s work in the midst of the darkness and suffering.
What is your ministry?
I serve university and high school students and fundraise for the CCX Ukraine student ministry. I am also involved in evangelistic outreaches, training students and staff to grow in Christ, and lead a youth ministry in my church.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
For over 10 years I was the Director for International Student Ministers in CCX Ukraine (IFES Ukraine). For another 10 years, I was the team leader in the Kyiv region, training staff and students to better reach students on campuses with the Gospel. I have also served as the Director for Pioneering in various cities in Ukraine. In addition, I was a youth leader at church and a member of the advisory group for the FEUER network.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I work directly with the younger generation who will help to rebuild Ukraine. By investing in me, you invest in the future of Ukraine.
