Vadym Biriukov is a seminary professor in Ukraine.
When did you trust Christ?
Before I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour, I desperately searched for real friends, and I thought I had found them. We were playing on a basketball team but had a falling out, and I was bitterly disappointed. One day, I was at a store complaining about my disappointment; I was astonished by how a lady talked to me. She was a believer; she spared her time for me and was kind as I explained my disappointment in the people I thought were my friends. Through that sister, God spoke to my heart. I wanted to know the God she knew—that day radically changed my life.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
Just after my repentance, I started working at the Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant, one of the world's largest producers of manganese alloys. I prayed to God for protection during each shift. Those months were a defining moment for my trust in God. I had two very close brushes with a severe injury where my hands could have been completely crushed. After that, I didn't doubt the One I came to in repentance and to whom I had dedicated my whole life. Eventually, I left my job and enrolled in Zaporizhzhia Bible College (ZBC). I studied there for four years. It was a constant growing experience through my teachers and their lectures, prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other students.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
There are many gaps in my youth ministry, and with the help of the Forum (lectures, mentoring, etc.), I am gradually managing to fill them. I hope to further improve as a youth leader and make useful contacts for both me and the seminary.
In the YRM, I expect to meet new people from other countries. Hearing their life stories and learning from their ministry experience is great. To laugh together and have a fun time. It's precious to share our needs and pray for each other. Also, I look forward to the example of a mentor so I can learn from him. A mentor can listen, exercising empathy. I can share the pains in my ministry and find support and understanding. Additionally, it's great to hear guest speakers on related topics. I also look forward to reading the assigned books to find new insights.
What is your ministry?
My current ministry is connected to my church and Bible seminary. At the church, I am a deacon, preach, sing in the choir, and am a youth leader. At the seminary, I teach courses and have many other responsibilities.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I was a director of AWANA clubs for two years during my university education. We had a team of about eight people. It wasn't easy for me to manage the team, as I felt as though I was sitting in the wrong chair, but it was an excellent opportunity to learn about what it means to be a leader.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
Jesus Christ expects me to bear fruit, and I want to be of service in His Kingdom. I am dedicated to my job and ministry and want to improve as a mentor and leader. Investing in me will also hopefully influence many more people. I want to pass the applied knowledge on to those whom I mentor.
