Nilmersson Da Silva is a pastor in Hungary.
When did you trust Christ?
I came to put my trust in Jesus at the age of 16. I had attended church as a child but was far from the Lord until I met Christian classmates in high school. I knew that Jesus was the truth, but I resisted Him and lived a life of sin until I felt gripped by loneliness and could no longer resist Him. I went to church on a Thursday evening service and turned to God.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
My life is a series of significant changes. I recognise God designed all of them. I grew up an orphan, and the church was always a safe place. There, I saw models of a life I did not see at home. At 17, I moved out to live with my uncle, a Christian who helped me see my value as a child of God and invested in me. I have also had several good pastors who invested in my life and encouraged me to continue as a leader. More recently, as an elder, I have experienced the love of God through the small but faithful community. Our journey of adopting our first child is also a testimony of God's grace. We also got pregnant after ten years of prayer, which is a miracle since we were told this would not happen.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
At ELF, I have become more aware of the movement of evangelical churches in Europe and, as a result, feel less alone. I want to return to the Forum to build on the foundation I received last year and to bring new people with me. I am counting on this Forum to be a time to refresh my heart and hear the Word of God. I am often teaching and giving to people, and the Forum is probably the only time of the year when I can receive teaching!
What is your ministry?
I serve as a pastor in Hungary, a seminary student, and a missionary working with international students at the local university.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
From 2014 to 2017, I volunteered at summer camps in Hungary. From 2009 to 2014, I was a board member at Lar Feliz, a children's shelter in Brazil. I also served at my youth group, organising outreaches for the homeless and prostitutes.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I feel called to serve the Lord and would like to dedicate everything I have to explore this calling. God gave me the necessary gifts for leading and teaching; when I preach, others are edified. I am enrolled in seminary because I need to prepare for the next season of my life in ministry. As my needs in ministry increase, I need to strengthen myself and learn from others.
