God’s Love In Ukraine
“Like cold water to a weary soul is Good News from a distant land.”
–Proverbs 25:25
When Nataly became paralyzed in a car accident back in 2001, she struggled with severe depression. “How can I be a good wife and mother if I can’t walk?” she wondered. Life in a wheelchair seemed hopeless, and she began to doubt God’s love. Laying in her hospital bed, Nataly cried out to Jesus,
“Lord, I can’t live like this anymore. Help me!”
And to answer her desperate pleas, God sent people from a nearby church to visit Nataly and her husband, Sergiy. Even though they had never met before, they prayed with Nataly and Sergiy and encouraged them greatly. “That began the healing of my soul,” explains Nataly.
“I stopped concentrating on my wheelchair and started concentrating on life.”
Now Sergiy and Nataly partner with Joni and Friends to serve people impacted by disabilities in their homeland of Ukraine. And while they minister to children and adults with disabilities all year long, International Family Retreat is a real highlight – for them and for the families they serve.
In Ukraine, people with disabilities deal with extreme loneliness. They are ignored, neglected and rejected, and the emotional pain they live with as a result is almost unbearable. And when babies are born with disabilities, their fathers often leave the family.
That’s what happened to Oksana when her two daughters were diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Her husband blamed Oksana for their daughters’ disabilities and left her to care for them by herself.
Understandably, Oksana sank into a deep depression. But because of Family Retreat, Oksana came to the Lord and became part of a local church, learning the truth found in Isaiah 40:31 first-hand…
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Both of Oksana’s beautiful daughters had powerful encounters with Jesus at Family Retreat, but it was Tonia who experienced a true miracle. When she first started attending Family Retreat, Tonia couldn’t talk. Now, knowing that she is welcomed and loved by the Body of Christ, Tonia not only feels safe enough to talk – she sings Christmas songs in her Family Retreat talent show! Tonia has accepted Jesus as her Savior and is looking forward to being baptized.
The Good News of Jesus is blanketing the distant land of Ukraine, and lives are being transformed!
COVID-19 Update:
“During coronavirus, people really need the Body of Christ,” said Sergiy. “We are keeping in touch with the families we serve through the phone, computer and Zoom prayer meetings – letting everyone know they are not alone and reminding them of the greatness of our God!” Sergiy, Nataly and their ministry partner Galyna are meeting practical needs by delivering groceries to families with disabilities, and they’re meeting spiritual needs through online Bible studies and webinars for parents. Please keep them and the families they serve in your prayers.
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