My name is Ruvym, and I live in Lviv - the cultural capital of Ukraine. I moved here to study, but originally, I’m from a small village. I was born and raised in a Christian family. When I was six, my mom was diagnosed with cancer and passed away. After some time, my dad remarried, and my new mom became exactly the person my siblings and I needed. 

For years, I believed that growing up in a Christian home was enough, that I didn’t need to make any personal decision about faith. During my teenage years, I realized that wasn’t true. I turned to Christ personally, and that decision transformed both my attitude and life. The war in Ukraine was one of the most frightening events in my life. There was confusion and a sense of helplessness. That’s when I realized there was nothing I could do except pray and volunteer, which gave me peace and a sense of purpose. I joined a team that worked with teens who didn’t know Jesus and quickly realized how much I loved this ministry. When I moved to Lviv to study, friends invited me to Young Life and later asked me to join the team. I’m incredibly thankful God led me to serve again, even in a new city. 

Now, I study Philology (languages) and hope my diploma will open doors for future work and service - possibly in translation, editing, or teaching. It is more to me than academics, it is one of the ways God shapes my character, broadens my view, and prepares me for what He’s calling me to do. As a Developing Global Leader, my main goal is to grow in leadership and become an effective, responsible part of my team. I want to be helpful, and through my service in Young Life, I pray I will lead many teenagers to know the hope and love of Jesus.