Hello, my name is Janyl, and I’m 16 years old. I attend the “Hope” School in the village of Ivanovka. I grew up in a conservative Muslim family. As a child, I faced bullying from those around me and my acquaintances because I attend this school. I was teased because we have Bible classes; they said I was studying alongside Christians and that this was wrong.

Over time, it became easier for me to handle such words because Jesus Christ came into my life. I first learned about Him at a young age. School spiritual coordinator, Maxim, introduced me to Christ. He told us stories from the Bible so interestingly that I wanted to learn about Christ not only at school but also at home. Day by day, I learned more about Jesus. When my parents noticed my interest, they tried to restrict me, because I grew up in a conservative Muslim family. They said I shouldn’t listen to Bible lessons, that it is all a lie.

But, thankfully, the Lord had a special plan for me. I was always very interested in hearing how Jesus changes people’s lives and fills them with His love, which helps you see those around you in a different light. Later, I met another wonderful person. It was Diana, a coordinator who helped me personally encounter Jesus and showed me how He changes our lives, how He works in them, and reveals His love to us. After hearing her testimony, I thought long and hard about accepting Jesus into my life. One day at a morning assembly at school, I heard that the very fact that I was attending our school was no coincidence, but part of God’s plan. It was then that I began to think even more seriously about accepting Christ.

Step by step, I began to fight my fears. At 12–13 years old, I was an atheist. I didn’t want to live the way my parents taught me. I thought about accepting Christ, but for me, it was something unknown and frightening. I was a very withdrawn child and was too shy to share these thoughts with the coordinators. But God arranged my life so that I was invited to serve at the summer camp as a translator. Spending time with the children, I felt much better and calmer. At that camp, I met another coordinator, Denis. He suggested I try my hand at teaching English. So I became a volunteer and started working even more with the children, leading interesting activities for them in Ivanovka gym ministy. I also spent a lot of time with Denis`wife, Katya. She became very close to me. It was with her that I read the Bible for the first time, and it was with her that I prayed a prayer of repentance. Later, I was invited to try my hand at being a translator. By that time, I already knew for sure that I wanted to accept Jesus Christ into my life. Every morning, hiding this from my parents, I prayed and asked Jesus to guide me on the right path, to bless my ministry, to help me discover new sides of myself, and to open my heart to Him.

Later, Katerina invited me to go to a camp at Issyk-Kul. There I met many children who were just like me. They, too, were searching for their path and striving to understand which direction they wanted to take in life. At that camp, God revealed an important truth to me: every person can take a step toward their fears together with Christ and overcome them. As I followed Jesus, I saw more and more how He changes people’s lives and how He changes my own life. My life took on new meaning. I let go of my anxieties and entrusted my whole life to Him. Now there is a great desire in my heart for every person to come to know Jesus and accept Him into their heart.

For me, Christ is the Savior. He is my Protector and the most loving Father. I can come to Him whether I am sad or joyful, tell Him everything that is happening in my life, and share my most intimate experiences. And I know that Christ always loves me. I am so glad that He entered my heart with such love and joy.

Now, as I follow God, I face condemnation and intense pressure from my parents. They still do not accept my decision to be a christian. It can be very difficult for me, but I continue to stay in prayer. Thanks to this, I find new strength to enjoy life, learn, and move forward. Every morning I thank God for being in my life and for the fact that, thanks to Him, my life is changing for the better.