31 July 2024 | Warszawa, Poland [Daniel Kluska]
The Association of Adventist Women (AAW) annually presents the Junia Awards to women from each division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church who are nurturing and sustaining church life through their leadership, contributions, and pastoral care. The award, named after the apostle Junia (Romans 16:7), aims to encourage women around the world and honour their remarkable contributions.
This year, the Trans-European Division’s awardee is Joanna Krupa-Roszak. A native of Poland, Krupa-Roszak is heavily involved in aiding women and children displaced by the war in Ukraine. She also supports women’s involvement in church life and wants to help them believe in themselves. Together with her congregation, she is creating an inclusive church with a place for families and small children, along with those with special needs and disabilities.
In an interview with Daniel Kluska, the Polish Union Conference Communication and Media Director, Krupa-Roszak shared her thoughts about receiving the award and her dreams for the church.
Daniel Kluska (DK): How did you find out about the award? What did you feel?
Joanna Krupa-Roszak (JKR): I was surprised when Nerida Bates (AAW President) contacted me. When she explained the reason, my surprise turned into horror! I wasn’t sure I was a good candidate to be nominated for the Junia Awards. However, Nerida explained why they were considering me. This award honours female leaders in the church who are, in one way or another, trailblazing for women’s spiritual leadership through their involvement. I was recommended by an Australian, and after verifying, they determined that I was indeed a pioneer of sorts in Poland and could be honoured on behalf of the TED. It is a great privilege and honour for me!
DK: What led you to study theology and dedicate your life to serving as a pastor?
JKR: I have always had this conviction that I wanted to do something deep and meaningful with my life. I’m a social person by nature, and I like people. When God crossed my path, I longed to follow Him 100%, so I entered the pastoral journey. I decided to study at the Polish College of Theology and Humanities in Podkowa Leśna. This is how the adventure and work with the Church began. Although life can be complicated, I am still on this path, and I want to grow here.
DK: What areas of ministry work are you most passionate about?
JKR: I would like to bring God closer to people, particularly those who are discouraged by religion. I want to do some preventive work in this area, especially with young women, but also young parents, who, because of their effort to shape the new generation, should be at the heart of the Church.
I am interested in non-neurotypical people, and I would like to develop some low-sensory designs in our church to make it easier for them to enjoy the services. Professionally, I would like to undertake further education and become a Bible scholar someday.
DK: What are your dreams for the Church in Poland?
JKR: I dream that our Church in Poland, and the world, will stop being afraid of good changes. I am Christ-centred and oppose radicalisation.
Yet, I want to see the message of the Gospel preached in such a way that it attracts educated people and young people. I want them to have room to grow here. I want us to be a safe and open space where social, moral, and doctrinal issues can be discussed. I dream that we will reject gossip and judgment, and maintain a friendly relationship with those outside our communities, the excluded ones, and even those who have chosen to leave. I dream that each one of us, while obedient children of God, will still remain human.
Awardees from all thirteen divisions:
- Mary Mburu (Central and East Africa Division) – Chaplain at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, organising missions and prayer meetings for students.
- Elena Butova (Euro-Asian Division) – A former atheist from the USSR who became a church leader in Australia, responsible for establishing three new churches and baptising hundreds of people.
- Margaret Ramsarran (Inter-American Division) – At the age of 94, she is still actively serving as a pastor and administrative staff member of the Church of Guyana.
- Abigaela Trofin (Inter-European Division) – Lawyer from Romania, leading 12 church communities in Italy.
- Mongolian Women Pastors (North Asian-Pacific Division) – Recognising the increase in the number of women church leaders in Mongolia.
- Maria Ejurango, Elina Camarena, Shiphrah Fepulea’i, Therezinha Barbalho, and Linda Biswas (North American Division) – Pioneers in their immigrant communities in the United States.
- Fedra Pérez (South American Division) – Integrates conflict resolution skills into her ministry work in Argentina.
- Joyce Kandawok Bale (South Pacific Division) – Active in evangelism and youth training in Papua New Guinea.
- Pastor Tshepiso Anathi Mbele (Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division) – Youth leader and missionary in South Africa.
- Sharon Roja Vakkanthula (South Asia Division) – Promotes education and pastoral support for women in India.
- Jadaza Hintay (Southern Asia-Pacific Division) – Combines health education with evangelism in the Philippines.
- Joanna Krupa-Roszak (Trans-European Division) – Supports an inclusive church environment in Poland.
- Samuelle Ngo Ikouba (West-Central Africa Division) – Chaplain at Babcock University, influencing the spiritual lives of students.
[Photos: courtesy of Joanna Krupa-Roszak].
