As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a bin man or newspaper seller.

Why did you study politics & religion?

As an aid worker and a Christian in the Former Yugoslavia I have witnessed how people, in the early 1990s changed their allegiance from Communism to religion. Suddenly, everyone spoke of their forefathers' religion - Orthodox (Serbs), Catholic (Croats) and Islam - as a part of their culture. I wanted to learn more about regional history and study how century-old grievances were incorporated into politics and shaped society and what the possible way forward could be.

How has living in a 'country in conflict' shaped your faith?

In 1991 I was due to serve the national service at a military base south of Zagreb (Croatia). I declined and asked for a transfer because many of my relatives are Croats and I could not imagine meeting my cousins as an enemy soldier. I was reassigned to Macedonia and Kosovo which challenged my faith. I learnt that human life is perishable and often seen as worthless. After the wars in the Former Yugoslavia (in the 1990s), that faith in Jesus Christ and the love of our neighbour inspired me to meet people from other ethno-religious groups in the region.

What has been the political highlight for you this year?

It was the address by Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague about 'The Future of British Foreign Policy', and his remarks that the countries of the Former Yugoslavia must not be forgotten at a time when some of them (like Bosnia-Herzegovina) are experiencing the most challenging times since the end of the 1990s war.

Jesus said, "Blessed are the Peace makers", so I ...

... crossed the post-war borders within Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1996 in order to visit and help the victims regardless of their ethno-religious background. This year I became a volunteer with Peacebuilders and accomplished the relevant training in mediation.

How has the credit crunch affected you?

This time last year I had a good and secure job. Around Christmas 08, that job ended unexpectedly and I have been unemployed since. It is frustrating when you want to work but neither recruitment agencies nor employers are short-listing you; not even for an interview. Particularly, when I know I am gifted with useful knowledge and international work experience.

What Christian story or biblical text motivates you in your (voluntary) work?

As a teenager and later throughout my early twenties it was 1 Timothy 4:12; 'Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity'.
Later, during and after the wars in the region I have always been reminded of Matthew 5:8 'Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God'.

What makes you most angry?

When people are making decisions by the book and prescribed instructions only, instead of assessing situations case by case and sometimes making exceptions to the rule. Some wise flexibility could be useful.

What's the one thing you couldn't live without?

A notebook and a pen. I like to record my thoughts.

What is your least and most green credential?

The least: taking plastic bags at shops.
The most: I like switching the lights off everywhere in the house apart from the room where we are. Unfortunately I sometimes find myself doing it in other people's houses.

What living person do you most admire, and why?

I would say my mum Roza for three reasons. Firstly, she wakes up at night and prays for people in need, whereas I often desire a snooze even after lunch. Secondly, she is willing to forgive anyone. Personally, I found it difficult to forget those who did not shortlist me for job-interviews. Finally, she frequently visits three disabled ladies on the outskirts of Belgrade, brings them a Sunday roast and breaks their loneliness by joining them for a couple of joyful hours. Afterwards she boards a bus and heads for an evening church service.

Martin Luther King Jr had a dream for society. What is yours?

One of my dreams is to see Christians getting involved in local, national and international politics either as advisors or at the political forefront. I am always encouraged after reading about Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul. They were able to bring a critical and applicable socio-political and ethical message when meeting politicians, statesmen or anyone else in power.

What is the main hindrance to living the dream?

Probably, passivity and complacency amongst Christians, thinking that God (or someone else) will do everything whilst we should only pray.

What will you be doing in 5 years time?

Hopefully something inspiring, as a part of British foreign policy and diplomacy. I enjoy rebuilding bridges between nations and cultures. If nothing else, then just shaking a hand or greeting someone from another culture.

Tell us a joke

My jokes do not sound funny. At least my wife says so - although she did marry me when I told her how much I love being married to an outspoken woman.