Nelya
The first time I met Nelya at Living Word Church was an unforgettable moment; never in my life have I been greeted so openly, enthusiastically, and passionately by a complete stranger. This woman, in her 60’s literally jumped at the site of a large group of American missionaries. She squealed and shouted in joy upon our arrival, and would not let a single member pass without a personal hug and gesture of affection. Nelya, is one of my favorite people I have met this month, and what makes her joy so remarkable, is her life story from before attending Living Word Church. Although I only know a fraction of the details from her testimony, I would like to share with you what I do know, in hopes that you can grasp the powerful experience of God’s redemption through this woman’s life.
Since birth, Nelya has been living with her mother in a very humble apartment in Lviv. Nelya has an undiagnosed mental handicap and was physically and emotionally neglected by many throughout her life. At age 55, Nelya showed up to Living Word Church for what she thought at the time was a Jehovah’s Witness meeting. Rhonda Blessing, our contact this month, greeted Nelya sensibly, and embraced her with a hug. With this hug, Nelya broke down and sobbed in Rhonda’s arms for minutes on end. Only later, did the Blessings’ learn that the hug Rhonda extended to Nelya was the first hug she had ever received. Nelya literally broke down with her first experience of this physical gesture of love by another human being.
Weeks continued, and Nelya showed up for services every Sunday to receive her hug from Rhonda. Over a period of time, Nelya learned about the Gospel and began attending baptism classes’ led by Pastor Mark Blessing. Concerned Nelya did not fully comprehend what she was being taught or the significance of baptism, Mark asked Nelya to verbally explain her belief in Christ. According to Mark, her response was the most trusting, basic, and child-like faith response he had heard in a long time, and with that she was baptized into God’s family. Since then, Nelya has been attending services, greeting guests, and soaking up as many hugs as possible from the Living Word community. One of my squad members described her passion best when she stated, “that is how I imagine Jesus will greet us when we get to heaven someday.”
Women Weeping
It was a Sunday afternoon and I was exploring downtown Lviv with a couple of my squad mates and Lindsay Blessing, one of our contact’s daughters. We were taking a shortcut to the chocolate factory when a woman crouched over in the cathedral’s corner caught my attention. She was clinging to the wall and slightly trembling. As our group stopped, Lindsay approached the women and began speaking with her in Ukrainian. After several minutes of tears, she finally mumbled her reason for despair to Lindsay. This elderly woman was crying because she had received word earlier that morning that her only grandson was being deployed on active duty to Eastern Ukraine.
After Lindsay continued to speak words of encouragement and the peace of Christ over this woman, we gathered to cover her and her grandson in prayer. I praise God for this encounter because it made the conflict that is happening in this country very real to me. This woman represents one of many sorrowful mothers/grandmothers that have to send off a beloved son to fight in the East. Please continue to pray for Ukraine and all those affected by the current conflict in the East.
Sasha
How can I express my love and bond with this child? I can’t help but smile as I think about this sweet little boy!
Once a week my team and I would get to visit the orphanage in Lviv for children 1-3 years of age. The first day I went, I volunteered to play with the kids in the 3 year old group, and it is here were I met Sasha. Technically, Sasha is 6 years old, but he has Down’s syndrome, so he is kept with the younger children because of his limitations. Sadly, the women working at the orphanage have little to no background in child development or education. Because of this, Sasha is usually neglected, sometimes intentionally, because of his disability. The first day we arrived we brought bananas with us to provide the children with a snack. The women in charge told us via Bria Blessing, not to give any bananas to Sasha because he is “allergic.” When Bria pressed her on the issue, the lady finally gave in and said we could give him only a couple of pieces.
Some days I would visit and Sasha seemed more reserved, but this was nothing proper love and attention couldn’t cure. Once I picked this little boy up, I wasn’t allowed to put him down! Sasha’s precious laugh as we would spin and swing, was one of the most beautiful sounds. As I sang songs of Jesus’ love over this innocent little child, I knew in my heart that God has a special purpose for his life.
After age 6, all Ukrainian children in the orphanages can be adopted by foreigners. If you or someone you know has a heart for adoption and is seeking a little boy in need of special attention and love, please please contact the Blessing family for more information about Sasha.
