“It’s such a blessing to see how God raises up young people like Sorin—with pure hearts and a passion for the Gospel.” Regretfully, many times in our churches we tend to take for granted or disregard the youth, the young at heart. We pass them off as being too young to do ministry or to serve others. Instead, they sit in the pews and as time passes, they grow more distant, having no fire in their hearts.

However, when we allow the young men and women of our churches to use their gifts, we give them opportunity to grow into ministry from a young age and have the great privilege of preparing them for further ministry in the future. Some of these kids may even become leaders and pastors of local churches.

In the story below, SGA Storyteller Tatiana writes about a young man who had a heart for God and a passion for the Gospel from a young age. His life has been transformed right before the eyes of his community. His faithfulness to ministry is a great blessing to many. Please pray that God will continue to use him as a witness of the Gospel well into his old age.

I write to you with joy and gratitude, wanting to encourage you with a real-life story—a testimony of how God continues to raise up simple people for deep and meaningful work in His Kingdom. I warmly introduce you to Sorin, an 18-year-old from the small village of Vatici—a humble place that has witnessed something great, starting from the heart of a child.

It all began when Sorin was just 11 years old. He first heard the Gospel through a football training program. His family didn’t study the Bible, but God opened the door to His grace through sports. Today, Sorin is not only a coach for kids but also a true example of dedication and perseverance. Every Saturday morning, he leaves home at 7:00 a.m. to reach the village of Isnovăt by 9:00 a.m. The journey takes about two hours and three different minibus rides—a real challenge, especially in the cold, dark winters. But his love for children and his desire to show them the love of Christ keeps him going.

Sorin’s life is a story of transformation. At 17 he was baptized, and since then, he’s been more and more involved in missions work through SGA-supported Summer Bible Camps and Youth Ministries. Even though he studies to become a car electrician, his heart beats for the Gospel, and he’s ready to fully dedicate himself to ministry after graduation.

God has worked powerfully in his life, especially in his relationship with his parents. When his parents and grandparents didn’t understand the spiritual decisions he was making, Sorin prayed faithfully for peace. God answered—the relationships softened. Sorin became a help at home and a good example among his classmates. One verse that motivated him was Matthew 5:24: First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Despite challenges in his family—divorced parents, sisters who don’t study the Bible, and an unbelieving grandmother, Sorin is a light. He brings everyone closer to Christ through love, his personal example, and constant prayer. His grandfather now listens to the Gospel and prays, and his sisters join him at church whenever they can. Sorin dreams of serving even more effectively. He’s praying for a car to help him reach the villages where the children are waiting—not just for football, but also for a kind word, a hug, a Bible verse, and a prayer.

It’s such a blessing to see how God raises up young people like Sorin—with pure hearts and a passion for the Gospel. I encourage you to pray for him, support him, and keep him in mind for any opportunity to serve together. He is living proof that “God doesn’t look for perfect vessels, but for available ones.”