In August, a Pioneer in Croatia began volunteering at the Zagreb Zoo. It might seem like an unusual choice for a ministry pathway—after all, was she planning to share the Gospel with animals? Not quite. For Christina, this experience has been about people, language, and God’s grace in unexpected places.
One of Christina’s main roles is assisting in the lemur walk-in enclosure. Guests step inside for a close encounter with the animals, and she interacts with them directly. On busy days, she speaks with over a hundred people. Even on rainy afternoons with lower visitor numbers, the conversations remain meaningful. Most conversations are in Croatian, while switching to English with foreign guests. Each interaction—whether lighthearted or more thoughtful—gives her a chance not only to practice language but also to connect with people.
Christina contributes to the ministry in Europe through multiple advisory roles, utilizing her educational and science expertise. She has also created a science and apologetics YouTube channel. From the outside, it would be easy to say her ministry activities are “enough” without spending her free time volunteering.
“I have been trying to volunteer since I moved to Croatia. This is a great way to serve the local community, build relationships, and practice language. However, most organizations either want fluent speakers or volunteers who commit full-time hours. I helped with some local sporting events which were great but seasonal. I wanted something more consistent. When I saw the zoo’s request for volunteers in the lemur habitat, I emailed them right away and went through the information session and interview. ”
Cross-cultural living and service can be both joyful and exhausting. The simple things take time and energy they wouldn’t in your home culture. Many would not blame a missionary for spending their free time resting. Christina is an academic, holding a Master's of Science in Inorganic Chemistry, a Doctorate of Philosophy in Chemistry Education, and a Master's of Divinity in Christian Apologetics. She could easily lean into academic ministry alone, but God has given her a desire to choose something more.
That desire flows from Christina’s own story. God used science to draw Christina from atheism to faith, giving her a passion for science-based evangelism. That passion combined with her desire to volunteer placed her at the zoo and opened doors to a ministry pathway that has brought her joy and encouragement.
The gift of volunteering has been fruitful both ways. The time outdoors has refreshed Christina’s health and spirit. Watching lemurs leap or hearing children laugh reminds her of God’s joy and creativity, renewing her energy for the work ahead. In August, when many locals leave Zagreb for the coast or mountains and the city feels quiet, the zoo has provided community and connection. Conversations with caretakers and visitors alike have shown her how ministry often happens in ordinary, unscripted moments—whether feeding animals, answering a child’s question, or listening to a visitor’s story.
So no, Christina isn’t evangelizing the lemurs. But she is faithfully present—building relationships, practicing language, and embodying God’s love in the place He’s put her. That, after all, is the essence of ministry: faithfulness in the little things.
Wherever your work, hobbies, volunteering, or mistakes take us today, let us be expectant people! Expect God’s grace to be on display in all places. Christina’s story reminds us that ministry doesn’t always happen in traditional settings. Sometimes it looks like stepping into a zoo, a park, a sports club, or a community center—simply being present with the people God brings across our path.
A love for science brought Christina to faith and God has given her a vision for that same love to bring more people into the body of Christ. Perhaps her experience can spark reflection: Is there a creative way you could use your own gifts and interests to connect with others and show God’s love in everyday life?