Viktorija Palionienė

TESTIMONY OF VIKTORIJA

I knew from an early age that music should be a part of my life. I studied at the Juozas Gruodis Conservatory, and later at the Music Academy, majoring in jazz vocals. During my first two years of study, I felt like I was out of place. I decided to take academic leave and go abroad, and ended up in Rhode Island, Greece for half a year. While living there, many things that were a taboo to me at the time became the norm. People were not as conservative there... After returning to Lithuania, I continued my studies, but the emptiness inside grew. I remember sitting on the balcony smoking and thinking that there was no way I was just going to graduate, release an album, pursue a music career, work a job, and then just die. Life could not be so pointless. What was my purpose? Was I just here to make money and try to prove my worth to the world?

These questions only increased the emptiness I felt. We all try to fill the hole inside with things that give us temporary happiness ... And I was gaining momentum traveling down the path of pain, disappointment, tears, and complete meaninglessness.

In my fourth year at the Academy, I became friends with Paulius, and we began our journey together. Although we started as friends when we were unbelievers, I know for sure now - it was God's plan.

Our relationship evolved very quickly... after six months of dating, Paulius proposed, but then he fell into a deep depression. I didn't know how to deal with it, so we broke up. When we reconciled, we decided to get married. We moved in together without rushing to tie the knot, since that is what “normal” people do.

Meanwhile, my close friend who became a believer in Christ started telling me about Jesus and about the church. First, I was just interested in listening to her stories. Even though I always considered myself a believer (I knew all the catholic prayers, even prayed in the evenings), there was something different about it.

She told me that her pastor was starting a Bible study. I was intrigued and asked if I could go with her. For some reason, my request made her incredibly happy. The Bible study was quite different from what I was used to which I really liked. I started attending it regularly and tried to persuade Paulius to go with me. But he was categorical - "I'm not going anywhere..." During bible study Gintaras was leading the worship, he played the guitar and sang. Everyone was singing along, and I was just crying. I could not figure out what was wrong with me.

On Feb 18th, 2018, we went to church for the first time. It took a lot of effort to persuade Paulius, but I succeeded. I asked him to go at least once. When we entered the church, I started to cry and could not stop until the end of the meeting, which was about 3 hours later. I could not help myself, Paulius gave away all the handkerchiefs he had and finally broke down too... God touched us powerfully; we had no doubt about whether we should come back to the meeting next Sunday.

That is when our journey with God began. I started leading worship. Paulius and I got married on July 28th, 2018. Paulius.

That summer, Gintaras asked if we would consider joining Christ Team. God gave me a confirmation that I should be in the group.

Living with God has changed everything. Not only I get to serve on Christ Team and serve the youth, but my values and attitude towards myself and others have changed. God teaches me many things through His word every day. No more fear of the future, no more addictions, no more depression. Sure, there are challenges to contend with, but I am no longer that lost girl looking for love and recognition. God gave a purpose for my life, gave me all what I was looking for - peace and joy. I am a new creation in Jesus Christ and more than an overcomer through Him.And it is just the beginning because God has prepared many things for us!

Viktorija