Natalia Vainik works with the Russian-speaking community in Serbia.
When did you trust Christ?
I became a Christian during my first year at university, many years ago, through the ministry of Campus Crusade, after watching the Jesus film.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
After becoming a Christian, I joined the InterVarsity / IFES ministry and soon became a student leader. That time gave me so much and helped me grow spiritually. After graduating from university, I stayed involved in student ministry for another eight years, and that period also shaped me deeply – through my mentors and through the teaching and training I received there.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I expect to gain practical skills and guidance to grow my leadership and serve my community better. I want to learn how to set priorities and develop strategies in a fast-changing situation, because people often move and needs can change quickly. I also want to learn how to secure funding for events, activities, and office space, share the vision clearly with others, build a strong and motivated team, and identify and train new leaders. Although I am already doing some of this out of necessity, I want to improve my skills further so that our community can grow, develop, and have an even greater impact.
What is your ministry?
I am currently helping to establish and develop a Christian community among Russian-speaking immigrants in Belgrade, building it from the ground up. Our desire is to create a welcoming and supportive space for both believers and those who are exploring faith. We also focus on sharing the good news of Jesus and helping people hear and respond to the Gospel. Together with others, I help shape the community's vision and provide spiritual care, mentorship, and practical support. My role also includes developing new leaders, organising gatherings and discussions, and helping people reflect on how to live out their faith in a new cultural context.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I was a student leader, in charge of a student group, organising Bible studies, outreach events, and mentoring younger students. Additionally, I was a coordinator of the internship programme, responsible for training, mentoring, and supervising interns.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
Many new immigrants from Russia, especially those who left because of the war, often feel alone and without support. They can be treated with suspicion in their new culture, and sometimes judged harshly by their home country. Their need for Christ is often very great, yet many are overlooked, even by Christian ministries. As someone who speaks their language and understands their pain, I feel called to share the Gospel with them and care for them. I hope to learn practical skills, guidance, and ideas at the European Leadership Forum to better serve this community.
