Daria is one of the students of the School Without Walls, a 16-year-old girl with a strong gift of leadership and great potential. Today, she helps develop the children’s ministry at the Reimer Center and sings in the worship team of New Hope Church (MBU Association).
Her journey to faith began in Berdyansk, which is now under occupation, when she first attended a children’s club at the age of eight. Daria grew up in a non-Christian family, where quarrels, alcoholism, and fights were common. At that time, the church was my refuge. I didn’t want to be at home, I faced bullying at school, and I had no friends. But in the church, I was sincerely accepted. There, I was loved and awaited, she shares. This was a key period in her life—she observed her leaders and dreamed of becoming like them.
But then, the war suddenly changed everything.
By the third day, our city was occupied. But despite the danger, we continued to gather at the pastor’s house. It inspired me and strengthened my faith. Later, most of the church relocated to Vinnytsia, and Daria moved with them. It was a difficult time: a new city, new people, and separation from her parents, who remained in the occupied territory. In Ukraine, she stayed under the care of her older brothers. But it was here that Daria made the most important decision of her life—she was baptized, dedicating her life to Christ.
At the age of 15, she began actively serving in the children’s ministry.
When I saw children from troubled families, I recognized myself in them and wanted to help. I wanted to care for them just as someone once cared for me. What started as a young girl’s desire grew into a real ministry, which continues in Vinnytsia even after Daria moved to Zaporizhzhia to live with her brother.
Today, she continues to serve children and has found a spiritual family in New Hope Church. She studies, grows, and dreams of dedicating her life to ministry. Daria eagerly attends the School Without Walls sessions. It’s not just about a great atmosphere and pleasant communication. We unite around ideas that are important for ministry. Here, I always discover something new.
One of the most profound realizations for Daria was that leadership is impossible without love.
Nothing will work without love! I am used to doing everything myself and find it difficult to delegate responsibilities because I fear someone might make a mistake. But I understand that for a team to grow, they need experience. We need love that builds up. This is one of the areas Daria wants to work on to make her ministry even more effective.
I can’t imagine myself without children’s ministry. The most valuable thing for me is their changed lives.
Daria knows firsthand the impact a church can have on a child, as she experienced it herself. Now, she wants to be the person who helps others feel love and hope.
The School Without Walls exists precisely to support young ministers, help them develop their gifts, and fulfill their calling. And for people like Daria, it is a place where their faith can grow and their ministry can become more effective.
