Joelis Verdingas is a small group leader and PhD student in Lithuania.
When did you trust Christ?
I grew up in a Christian household; my dad is a pastor for a small congregation. From childhood, I was taught about God, but that was my parents' faith and not mine. When I was a teenager, our church went to the Festival of Hope, where Franklin Graham came to share the Gospel with Lithuanians. As Franklin started preaching, I heard the Gospel anew. It was then I decided to follow Jesus from my own desire. In the same year, I was baptised, and I have followed Christ ever since.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
As I started believing on my own accord, I saw that God was guiding me through certain situations, that He would form me as wet clay in His hand, and that I'd be suited to His needs. I have one example that taught me humility. I was one of the best students in my high school, but when it came time to take my exams, I did not score high enough to get into a state-funded position. Fast forward half a year, I got the news that I was being transferred to a state-funded position. I didn't even need to repay my loan. So, it was one of those moments where I understood that God was in control of my life, even when it was hard and I didn't know where I was going.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I am expecting, first, to gain more practical understanding what it is to be a leader in a Christian context. I expect that I will be guided more in my ministry and faith journey—to have a stronger backbone of prayer and advice. Also, I'm looking forward to building new, mutually beneficial relationships with people who are in a similar position as me.
What is your ministry?
My main ministry is leading a small group of young adults in my church in Vilnius. We gather once a week to fellowship, pray, and study the Scriptures. I try to maintain relationships with each of them, listen to them, and understand their needs. Also, from time to time, I preach on Sundays at my hometown church in Radviliškis.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
When I was in my teen years, I was responsible for serving youth in my hometown church, like a youth group leader. When I grew up, there were about 20 young people in my church, but almost all of them left our hometown to go study. I ended up leaving with several others, and then I started ministering to them.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I think the main reason why someone would want to invest in my training is the principle of disciples making disciples. This experience could better enable me to use my talents and gifts to minister to people. Also, I'm completely ready to serve the body of Christ, but without proper training and preparation, even my best intentions will fail.
