Irina

My name is Ira and I live in Khmelnitsky, Ukraine with my mother, father, and younger sister. I grew up in a believing family. My parents are very wise and they have strongly influenced my formation. A few years ago, my dad became a pastor. My parents share a common calling of serving families in our community. For me, they are a great example! Our family has had to persevere through very difficult circumstances, but God has brought us through and blessed us.

I first heard about God’s love and repented when I was five years old, but while growing up, I started to forget about it and began to turn away from God. I eventually became acquainted with Young Life as a teenager when my dad started to help with the ministry. At camp, I had a special meeting with God. I didn't feel a bright spectrum of emotions, but I consciously prayed, asking for forgiveness and God’s will in my life. After that evening, my life changed dramatically, and I joined the Young Life team. I love the culture of the ministry; it has had a great impact on my life and continues to help shape my personality today.

In Young Life, I serve as a leader and have a goal to develop a new team in our city. With the help of the Developing Global Leaders scholarship, I am studying music theory at Khmelnytskyi Music College. This faculty combines logic, mathematics, and music, a very engaging and brain-developing curriculum. After graduation, I will become a teacher and hope to influence the younger generation even more.