Born into a family in Ukraine where God was not discussed, Olga grew up without hope and faith. During the days of Communist control in her country, her grandfather was imprisoned for 10 years because of his faith in God.
“The communists did everything they could to ensure that children from a pastor's family stayed far away from God,” Olga says. “My parents were raised without God, so they had nothing to pass on to their children. I know my grandfather prayed for his family while he was in prison, and God heard those prayers.”
When Russian began the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, many people were frantically searching for help — especially for help with food and supplies. Olga saw how the followers of Jesus were helping everyone who asked for assistance. She saw families find temporary shelter in a church building because their homes were destroyed or occupied. She saw how refugees, soldiers and the wounded were fed each day in the church. Local believers were also involved in weaving camouflage nets, gathering supplies, and delivering supplies to frontline settlements.
“I respect these faithful servants,” Olga says. “I know they are not doing this for money. But I didn’t understand why these Christ followers are spending their strength and time, finances and food to help people they don’t even know.”
War leaves its mark on everyone. When Olga’s neighbor died at the front, Olga began to contemplate what awaited her after death. She had heard her grandfather speak about heaven and hell, but she had never seriously considered this as a reality.
“I wanted to know more, so I decided to attend a church service and talk with the people there,” Olga says. “After the service, the ladies invited me to a meeting for those who wanted to learn more about eternity, God and the Bible. So I decided to attend one meeting.”
That one meeting changed Olga’s life. “The women asked me what was troubling me and what questions I had about God,” Olga says. “Everyone there had the same questions. Why did God allow the war? Does He hear prayers? Will God help those who do not serve Him? And what awaits in eternity for those who die? Can good deeds earn salvation and forgiveness?”
As Olga studied God’s Word with this group of women, she learned that all the answers to her questions were in the Bible. She received her own Bible, translated into her heart language. Now, she attends this Bible study group every week. And for the first time in her life, she is learning to pray.
“I eagerly anticipate every meeting of our group so I can learn more about God,” Olga says. “People without hope and faith in God cannot live.”
