What is your ministry?
I am currently the worship leader in my church. I play the guitar, help select the songs and help with the musical arrangments. I also lead a small group Bible study and occasionally teach the Bible in the church.
When did you trust Christ?
I was raised in a Christian family, so I was taught the truth about the Bible, God, Jesus, and His sacrifice for our sins from a very early age. Over the years, I got to know the Bible more and more, but this was only "theoretical knowledge" for me. I learned many details and information about people who lived over 2,000 years ago. I knew I should believe in Jesus in a way that was more than simply accepting historical facts. I tried many times to "give me life to Jesus" during the Christian summer camps I attended, but with no long-lasting effect. However, there was a period in my life, around my 18th birthday, when I realised that I was a sinner and that my heart was corrupt. I was not capable of being good on my own.
Moreover, I realized that I am personally responsible for my sins before God and that the punishment for my sin was death. This terrified me. But I realized the answer to this fear was in front of my eyes. The answer was Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for my sins. It became clear that I could have this great salvation if I only responded in faith.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
I have had a few such moments. First, in my church youth group and at summer camps, I met other followers of Jesus my own age. I could see them pray, see how they acted, and watch their closer relationships with God firsthand. I became envious of these other believers and their relationships with God. Second, shortly after I followed Jesus, I felt a massive desire to serve. I needed to do something for the church and should not remain idle. I searched for a while and finally found a proper place for me, which was serving as a guitar player in my church's worship band. I have been playing guitar since I was around 14 years old, so I felt I should use my talents for God's glory. After a few years, I was eventually asked to become the leader of the worship band, and I agreed. Thirdly, I was asked to prepare and lead a few Bible studies for my church's youth group and, after a while, for our home Bible study group. This was a giant step for my faith and how I read the Bible.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I hope to increase my ability to analyse and understand texts from the Bible correctly. In addition, I hope to encourage other believers in how they participate in worship and serve in their churches. Also
to increase my knowledge of God's Word and to meet people who serve in similar ministries and share experiences and ideas with them.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
In addition to leading worship, I have been a small group leader.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
Worship and music are essential parts of the weekly church gathering. There is a great need in our city for new churches, and I would love to be of help in the matter of encouraging and leading new people who are capable of serving through music. Attending the Forum will help me improve my leadership skills so that I can serve in this way.
