Sona’s Testimony: From Emptiness to Hope and Meaning
3.07.2018
Sona is a vibrant young Next Generation leader from Armenia who is being trained through our School Without Walls program. She shared her incredible testimony with us of how God filled the emptiness of her life with love, meaning, and lasting hope in Him:
“I am 20 years old, and I became a believer when I was 15. My parents got divorced when I was 10, and after my father left, I was very angry and I felt so empty without him. I closed myself off emotionally and tried to pretend like I was tough. When I was 14, I asked myself, Why am I here. Why I was born? I believed that God existed, but I imagined that He was far away and that I was alone on earth.
“I tried to fill the void in my heart with science, school, and music, and eventually, I started listening to heavy metal. The more I listened, the more aggressive I became, and it started affecting my relationships with my mom, sister, and friends. I would just sit alone in my room and listen to heavy metal music online, where I met a lot of bad friends. They sent me even more music and tried to get me to start smoking. Thankfully, I eventually decided to end these relationships.
“One day, I went to an Orthodox Church because I was looking for God, but I didn’t feel any connection with Him there. I prayed that He would take away my life, because I didn’t see the point in living anymore. I even attempted suicide, but thank God that I lived! My mother is a believer, and two of her friends from church would often come over to talk about God. I always avoided them and scoffed at their beliefs. However, one day I was desperately trying to figure out the meaning of life, so I decided to join their discussion. While we were talking, I felt the call to repent, but my pride still held me back. Thankfully, I finally overcame my pride and accepted Christ, who filled my life with love and meaning.
“For me, School Without Walls (SWW) has been the best tool for learning about evangelism. I had wanted to share my faith with others, but I’d always had a hard time explaining the gospel effectively. I knew that everyone needed Christ, but I didn’t know the best way to actually talk with people about Him. At SWW, I learned helpful strategies for sharing the gospel in ways that people can understand. The Business As Mission class was also very helpful, because before this class, I didn’t know what my professional talents were, but now I feel prepared to succeed in whatever vocation I pursue.
“My SWW training has also helped me mend my relationships with my mother and sister, because I realized how important it is for me to make time for my family. I also felt called to serve the poor and needy in a nursing home, and reach out to teen girls. Because of my own experiences with emptiness, I am able to understand the struggles that young people face, and I want to help them realize that only God can fill their lives with true love and meaning. I also hope to find a good job, which I can enjoy and use to serve God. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find jobs in my city, because of the social situation in my country. Many people are even going to Russia to look for work. I pray that God would provide a job for me so I can take care of myself and serve Him.”
Praise God for His amazing work in Sona’s life!
To support the training and equipping of young Next Generation Christian leaders, like Sona, who are proclaiming the gospel throughout their communities, please make a gift to our School Without Walls program: