Robert Wendl is a youth ministry leader in Slovakia.
When did you trust Christ?
At age 15, after a Christian summer camp, one of the leaders sent me a rap song paraphrasing Psalm 139. I realised Jesus loved me so much and suffered on the cross because of my sins. The Holy Spirit opened my heart, and I understood the Gospel. I prayed, repented, and asked God to lead my life, surrendering all to Him.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
God has been with me during my walk as a 'lost sheep' my first year in church youth group, the mental health issues I experienced during attendance at university, and my first discipleship group leading younger boys at summer camp.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I hope to learn new, effective ways to reach, connect, and share the Gospel. I hope to lead new people to Christ and a local church. I want to serve and reach Generation Alpha.
What is your ministry?
I work as a youth ministry leader in Child Evangelism Fellowship in Slovakia. I organise weekly summer and school-year camps, connecting this ministry with local churches and investing in next-generation leaders. I am a part-time youth ministry leader in CEF. My wife and I are also elders in our church. I preach sermons once a month and present Sunday services. I am starting a new discipleship group with boys in our church this September.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
For several years, I was a volunteer leader in a youth group in a local church. I have led a young adult fellowship and been a core team (elders) leader in a local church. I also discipled two young high school boys.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I am married, have a daughter and pay a mortgage. I do not have money in my budget for the Forum fee. I am the only youth minister in the Slovak CEF. I am building and working on our future vision of how to connect our para-church ministry in CEF with local churches. I know God wants me in this position and has given me a broken heart for teenagers and wisdom and practical skills to lead youth. I believe the Forum would increase my skills in leading the youth.
