Journey to Faith (7/3/2007)
How God led a Ukrainian to find true joy.
By: Forrest Weiland

Forrest and Igor

The young couple was clearly not from the United States. I was surprised when Igor and Larisa, who were visiting our home Bible study in California, said they were from Zaporozhye, Ukraine.

"I can't believe it!" I said. "I regularly teach at a Bible college there."

Over time the couples faith grew vibrant. Igor began sharing the Gospel with his mother, who lived in Ukraine. Valentina was Russian Orthodox and couldn't understand Gods love.

One day Valentina visited California, and Igor asked me to explain the Gospel to her. I did and then asked if she wanted to receive God's free gift. She joyfully agreed.

Before long Valentina's joy turned to worry. "When I return to my country," she said, "where will I find others who believe in God?" We prayed that she would.

Back in Ukraine, Valentina remembered a man named Stepan who had done some work for her daughter two years earlier. He had invited Valentina to church, but she declined. Valentina courageously drove to the street where he lived. Just then Stepan drove up.

Valentina reminded Stepan how they'd met and told him of her new faith and her desire for Christian fellowship. Stepan invited her to the church he had recently started.

The next time I traveled to Ukraine with GEM, Stepan gave me pictures of Valentina's baptism. God weaves all things together to accomplish His purposes.

Country Relation
Ukraine

Europe Today, Vol. 2 Is. 7

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