Story of One Changed Life

By Svetlana Kotets (Kherson)
    “It happened when we were having our Thursday Bible study group. The visa that I had been waiting on for so long was brought to me. It was pleasant to see the joy and excitement of all the participants in the group. The atmosphere was filled with awe and gratitude to God for all His mercies and miracles in my life. All the people from the group knew my situation and how long I had been waiting for a US visa to get medical treatment in the States. That’s why they were all rejoicing together with me. Nila and I prayed for our students’ lives to also be full of God’s miracles and grace and for them to know the Lord personally. After everybody left Marina stayed and said that she was very happy for me and wanted to pray with me. Holding hands, we started our prayer. I was very surprised when I heard that Marina started praying before me. She used to only say “Amen” after I prayed, but this time she prayed aloud for the first time. She thanked God for His mercy and miracles and then I heard her say: “Lord, I don’t want to live like I used to live. I want to be with you, under your protection and your care…” Then it was my turn to pray and I did with even greater joy for Marina. We cried together, but in our hearts we rejoiced and laughed with happiness.


    Later, we came back to the topic of repentance. We used to talk a lot about it but I knew that Marina still had questions about Christ. She honestly said that it was hard for her to understand everything that Christ did for her and why He is worshipped as God. I am happy that now she is open to accept the answers that God is giving her. I know that He is leading her and He is the only One that knows how close she is to Him. I am not going to rush her. I am just very happy that she doesn’t want to live her life the way she used to live. She says that her thinking, her desires and even her goals are changing. I thank God for His work in her heart and for His unlimited love. I know that there is a time for everything and our Lord works in us our whole life, opening Himself to us. Glory to Him!!”