Global Aid Network Mission Reports

April 28, 2008 – from Paul & Winona H.

Today we were split into groups to visit private homes to open doors for a family ministry here in Kazakhstan.

Our first home we felt sure that we would not be invited inside of this poor home and just prayed for God to cover us with His blessings and we knew what ever happened was in HIS will. We were greeted by the Kazakh father. Their son who will be 14 in August was in the garden with his much worn walker. The father told us that some boys in the park kicked the walker and broke it. They were very pleased to have a wheel chair for their son. Now they could take him in public where it was beginning to be impossible due to his size and their age. Now they were excited to know that their son would spend time in the park and enjoy life more like a normal boy.

They invited us inside for chai (tea). They served us as if we were royalty. Giving us the very best that they had to offer. We shared our photos of our family to show them that we had more in common than differences.  We asked if we could share a story with them and they seemed pleased to have us share with them. We began talking about the Gospel Bead Bracelet and how they colors told a story. The mother listened intently, the father a traditional Kazakh man who does not respect what a woman says looked away but as God touched his heart he would look directly into my eyes. This proud Kazakh man wasn’t looking at a woman he was focusing on the message. The mother of the home gave me a lovely gift that humbled me and I could not speak for tears. After hugs and blessings all around we parted and it is our prayer that we will spend eternity with these people. Please pray that God waters and care for the seeds that He sent with us to plant this day.

Site #2 was on the 5th floor was just a mother and 19 year old son at home who needed a wheel chair desperately. The young man was very excited to have visitors. He wanted to talk about American Indians as he has great interest in them.  His mother told us that he prayed for 2 months for someone to visit that knew American Indians or knew something about them. The young lad was over the top to know my name was American Indian and that I had family members that are 50% Indian heritage. He gave me a gift of a white eagle feather to remember him by. I told him we would never forget him and that God had planned before the foundations of the world that we would meet. To know this shows us how important it is to listen to God as He speaks to our hearts. We told the story of the bracelet and the mother and the boy were focused on the story. They understood the importance of what we said. They asked if we could leave a bracelet for the sister and for the grandmother that they wanted to tell her the story too!

These two stories show how doors are opened to the local organizations that are eager to help them with their walk with God. We are here to hold their arms and to aid them in their ministry.

Who would have thought that a Kazakh man would have sit to hear a woman? A miracle again from GOD.  Praise the Lord!

April 28, 2008 – from Dave K.

Today we were able to join with ministry to youth in Kazakhstan in making visits to children or adults who were handicapped.  We went to their homes and spent time with their families and brought them wheel chairs, CarePacks and other small gifts.  At one of the homes we went to there was a twelve year old girl who could not walk and had outgrown her smaller wheelchair.  We talked and shared tea with her and her family and since it was the day after Resurrection Sunday, they gave us colored eggs, bread and Russian candies.  We shared with them the pictures of our families and built relationships with them.  Originally the ministry staff advised against sharing the Gospel Bracelet presentation with them because they were not from a Protestant background, but after we had developed a good relationship with them, they said that we should.  And so we told them the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Once again the humanitarian aid opened the door and the youth ministry will now continue to meet with them.

Friday April 25, 2008

Today we had a little time before meeting with the folks at the family ministry center, we were told that we were going to go up into the mountains.  The mountains here are breathtaking—the remind me of our Grand Teton mountains in western United States.  They are very rugged and snow capped.  A few days before we arrived, it had snowed and they were all snow covered, even the foot hills.  It was truly beautiful. However, we did not really go to those mountains, but we did go up some, a little way where they have a park and an over look.  I am including a picture of me standing near the overlook which looks out over the city.  Almaty is a city of about 2 million people.  They are kind, but mostly keep to themselves.  They have busy lives, I am sure. We had a chance to buy some souvenirs there. Then we were off to the family ministry center where we packed care packs, and had some Kazak food (plove) and then went off to the Children’s and teens rehabilitation Center where the kids come who are either problematic or mentally challenged.  They gave us a beautiful concert and we showed them how little we knew about singing, just had fun with them and then Scott did the magic tricks.  When we met with them in the smaller groups, we were in a room that had a half yert in the classroom   I am enclosing a photo of the kids, some of the group staff and me in the half yert.  We had been there before and so some of the kids still had their bracelets.  Some remembered the beads’ meanings, but most did not.  Nevertheless, we asked the teachers if we could pray with them and they gladly let us.  Not any time for one on one with the kids, but by God’s grace, we know that many seeds were planted.

April 24, 2008 – from Dave K:

Today we went to what is called a baby house.  It is a place where they keep children from age 0 to 3 years old, those that are left by people who aren’t able to care for their babies.  This is a place where people can come and adopt kids, and while we were there, there was a couple from the USA playing with a little girl whom they were in the process of adopting.  This was the first time that I was the lead contact with the director of the facility and I was pretty nervous.   However, with God’s help, we were able to see and play with a group of kids outside.  We also were able to see and touch and hold for a little while some of the handicapped children.   Many of these kids are simply darlings.  We decided that since they were too small to give the gospel presentation to, that we would give them gospel bracelets.  As I was giving them out, the director of the facility was there and I asked her (through the interpreter) if she had seen these before or knew what they were about.  She was unfamiliar, so I proceeded to tell her the Good News and about what each of the beads meant.  When I finished, she told me that she was not a Christian and did not necessarily agree with me, but we did agree that she and her staff were doing a wonderful work of loving and caring for these precious souls.  At the end of our stay, I asked if I could pray to ask God’s blessing for her facility and she agreed to let me do it.  We also gave her several children’s Bibles and some More Than a Carpenter and the Gospel of John books.  She said that she did not promise to read them, but took them anyway.  Please pray that she will be very curious about what is in these books.  The picture here shows the director in the white with her bracelet on and Lydia, one of our interpreters putting a bracelet on one of the precious children.

From Dave K.:

Drugs and alcohol addictions are rampant in Kazakhstan due to the huge supply of heroin from a country in nearby Central Asia.  Over 700,000 metric tons of this killer drug passed through Kazakhstan in 2007.  A hit of heroin currently costs the equivalent of 30 cents here in Almaty.  By God’s grace Teen challenge is doing a miraculous work of bringing people to Christ by lovingly engaging in discipleship ministry with these men and women who have fallen into Satan’s twisted snare.  It is a hard ministry because it requires seasoned Christians to confront those who are escaping the deceitfulness of drug and alcohol addictions.  These confrontations must occur in a way that maintains intimacy and loving kindness.  Today we were privileged to see the fruit of 18 months worth of “speaking the truth in love” as we witnessed the graduation of two men whose lives have been forever changed by the person of  Jesus Christ.

From Kathi M.:

I had the opportunity to pray for the children of a woman who became a Christian 4 years ago through the Teen Challenge program.   She is now living at the center and mentoring other women.  She is the only Christian in her family.

February 8, 2007

Women’s Rehabilitation Ministry for drug addicts and alcoholics:  House of Mercy

This outreach of Teen Challenge was started in 1995.  But today was a special day of remembrance and celebration of Zariah, the director of the boy’s program.  One year ago today she and three others from the ministry were tragically killed by a drunk driver as she was on her way home from her birthday celebration.  Zariah had devoted many years to reaching out to the young boys who were drug addicts and alcoholics, even living on the river bank with them until they could find housing.  Doug Boyle, the Founder and Director said. “In the Old Testament when God wanted to show that something was special, He would send unexpected visitors that were not part of the family. Today God has sent a large group of visitors to share in this day.” 

The Global Aid Network team had a wonderful time of sharing and then broke into smaller groups to share personal stories and testimonies.  The team met Aleeya, a mom of a 2 year old boy named Bebas.  Bebas’ father had deserted the family.  Aleeya has been part of the program for two years.

Sania aged 20 with her 10 month old baby girl Albina was homeless until she came to House of Mercy seven months ago.  As the team shared the Gospel bead bracelet, Sania bowed her head and prayed along.  Now she will have an Eternal Home.

Several young women who said that they had come to believe in Christ, asked that we would pray for them to have the strength to complete this program and stay drug and alcohol free. 

——

February 8, 2007

Men’s Rehabilitation Center:  House of Hope

The team had spent about 5 ½ hours at the memorial and celebration service followed by ministry time at Teen Challenge House of Mercy.  We were tired and ready to return to the hotel after a full day but we had one more site of ministry at the Men’s Rehabilitation Center of Teen Challenge: House of Hope.  As the bus drove onto the property our team was overwhelmed at what we saw.  Lining both sides of the driveway were men awaiting our arrival.  We got off the bus and walked toward the meeting hall with the men clapping and cheering as we passed by.  Our spirits were lifted and our energy returned.  We spent the next several hours learning about their program for drug and alcohol recovery and sharing with the men.  Our bus captain shared that it is important to not only make Jesus our Savior but to also make Him Lord of all of our life, as the men start a new life with Jesus, Doug Boyle said, “Because of your visit here, the men have had a happy time.”  They were encouraged by our visit, but we were encouraged by their faith.

——

February 9, 2007

Home visits

Bible Mission International had names of 16 families with children who had special needs.  The team divided into four groups to visit these homes using two cars and two vans.  Scott H., Ron T., and Judy W. visited the home of Raushan and her 3 year old son Dustan.  Dustan was born with many complications including blindness.  She said that her family had advised her to put him in an orphanage, but she refused because she said, “He is my life.”  The team shared about their lives in America.  Raushan said that she followed a non-Christian religion.  The Gospel message was shared by the team and then they prepared to leave but Raushan said, “No, you must stay for tea.  It is Kazak tradition.”   So the team stayed.  As Raushan prepared tea she related this story, “I know that what you tell me is important because God sent me a dream.  Three days ago I had a dream that three Americans would come: two men and one woman in a red car.  And when I looked outside and saw the red car with Americans – two men and one woman, I believed this is from God.”  Scott replied, “I hope you now understand how important this story is about Jesus Christ.”  Raushan shook her head in agreement.

Tuesday, Feb 6 2007

Morning site

Site Name: Orphanage (Detention Center)

The members of the Purple bus drove down the streets of Almaty to the first site.  On the way we stopped off at the container to pick up supplies for this and other visits.  This container was filled with backpacks, clothes, books and wheelchairs that had been shipped over. 

As the group turned down the street to the orphanage, they passed a small playground.  Raeesa S., (the assistant director) explained that this playground was part of the plan for the 20 children who lived there.  She explained that this was a special house for kids.  Their parents might be alcoholics, homeless, or drug addicts.  “Such kinds of kids we take care of if their parents don’t want them or cannot take care of them.  The state sends them to us to have stability in their life.  We teach them and take care of them while they are in transition to another orphanage.  Here they get medical care, food and clothing.    This is the only center of its kind in Kazakhstan.” 

The group was treated to a tour of the home and the children were eager to receive gifts and backpacks.  As the director explained, “This is a place where we want to help the children and their parents.  There are no bars on our doors or windows.  The parents can come to visit with their children.  And the children can go home for a time, too.  We do not have a runaway problem here. In Russia there is a fairy tale about a small pretty house.  So we call our home “Pretty House”.  Through believers like you we know that there is a God and God loves these children and their parents.  We want these parents to come to repentance and know God, too.  Through your presents, your joy and you being here with these children you show love”.

——

Tuesday Feb 6, 2007

Afternoon site

Special Boarding School for Difficult Teens

“Thirty eight children live in this facility now.   They might stay one month or one year.  They are here because of a decision of the court.  Parents can visit.  Either the children or the parents have problems,” said Tolgat Kaleivich, the director of this facility.  But even though the school was supposed to be for difficult teens, the group found the children to be loving and attentive. 

One class of eight kids listened as the Gospel was shared.  Only one boy was not receptive.  But as the Bibles were given out he said, “This Bible is in Kazak.  I will read it.”

The staff and teachers were glad to see the Global Aid Network team again this year.  Just like last year they were given a packet of vegetable and flower seeds.   One teacher who had gotten seeds last year said, “For many years I have planted a garden and didn’t grow anything.  But with the seeds you gave me last year the garden was lovely!  I am so excited to get these seeds again!”

Director Kaleivich thanked the group for coming.  “You are heroes to come all this way to visit us.  As bus captain Scott H., closed our time at the school with prayer in Jesus’ name, Director Kaleivich added, “That’s a person you can trust in.  He is my Savior, too.”

——

February 7, 2007

Children’s Rehabilitation Medical Center

On Wednesday the Children’s Rehabilitation Medical Center in Almaty celebrated its 15th birthday and we were a part.  This is a non-government organization devoted totally to parents and children with special needs; mentally handicapped, Down syndrome, autistic and other physical handicaps.  Director Myra Suleeva explained that this place provides both social instruction and medical care for the children.  They are taught fundamental things and also simple skills that will be useful.  She explained, “Since this type of child is very difficult for the parents, we also provide psychological help for them so that the parents will have positive influence on the growth of the children.  Here in Kazakhstan a parent can reject such a child if it is not healthy.  We work so that these children can be part of a family.  We teach parents to work with these handicapped children.  The children spend the day with us and go to their homes in the evening.”

The team provided backpacks, children’s coats, and Bibles.  A washing machine was also purchased for the center.  Seeds were given to the parents and staff.

Brown Bus, Lviv, Ukraine

While visiting the Livchytsi Boarding School, we were seated in the Auditorium when 9 year-old Iulia came in and immediately sat between Talu S. and Sharon P.  Dr. Jean T. was present and spoke to her in Russian.  Iulia had never experienced a visit from Americans before.  She was not shy at all.  She told Dr. Jean that she is a good doctor.

We then left the Auditorium and went into the classrooms.  This made an opportunity for us to visit with Tatyana V., a teacher with 6 years experience.  She remarked how happy she was to have us visit the school and give the aid to the children. 

This is a boarding school where about 100 children stay the night on weekdays.  Over the weekends, some children (about 30%) go home.  The teachers work from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. and then one nurse stays with the children overnight.  After dinner the children have about 2 hours to complete their homework and then they have free time to play games and watch movies or cartoons.  They also have computers they can play games on in one room, but no video games.

The location was an 1885 Mansion built for a Duke as a gift from the King.  The Duke never really lived there, but visited sometimes.  After he left, the next owner emptied out all the furnishings and left the home to go into disrepair.  It was empty for a number of years before being turned into a Boarding School in 1956.  Major repairs have been done to the roof, heating system, and plumbing.  More repairs are necessary in the children’s living quarters.  We observed many places where the steps are worn and slanting due to the years of use. 

The windows are made of wood and need to be replaced with sealed ones.  The wood or metal beds that had mattresses were misshapen and worn.  The beds were all neatly made and the floors were clean.  Even with the little they have, they try to make it as nice and cheerful as possible.  It is so difficult to see the conditions they have to live in.

Our time with the children was wonderful.  They were very open and polite.  Even when we were walking into the facility, they were greeting us and holding the doors.  Some even approached us with handshakes or hugs.  They were very friendly, even though they could tell we didn’t understand what they were saying!  As we were leaving, they came to the bus and hugged us goodbye, waving as we drove away.

Sunday, February 4, 2007

Brown Bus, Lviv, Ukraine

Palmer P. of East Aurora, NY writes:

Today we worshipped at New Life Church.  This Church is about 6 years old.  Pastor Misha’s energetic and passionate vision was a ministry to prisoners.  He desired to help them when they are released to get back into society.  There are 6 former inmates residing in the Church building.  Many former prisoners are now married with families, including their Deacon, and are still very active in the Church.  They visit 4 prisons, sometimes as often as 4 times per week.  Pastor Misha is aware that the prisoners need discipleship more often than once or twice a month. 

This morning we entered the Church just before 10 a.m.  The approximately 125 members of their congregation were just arriving.  We accessed the Church by walking through a steel gate into an alley, and then through a steel door into the 4-storey former manufacturing building.  The building was sitting vacant when Pastor Misha purchased it to provide a shelter for the former prisoners.  Using their unskilled labor, it is being transformed into a beautiful multi-purpose facility. 

The Auditorium is located on the second floor of the structure.  The floor below is being finished for the future Auditorium, with more seating capacity and a baptismal.  Above the auditorium floor are the classrooms and the top floor houses the single men.  Once you enter the auditorium, you find a wonderful, wall-sized painting on the front wall.  It depicts a cross in the upper left-hand corner and many colored striations throughout.  Pastor Misha explains that this is representative of the many struggles and triumphs of life on Earth, but if you keep focused on that cross and what it represents, you will be victorious.

One of the most moving experiences of the service was the singing.  They had prepared the media screen with the Ukrainian and English words to the Worship songs.  With all of us singing in unison, it was a great reminder of how God can hear and understand every language and tongue.  As our voices melded in song, led by the youthful Praise Team and accompanied by the keyboard and guitar, it was a small taste of what Heaven may sound like.  It was especially moving that the whole congregation had learned OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART in English to sing with us during our visit.

In closing, I would encourage everyone to attend a multi-cultural Christian worship service – there will be an opportunity on the next GAiN trip!

January 31, 2007

Small group visit: by Nuper

Group participants:  Peggy M. Diane B., and our interpreters Irena and Helen

On our first visit we met a woman named Natalia.  She had four small children.  They all live in a room about the size of 12×15 room.  The apartment had no bathroom or shower.  We found out that four apartments together share a bathroom and shower. 

As we visited with Natalie she said that her first husband died and her second one abandoned her.  She has no one to help her with child care leaving her unable to work. 

At the house, I asked Pastor Vasily to open with prayer and then we had a chance to visit.  We explained to Natalia that we were Christians from America and why we were there.  We then presented the Gospel bead bracelet.

Helen, a Russian Believer from Ryazan, was with us.  She has an incredible heart and a passion to bring unbelievers to Christ.  I let Helen talk to Natalie one-on-one.  Helen has experienced this kind of life so she could really connect.  We asked the pastor to pray the sinner’s prayer and Helen held Natalia’s hands.  Helen said she had an overwhelming sensation as they prayed and Natalia placed her faith in Christ.  Afterwards, Natalia was crying and said she felt “different”. 

Then, we gave her the gifts we had brought her.  She said she would attend Pastor Vasily’s Church. 

——

January 31, 2007

LaRynn B

Well, so far God has really been speaking to our group.  We have visited 4 homes total.  Three of them have been such a great experience.  However, one house we went to was unfortunate.  There was a grandma with her two grand kids.  Although we planted a seed, she pushed us out.  From then on, we just realized how much they needed the Lord.  But we did pray over the two grand kids.  Maybe that seed will grow.  This experience taught me and my group that sometimes we just need to let God do the work.  God will grow that seed we planted.  Even through this “crisis”, we still had 3 families accept Christ and we even invited them to come to church on Sunday morning.  We had such a great time and hope they come to church on Sunday!  Praise God!

——

February 1, 2007

Family visit Rostok (afternoon)

By Barry M.

Janice, LaRynn, I and our interpreter went to an apartment for a family visit.  A lady who directed us to the apartment escorted us from the children’s invalid society where we had just visited.  The family consisted of a 71 year old, her daughter and the daughter’s invalid daughter.  They had everything set up for a full course meal.  We had just finished lunch and weren’t prepared to eat again. 

We all sat down around the table and snacked on some of their appetizers and drank hot tea.  Also, during our time, a young boy appeared for a while and then we did not see him again. 

We had a wonderful time of getting acquainted and sharing stories.  During this time we talked about families, homes, life in the states, and shared gifts with them.  Moving to spiritual matters, the questions came up as to their beliefs.  The two older ladies had sporadically had some connection with the [another type of] church, but weren’t Believers.

Our interpreter does such a great job.  She is a Christian and had a heart to make Him known.  We began sharing the Gospel message, each one interjecting as we went along.  We could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit working. 

We asked if they wanted to pray and place their faith in Jesus Christ.  They said “yes” and we shared with them that prayer was like talking to your closest friend.  We offered to lead and for them to follow us in prayer.  LaRynn led in the Sinner’s prayer and these sweet Russian ladies asked Jesus into their lives. 

This is the hunger and openness that is here with the Russian people.  For years they existed with limited knowledge of Jesus Christ.  They are hungry for hope and something new in their lives.  Global Aid Network is an organization bringing love and life to a hurting people.   

——

February 1, 2007

Family visit with Rostok society members

Her hair coiffed, covered in a beautiful fur coat; she had a kind inviting face.    We were to go to her house for a visit.  Upon entering we met the husband, grandmother, and her 2 sons.  Her youngest son in kindergarten was eager to show his computer games and how he could lift weights.  He even made the heavy breathing sounds weight lifters make when picking up heavy weights which was precious coming from this small child surely imitating weight lifters he had seen.  They welcomed us with a table filled with all kinds of food from caviar to splendid desserts. 

We learned the oldest son, Maxym, had some type of eye defect.  The mother mentioned nerve atrophy of the eye and that they were paying a doctor in town to try and help him.  Although it appeared he suffered eye problems, he was devouring as many books as he could possibly read.  He had a strong interest in philosophy and science. 

As we sat closely together around the table, the conversation quickly turned to science.  This opened door to talk about the God of creation.  Maxym thought that we were atoms in space and mentioned a theory of the earth coming about from dust and gravity.  When asked who created these, he replied, “God”.  For the next hour or so we began to discuss questions like: “What is Truth?”   “Who is Jesus?”  “What does it mean to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?”  You could see Maxym’s heart open as we began to discuss the Gospel. 

Our interpreter, Helen, was able to explain further that a “personal” relationship was available through Jesus Christ which is sometimes a hard concept to grasp; God wanting to be personally known through His Son Jesus.  After about an hour and half discussing this, the mother, the grandmother and Maxym indicated they wanted to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  We emphasized the importance of becoming involved in a church and invited them to be a part of the pastor’s church who sent us to visit. 

——

February 2, 2007

Chapayevsk Boarding School

By Frank D.

We went into the boarding school, mostly consisting of all boys.  I always enjoy giving the boys a “high five” when I enter in to make them feel comfortable.  Well, there just happened to be a young boy that I gave a “high five” and hug to and he hugged me  back very tightly.   As the morning went on, I noticed the boy close by.  He was sitting by me during the program and I found out his name was Sergei.  He was so happy and joyous and seemed to be very hungry for affection and to be hugged. 

We never know going into an orphanage which group of children we will be working with as the assignments are made randomly.  To my great surprise, as we walked into the classroom, there sat Sergei.  I sat by him and shared the best we could.  Then we gave the Gospel presentation and Sergei prayed, however, I did not know if he had made a decision for Christ.  But in the literature we distributed there was a picture of Jesus on the front of the book.  He would point to the picture and say in Russian the name “Jesus” and I would hug him.  Then, I would point to the picture of Jesus then point back to his heart and hug him again.  This went on again and again.  He kept pointing to Jesus and I kept hugging him.  He touched my heart with the warmth he had and the warmth he was reaching out for.  Through hugs and pictures, Jesus was communicated.   I am overjoyed that I came in contact with Sergei today!!

——

February 2, 2007

Janice

Since we have been here, many times we are faced with the stare of hopelessness and despair.   This was the case when our small group had a home visit with a gentleman, named Alexandar,  his mother and three girls (two of which were twin girls 2 years old) Alexandar’s wife had passed away during the birth of the twins and he was left to raise them on his own. 

The flat they lived in had two rooms and was in very poor conditions beyond what you can imagine.  At first, the look on the man’s face scared me.  It was the look of hardness, hopelessness, and empty.  As we began to talk and give our love gifts, I was thinking in my mind, “What in the world can I say to him that could change his situation?”  We talked more about the love of Christ.  Then we gave the Gospel presentation and slowly I saw his face soften.  Before long tears began to roll down his cheeks and I saw the Spirit of God working.  His heart was changed by Jesus Christ, only a work He can do and we had the privilege to witness it!!  We invited him to Pastor Sergei’s church.  Please if you read this, say a prayer for Alexander that God will provide in every way for his family.

——

February 5, 2007

Helen M. – Interpreter from Ryazan

I was born in a rather poor family, the third out of four children.  Our father left us when [we were very young].  Our mom had to work really hard to feed us and to bring us up.  During this time the Soviet regime did everything to denounce that God exists.  We had special classes and lectures at schools and universities proving and teaching that God never existed and that religion is just for uneducated people.  We were taught it’s “opium for the people”.  All these came deeply into my heart, mind and soul.  There was a poem called, The Girl’s Death.  It was about a girl, who belonged to the pioneer organization (a sub-organization to the Communist party).  She was very sick and in the hospital dying.  Her mother was a Believer and came to her in the hospital and asked her to put on her small cross.  The girl hesitated for a moment.  Then, she pushed her mom’s hand away, the cross fell to the floor and the girl died.  I felt very proud of this girl and thought that I would do the same thing.  Also, in 1961, Yori Yagarin went to the space and he said, “I was there [in space], but I didn’t see God.”  It was great proof to tell my mom.  Then, after graduating from the Teacher’s University, I started working at school and even taught my students that there is no God.

It was in autumn, 1993 when an American person, Frank, came to our school offered some lectures about Jesus Christ and showed our children the “JESUS” film.  At that time, I was very depressed; crying all the time, betrayed by a friend, taking a lot of medicine and having suicidal thoughts.   Then, Frank came to me once and asked me what I thought about Gorbachev.  I said that we never may know the truth as our newspapers would write that Lenin, Stalin, and all the rest were so good, and after they died the same papers would say how bad they are.  I told him that a friend of mine that I had known for 20 years betrayed me, my father betrayed me and so you could not trust anyone.  In the next class, Frank closed by saying, “Your authority may betray you, your parents or other relatives may betray you, your friends may betray you, but there is someone who will never betray you.  He is just waiting for you to come.  I realize how hard it is for you even to pronounce the word God, but believe me there is some Power which may help you.” 

By winter, my life was like a nightmare, I was exhausted, the depression continued and I did not want to live.  The situation at home was just awful.  One winter day while at the dache (which is a plot of land for gardening), I went to the forest.  The weather was just wonderful; the bright blue sky, a lot of snow, green pines, the reflecting on the snowflakes.  I lay down in a deep snow in this beautiful nature and sobbed and wept.  I thought, “Well, that man from California told me that someone may help.  I don’t know what it is—the sun, the sky, the nature…I am exhausted.  I can’t live anymore.  So, please, help me or just take my life away.”  I was lying in the snow crying and looking at the nature.  I have no idea how long I lie there. 

In the spring, I started feeling better.  The situation at home had improved and forgot about everything.  At the end of May, International School Project (a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ) held a conference for the leaders in our city.  I am very curious and I went there just to talk and practice my English.  They talked about Jesus, His character and many other things.  They were very upset with me when I said, “I know that there is no God.  It’s all fairy tales.”  However, I was intrigued when talking with them.  I noticed that they quoted Bible verses while answering.  One evening, we invited 3 of them to our house and we had a great time together.  They were very open, happy and bright.  I thought to myself, “Oh they are this way because they are rich.”  But when they left, I understood that I didn’t have anyone around me like these people.  At nights, when I would go to bed, I asked, “The Power, where are you?  Will you please bring them back?”

Then, at the beginning of September, the Co-Mission team came to our school.  What a surprise!  When we got acquainted, the first question I asked them was, “will you please have a Bible study with us?”

I cried a lot and for the first time in my life I opened the Bible and started reading it.   I didn’t understand a lot, but during a short time I had read it all. 

So we started our Bible studies and very often they would tell me, “Helen, God loves you so much.”  I answered, “I know that there is no God, I just want to know what this Book is about.”  I watched the Jesus film and after the second time seeing it, I repeated the prayer thinking in my mind “just in case”.  After the third time, watching the film, I knew Jesus is God’s Son.  It was like lightning in the darkness, like thunder in the quiet; God loves me! 

I burst out into sobbing.  I wondered, “Why?   Why?  For so many years they lied to me…God is my Father!!”  I have a Father.  He loves me like no one ever loved me.  Now, I want to be His friend and His servant.  It’s the greatest honor God transformed to one who taught there is no GOD to now proclaiming Him every time I get!

JANUARY 31, 2007

BROWN BUS, LVIV, UKRAINE

WILLIAM R., Affiliate, COLFAX, CALIFORNIA writes:

Sodova Vyshnya home for the elderly was located in a 300 year-old former monastery.  The floors were uneven and sloping while the central corridors remained dark at midday.  There were frequent stiles between rooms that certainly would not meet our OSHA safety standards.  There were steep stairs between the three floors of this facility that the residents would have to use getting to the dining hall.

The elderly residents in this site each received a stuffed doll, which they immediately began to caress and hold like it was the most precious thing in the world.  They began to talk to the doll and stroke it lovingly.  One of the residents, who appeared to be only sixty years old, sang a plaintive melody of tender love and the room became silently transfixed as we listened to her song of appreciation.

One of the residents, whose body was twisted and deformed with osteoporosis, clung to my hand and tenderly stroked our clasped hands with her other hand even though it was bandaged in gauze from a burn.  She smiled as we touched and our eyes locked in fixation as we communicated without words.  It was a tender time as the Gospel message was heard and accepted by this woman.

By going to this site, we have the chance to share the love of Jesus with smiles and hugs, which are always well received by these lonely people who are trapped in an institutional life.  Our personal contacts are a rare and precious bright spot in the midst of a gloomy winter scene, which seems unending in this part of the world.

These trips are life changing events; I will never be the same as I remember the faces of these elderly persons who have been shut away in the dreary and decrepit old institutions that survive on the bare minimum of support.