28 Feb 2025, 13:40Adina LupuGlasgow, Glasgow City, Scotland, United Kingdom
Interview with Volunteer Allan Zukowski
In this interview, Adina Lupu explores Allan Zukowski’s life journey and his impactful year with the Scottish Mission.
A comprehensive Scottish Mission (SM) Youth Survey, completed in 2023, highlighted that retaining youth after the age of 18 poses a serious challenge to the future of the SM. On the recommendation of the Youth Advisory, the SM Executive Committee initiated a recruitment process aimed at identifying volunteers with additional skills beyond pastoral work, such as music and social media. These skills would enable them to connect with a wider range of youth interests and address the retention issue.
Allan Zukowski, aged 29, was one of two volunteers invited to support the SM initiative in April of last year. This initiative aims to provide young people with new opportunities to grow, develop their skills, and remain engaged with the church. In this interview, Allan shares his lifelong passion for music, his journey in ministry up to this point, his contributions to the SM Youth Department since joining, and his future goals.
Q: Could you share some of the highlights of your childhood? Were you raised in an Adventist home? What were you like as a child, and when did your passion for music first begin?
A: I grew up in an Adventist home. From nursery to Year 6, I attended school at the Adventist University Centre of São Paulo (UNASP). After that, I transferred to a school where the headteacher was Adventist and religious education was incorporated into the curriculum. In my final year of secondary school, I returned to UNASP. Both my university degrees and postgraduate studies were also completed at UNASP. I have always loved learning new and different things and keeping my mind active. Since a young age, I have taken music lessons — starting with piano at home with my mother, and later learning recorder at age 3, saxophone at 10, and violin and clarinet at 12, with various teachers. I have played in numerous musical groups, both vocal and primarily instrumental, most of which were church-related.
Q: Tell us about your journey of faith. Has your belief always been clear to you, or have there been moments of doubt along the way?
A: I was baptised at the age of 9 after receiving three sets of Bible studies, two of which were based on Revelation. After that, whenever I had the opportunity to play, sing, or preach in church, I took it. However, in my final year of secondary school, I began questioning my faith. I never doubted God’s existence, but I primarily questioned the Adventist interpretations of the Bible. This period was crucial for me to reaffirm my beliefs in the church’s doctrines, as I returned to studying my foundational principles, explored different worldviews and understandings of God, and realised that my biblical perspective was indeed aligned with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Q: I know you as a passionate individual with a contagious dedication to others and seemingly endless energy for mission. Was there someone in your life who inspired you to live for God and face challenges with resilience and courage?
A: Yes, my mother. She has been my greatest inspiration for spirituality, devotion, and love for Jesus. As a child, I always saw her speaking about God in her classroom, organising Bible classes and church camps for different age groups, reading the Bible and Ellen White’s writings, and so much more. She always gave her all to help people progress, not only academically but especially spiritually. When she sadly passed away, I received messages from people saying they were following Jesus today because of her influence. I even say she died as a missionary because, in 2021, we realised that the teenagers and young people around us were not following lockdown measures, and with no church activities since it had been closed, they were gradually drifting away from God. We prayed and decided, with all possible precautions, to go to them in person and hold gatherings — similar to what they were already doing, but with a spiritual purpose. At one of these gatherings, I caught COVID, and shortly after, she caught it from me and didn’t survive. Instead of seeing teenagers and young people being lost to Satan’s temptations, she put her life at risk, and she will always be a great example to me.
Q: Thank you for sharing this very personal and inspiring story about your mum. What is your testimony about God’s calling to serve in the Scottish Mission?
A: Since childhood, I have been encouraged to work for God. As I grew up, I contributed to the church in various ways — adolescent ministry, Pathfinders, music, Bible classes, youth ministry, evangelism, health ministry, the Possibilities Ministry (focused on people with disabilities and the vulnerable), deaconry, and elder ministry. At one point, I started to struggle with my work schedule, as I was involved in many projects but felt that I couldn’t connect with people on a more personal level due to a lack of time.
I began praying intensely for God to show me a solution. Within a month, a couple of friends called me, asking if they could recommend me for a mission in Scotland. At first, I hesitated to see this as God’s answer, but I prayed again, asking God to show me His will. That same day, I called my church’s Evangelism Director and prayed with him for guidance. To my surprise, later that day, my boss called me in to let me go. The very next day — almost 24 hours after I was dismissed — I received an email from the Scottish Mission asking if they could put my name forward for a vote, as they were interested in me. At that moment, I understood that God didn’t just want me to know He was in control; He wanted me to experience it fully. He gave me 24 hours to grow and mature spiritually. I don’t know His plans for my future, but I have great peace because I trust He will lead everything in my life.
Q: When God closes one door, He surely opens another. Since you began serving in Scotland, what projects have you been involved in?
A: I have been involved with the Pathfinders, instructing classes when needed, helping teens practice for PBE, teaching map and compass skills in Crieff, and leading Sabbath afternoon activities at their camp. I have assisted with choir organisation for the concert, played the clarinet, and supported the Health Expo during Impact Glasgow 2024. I have also worked with the youth by leading Bible study in the Care Group, organising social activities (including the new Board Games project for Evangelism), and providing support at the Youth Retreat. Additionally, I organised the Praise Team for the Day of Fellowship. I founded the Adventist Melodies Choir for teenagers and am responsible for rehearsals, arrangements, and the group’s social activities. I organised a Teens Christmas programme, and, in response to an invitation from Beatson Cancer Charity to support them with music for their fundraising events and a visit to their patients, I organised the musical programme for these initiatives. More recently, I delivered a Music Training session to all those interested in this ministry and plan to organise another one at the request of those who attended.
Q: From a personal perspective, what are some of your hobbies, and what do you enjoy most about living in Scotland?
A: I’m a very active person, and I enjoy adventure and outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing. I love travelling to new places, spending time with friends, engaging in games, playing musical instruments, watching debates on different topics, and learning new things. I appreciate that in Scotland, it is easy to learn about different cultures, the traffic is much calmer compared to Brazil, and there are many opportunities to spend time in nature, as the country has such amazing scenery.
Q: Looking ahead, what are some areas you'd like to get involved in to contribute to the needs of the Youth Department in the SM and the church as a whole?
A: Regarding the Music Ministry, in addition to promoting the concept of ministry rather than just a praise team, I would like to organise more training sessions that encompass Bible studies on music, practical guidance for congregational worship, and church music leadership and organisation. I would also like to organise musical events for the Scottish Mission, such as a Music Weekend (on International Music Day), as well as partnership events with other establishments, particularly through performances and festivals. Another goal is to create a small musical group (with singers and instrumentalists) to compose, record, and produce music videos.
As for Pathfinder Ministry, I would like to organise community outreach activities and develop engaging activities that would attract children and teens — such as a book club or arts and crafts.
Regarding other projects, I believe I can contribute to the development of an Adolescent Ministry and plan to continue supporting the Youth Ministry, particularly in nurturing and enhancing the musical skills of young people. My long-term goals include pursuing further pastoral studies at Newbold College and, should the opportunity arise, potentially serving as a Pastor in the SM or the wider BUC.
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Following the interview, Pastor Claudiu Popescu, who served as the Youth Sponsor for the SM for over 10 years and participated in the recruitment process, shared the following:
“I have worked closely with Allan over the past 8 months, and I would like to commend his work ethic, spirituality, and the passion he puts into his work for the youth and Pathfinders in the SM churches. I was pleasantly surprised by his creativity, proactive attitude, and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure things are done to a high standard. I truly believe he is a great blessing to all those to whom he ministers. Reflecting on the two months of thoroughly interviewing many other potential candidates, I can confidently say he is an answer to our prayers.”
The Scottish Mission is grateful for the dedication and passion Allan has brought to his role over the past year. His contributions to the youth ministry have had a lasting impact, and his leadership and commitment have inspired many within the church community.
In this interview, Adina Lupu explores Allan Zukowski’s life journey and his impactful year with the Scottish Mission.
A comprehensive Scottish Mission (SM) Youth Survey, completed in 2023, highlighted that retaining youth after the age of 18 poses a serious challenge to the future of the SM. On the recommendation of the Youth Advisory, the SM Executive Committee initiated a recruitment process aimed at identifying volunteers with additional skills beyond pastoral work, such as music and social media. These skills would enable them to connect with a wider range of youth interests and address the retention issue.
Allan Zukowski, aged 29, was one of two volunteers invited to support the SM initiative in April of last year. This initiative aims to provide young people with new opportunities to grow, develop their skills, and remain engaged with the church. In this interview, Allan shares his lifelong passion for music, his journey in ministry up to this point, his contributions to the SM Youth Department since joining, and his future goals.
Q: Could you share some of the highlights of your childhood? Were you raised in an Adventist home? What were you like as a child, and when did your passion for music first begin?
A: I grew up in an Adventist home. From nursery to Year 6, I attended school at the Adventist University Centre of São Paulo (UNASP). After that, I transferred to a school where the headteacher was Adventist and religious education was incorporated into the curriculum. In my final year of secondary school, I returned to UNASP. Both my university degrees and postgraduate studies were also completed at UNASP. I have always loved learning new and different things and keeping my mind active. Since a young age, I have taken music lessons — starting with piano at home with my mother, and later learning recorder at age 3, saxophone at 10, and violin and clarinet at 12, with various teachers. I have played in numerous musical groups, both vocal and primarily instrumental, most of which were church-related.
Q: Tell us about your journey of faith. Has your belief always been clear to you, or have there been moments of doubt along the way?
A: I was baptised at the age of 9 after receiving three sets of Bible studies, two of which were based on Revelation. After that, whenever I had the opportunity to play, sing, or preach in church, I took it. However, in my final year of secondary school, I began questioning my faith. I never doubted God’s existence, but I primarily questioned the Adventist interpretations of the Bible. This period was crucial for me to reaffirm my beliefs in the church’s doctrines, as I returned to studying my foundational principles, explored different worldviews and understandings of God, and realised that my biblical perspective was indeed aligned with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Q: I know you as a passionate individual with a contagious dedication to others and seemingly endless energy for mission. Was there someone in your life who inspired you to live for God and face challenges with resilience and courage?
A: Yes, my mother. She has been my greatest inspiration for spirituality, devotion, and love for Jesus. As a child, I always saw her speaking about God in her classroom, organising Bible classes and church camps for different age groups, reading the Bible and Ellen White’s writings, and so much more. She always gave her all to help people progress, not only academically but especially spiritually. When she sadly passed away, I received messages from people saying they were following Jesus today because of her influence. I even say she died as a missionary because, in 2021, we realised that the teenagers and young people around us were not following lockdown measures, and with no church activities since it had been closed, they were gradually drifting away from God. We prayed and decided, with all possible precautions, to go to them in person and hold gatherings — similar to what they were already doing, but with a spiritual purpose. At one of these gatherings, I caught COVID, and shortly after, she caught it from me and didn’t survive. Instead of seeing teenagers and young people being lost to Satan’s temptations, she put her life at risk, and she will always be a great example to me.
Q: Thank you for sharing this very personal and inspiring story about your mum. What is your testimony about God’s calling to serve in the Scottish Mission?
A: Since childhood, I have been encouraged to work for God. As I grew up, I contributed to the church in various ways — adolescent ministry, Pathfinders, music, Bible classes, youth ministry, evangelism, health ministry, the Possibilities Ministry (focused on people with disabilities and the vulnerable), deaconry, and elder ministry. At one point, I started to struggle with my work schedule, as I was involved in many projects but felt that I couldn’t connect with people on a more personal level due to a lack of time.
I began praying intensely for God to show me a solution. Within a month, a couple of friends called me, asking if they could recommend me for a mission in Scotland. At first, I hesitated to see this as God’s answer, but I prayed again, asking God to show me His will. That same day, I called my church’s Evangelism Director and prayed with him for guidance. To my surprise, later that day, my boss called me in to let me go. The very next day — almost 24 hours after I was dismissed — I received an email from the Scottish Mission asking if they could put my name forward for a vote, as they were interested in me. At that moment, I understood that God didn’t just want me to know He was in control; He wanted me to experience it fully. He gave me 24 hours to grow and mature spiritually. I don’t know His plans for my future, but I have great peace because I trust He will lead everything in my life.
Q: When God closes one door, He surely opens another. Since you began serving in Scotland, what projects have you been involved in?
A: I have been involved with the Pathfinders, instructing classes when needed, helping teens practice for PBE, teaching map and compass skills in Crieff, and leading Sabbath afternoon activities at their camp. I have assisted with choir organisation for the concert, played the clarinet, and supported the Health Expo during Impact Glasgow 2024. I have also worked with the youth by leading Bible study in the Care Group, organising social activities (including the new Board Games project for Evangelism), and providing support at the Youth Retreat. Additionally, I organised the Praise Team for the Day of Fellowship. I founded the Adventist Melodies Choir for teenagers and am responsible for rehearsals, arrangements, and the group’s social activities. I organised a Teens Christmas programme, and, in response to an invitation from Beatson Cancer Charity to support them with music for their fundraising events and a visit to their patients, I organised the musical programme for these initiatives. More recently, I delivered a Music Training session to all those interested in this ministry and plan to organise another one at the request of those who attended.
Q: From a personal perspective, what are some of your hobbies, and what do you enjoy most about living in Scotland?
A: I’m a very active person, and I enjoy adventure and outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing. I love travelling to new places, spending time with friends, engaging in games, playing musical instruments, watching debates on different topics, and learning new things. I appreciate that in Scotland, it is easy to learn about different cultures, the traffic is much calmer compared to Brazil, and there are many opportunities to spend time in nature, as the country has such amazing scenery.
Q: Looking ahead, what are some areas you'd like to get involved in to contribute to the needs of the Youth Department in the SM and the church as a whole?
A: Regarding the Music Ministry, in addition to promoting the concept of ministry rather than just a praise team, I would like to organise more training sessions that encompass Bible studies on music, practical guidance for congregational worship, and church music leadership and organisation. I would also like to organise musical events for the Scottish Mission, such as a Music Weekend (on International Music Day), as well as partnership events with other establishments, particularly through performances and festivals. Another goal is to create a small musical group (with singers and instrumentalists) to compose, record, and produce music videos.
As for Pathfinder Ministry, I would like to organise community outreach activities and develop engaging activities that would attract children and teens — such as a book club or arts and crafts.
Regarding other projects, I believe I can contribute to the development of an Adolescent Ministry and plan to continue supporting the Youth Ministry, particularly in nurturing and enhancing the musical skills of young people. My long-term goals include pursuing further pastoral studies at Newbold College and, should the opportunity arise, potentially serving as a Pastor in the SM or the wider BUC.
--
Following the interview, Pastor Claudiu Popescu, who served as the Youth Sponsor for the SM for over 10 years and participated in the recruitment process, shared the following:
“I have worked closely with Allan over the past 8 months, and I would like to commend his work ethic, spirituality, and the passion he puts into his work for the youth and Pathfinders in the SM churches. I was pleasantly surprised by his creativity, proactive attitude, and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure things are done to a high standard. I truly believe he is a great blessing to all those to whom he ministers. Reflecting on the two months of thoroughly interviewing many other potential candidates, I can confidently say he is an answer to our prayers.”
The Scottish Mission is grateful for the dedication and passion Allan has brought to his role over the past year. His contributions to the youth ministry have had a lasting impact, and his leadership and commitment have inspired many within the church community.
