My name is Sergey, I’m 19 years old. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been drawn to the guitar — though I couldn’t really explain why. I just loved playing, but for a long time, I didn’t know how or where to use this passion. Who was I playing for? What was the purpose?

Three years ago, I joined the guitar club at Tokmok Gym for the first time. Gradually, I got to know the other people there. At first, they seemed a bit strange to me. Later, they invited me to a youth gathering at church. Back then, I thought they were just religious people doing everything to check a box — trying to be “saved,” but not from the heart.

I kept attending guitar lessons, constantly running into these people. They were all so kind, caring, and loving — and I couldn’t understand why. I suspected there was some hidden motive.

But over time, I realized their attitude toward me was genuine. There really was something special about them. It made me start turning to God myself. During youth meetings, I began to feel His presence in prayer. And to my surprise, I saw Him answering my prayers.

Music was always with me. It all started with a cartoon where I saw a flute — I was so inspired that I made my own flute. That was my first. Later came the kalimba, ukulele, cajón… and eventually, a real guitar that I built myself. That’s when I knew: music is a part of me. But I needed to find where to put it to use.

I started joining worship team in the Church — and that’s when I truly felt: this is where my music is needed, where I can grow — both as a musician and spiritually. Now, I lead worship in our home group, volunteer and teach guitar to kids and teens at Tokmok gym.

Sometimes I remember the first time I sang in an underground pedestrian tunnel. The echo made the sound surprisingly beautiful. And just a minute later, someone walked up, dropped some money, and left. That moment marked the beginning of my street performances — first just for myself, then for others. People would stop and ask, “Why are you singing here and not in the city center? Your voice is amazing!”

But deep inside, one question remained for a long time: Why am I doing this? Who is this for? Who needs my music? Now I know the answer. All of it was part of the journey — a journey that led me to God, to real friends, and to my place in this world. And now, I can share it with joy.