Olya Tricolici shows the love of Christ through her writing in Moldova.
When did you trust Christ?
I made the decision to trust and follow Jesus when I was 17 years old, during a youth camp. I grew up in a Christian family, but for many years I struggled with lying, pretending, and trying to fit different expectations. Eventually, I felt lost in my own identity and saw no purpose in my life. That summer, I went to a youth camp with friends from a church I barely knew. There, for the first time, I understood that a life without God had no future for me, and that I didn’t need to pretend in order to be loved by Him. In that moment, I repented and chose to surrender my life to Jesus. Soon after, I was baptised. From that point on, I knew I couldn’t and didn’t want to live without Him.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
After my repentance at 17 years old, I struggled with consistency. Even though I stopped intentionally sinning, I often failed and lived with guilt, feeling that I was never “good enough” for God. I saw Him mainly as a strict Father who loved me but always expected more. Later, through friendships and inductive Bible study, I learned to see God as a Friend who understands my humanity because Jesus lived it Himself. During this season, I grew actively: I studied Scripture deeply, served in ministries, led a youth Bible study, and led worship. Eventually, I became overwhelmed and disillusioned. I felt I had outgrown my environment, and I stepped back from ministry and community for about a year. God started awakening my heart again through friends who spoke with a simple, childlike faith—asking God small questions, seeing His answers in daily life, and hearing Him beyond the written Word. I longed for the same. I began asking God to show Himself differently and prayed for discernment. That prayer changed everything. My relationship with God has become more intimate and alive. I talk to Him about everything, big and small. My faith stopped being duty-driven and became love-driven.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
Attending the European Leadership Forum will help me grow spiritually and learn how to use my creative gifts more effectively for God’s kingdom. Through the Artists Network, I hope to gain practical guidance, encouragement, and clarity in how to integrate faith, creativity, and writing into my ministry. I also want to connect with other believers who share a similar vision, so we can support and inspire one another. I believe this experience will strengthen my ability to serve as an ambassador of Christ’s love in every area of my life.
What is your ministry?
My current ministry is centred on living as an ambassador of Christ’s love in my daily life—through my work with people, my relationships, and the creativity God has given me, especially writing. At my local church, I serve on the worship team, assist with the media ministry, and play in the church brass band. Also, I am part of the organisational team for the Be The Light mission in our country, which focuses on uniting youth of different confessions. Although I enjoy serving in these practical areas, my main focus is sharing Christ through personal testimony, encouragement, and intentional conversations. I see my ministry as integrating faith into every sphere of my life and helping others encounter God’s heart through authentic connection.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I led a youth Bible study group and the youth worship team in my church. I served as a counsellor in youth and kids camps, including leading the media ministry. I oversaw the team of translators during the Billy Graham Evangelisation event in Moldova. And I also led a group of teenage girls during two missionary trips to Africa. Additionally, as the oldest sister of five siblings, I carry leadership and mentoring responsibilities within my family.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I believe the best investment anyone can make is into something that never fails—family and God’s kingdom. I’m committed to both, and I want my gifts to serve more than just the people around me. I see a real need for thoughtful, authentic Christian writers, and I want to develop this calling rather than keep it hidden. Investing in my training would help me grow not only creatively, but also in my personal example—so I can encourage, disciple, and inspire others more effectively in everyday life.
