From depression to ministry
Tuesday 16 February 2021 12:30 Meet Diana Ovcar, a new ECM worker in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
I was born into a religiously mixed home, and my parents divorced when I was young. My childhood was filled with challenging experiences, which left me confused and hopeless. It seemed depression would be my constant companion until age 17, when I attended a Christian camp and heard the gospel for the first time. I gave my life to Jesus and began to trust Him to heal my pain and brokenness.
My interest in global missions began in my college days, and I initially pursued missionary work in Asia.
However, God eventually redirected my attention to the needs of my homeland, Slovenia. I was invited by Cru (formerly Campus Crusade) to join their team in Ljubljana as a national worker and sensed God’s call to serve my own people. I have spent the last two years ministering to students with Cru. I love seeing the next generation of believers standing strong in faith, and my desire is to see them participate in building the Slovenian Church through sharing the gospel.
As a national missionary with European Christian Mission in Ljubljana, I will be serving in a local church with a focus on student ministry development and evangelism. These are areas of deep passion for me, and I feel privileged to have a part in God’s work in Slovenia!
If you would like to know more about ECM's involvement in Slovenia, please click here.
Stories from Europe > 2021
December
November
- 11/23/2021 11/23/21, 12:00 PM - Helping others to love Muslims
- 11/16/2021 11/16/21, 9:43 AM - The call to missions
- 11/12/2021 11/12/21, 12:10 PM - Trusting God in Portugal
October
- 10/26/2021 10/26/21, 2:00 PM - The gospel into people's homes
- 10/19/2021 10/19/21, 1:11 PM - How long, oh Lord?
- 10/11/2021 10/11/21, 12:12 PM - Tom and Grace Campbell
September
August
July
May
April
- 4/27/2021 4/27/21, 12:00 PM - Confined but connecting
- 4/20/2021 4/20/21, 5:30 PM - A life transformed...
- 4/6/2021 4/6/21, 11:30 AM - A light in the community
February
January
READ our stories about what is going on across Europe,
PRAY for the projects and the workers involved!
Ready for Camp Season?
June - 10 - 2026 10:28 Summer camps across Europe continue to offer children, young people, and families opportunities to encounter Christian community, hear the gospel, and experience lives transformed through Christ. full storyA New Path
June - 03 - 2026 12:46 Fatima* arrived carrying deep trauma and a firm rejection of faith. Through consistent friendship and practical support, her openness began to grow — until one unexpected moment changed her direction completely. full storyChurches Unite in Leiria
May - 27 - 2026 12:51 More than 200 believers from 12 churches and 9 mission organisations joined together in Portugal’s Leiria region for two days of evangelism, prayer, and outreach — with around 700 people approached and 40 decisions for Christ reported. full storyA Life Saved
May - 20 - 2026 12:38 What began as a soup kitchen relationship became something far more urgent. When Mr. Dumitru’s life was at risk, ECMI workers refused to give up — advocating, praying, and walking with him until the moment that changed everything. full storyThe Sun Shines for Irene
May - 13 - 2026 12:34 After years of searching — through religion, spirituality, and personal pain — Irene reached a point where she didn’t want to go on. But a simple online search connected her with an ECMI couple whose open table became the place where everything began to change. full storyA Place for Everyone — Rethinking Ministry Together
May - 06 - 2026 12:05 Across Europe, many live unseen — shaped by disability, anxiety, or neurodivergence. As followers of Jesus, we are learning to notice, to listen, and to create spaces where everyone belongs. full storyFaith from the Ruins
April - 29 - 2026 13:34 When war tore through Irpin, life was shattered. Yet even amid war, God’s work continues—lives changed, churches planted, and hope restored. Discover the story. full storyFaithful Presence
April - 22 - 2026 13:06 Mission in Europe often moves slowly, but God works in unseen ways. This story from Austria reminds us that faithful, patient love can transform lives — even when change seems invisible. full storySearching for Hope
April - 14 - 2026 12:52 Across Europe, many people are searching for meaning, identity, and hope. Behind the statistics are real lives. Meet Sander. full storyCalled? Keep going!
April - 08 - 2026 12:42 Sensing God’s call to mission can be both thrilling and daunting. Anna’s journey back to Romania reminds us that when God calls, He provides — and you are never alone. full storyThe Triumph of the Cross
April - 01 - 2026 12:23 As we approach Easter, we remember the Cross — the moment that changed eternity — and give thanks to Jesus, the King of kings. full storyClaremorris Church Opens Its Doors
March - 25 - 2026 11:31 What began as a small gathering in a town hall has become something far greater. On 21 March 2026, the growing church in Claremorris, County Mayo, celebrated the official opening of its very first building — a powerful milestone and a testament to God’s faithfulness. full storyStep Into Mission: Opportunities Across Europe
March - 18 - 2026 10:55 What could your next step in mission look like? Across Europe, doors are open for you to serve, grow, and make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re exploring a short-term experience or sensing a longer-term call, there are opportunities waiting where your gifts can make a real difference. full storyWomen of Faith
March - 04 - 2026 12:27 This March, we celebrate the incredible women serving in mission — women who lift God’s name high, shine His light, and make a difference across Europe. full storyA Church Takes Root
February - 25 - 2026 11:48 In the fast-paced rhythm of Budapest, a new church is taking root. Through patient relationship-building and creative outreach, Tamás and Virág are seeing lives changed and a vibrant community begin to grow. full storyEncouraging Growth in Portugal
February - 18 - 2026 12:05 There are hopeful signs of growth in Portugal, as new data reveals a significant rise in church planting across the country — a reminder that God is at work, often in ways we may not immediately see. Read on to see what God is doing! full storyThe Heavens Declare
February - 11 - 2026 13:17 Berlin Psalm Project’s second album is here! Experience the Psalms like never before, with jazz-inspired arrangements that stir the soul. full storyNew Neighbours
February - 04 - 2026 12:48 What does it mean to leave a familiar, supportive Christian environment and move to a place where the gospel is rarely heard? Last August, Edward and Trix Landman took that step together with their children. Now, a year later, they look back on their first experiences. full story