“I have gained closeness to God” – a once troubled girl is transformed after giving her life to Jesus

When Maryna was only 11 years old, her mother died, and shortly afterwards, her father walked out on the family.

“I don't want to go into detail about that period,” said Maryna, who is now 17. “There was a lot of pain, tears, uncertainty, and despair.”

Social services in Ukraine were about to place Maryna and her siblings in an orphanage. The children were terrified at the thought, and Maryna’s brother asked a family to take them in for a while instead.

Maryna said, “I remember what I was like during that time and can say that I was a complete nightmare. All my inner pain erupted out. I was rude, I did awful things, I told lies, I despised people. I became friends with a street gang that did terrible things.

“What saved us was that my older brother had started going to church before these events. His outlook on life changed.”

Transformation at Camp

Then, a particular day at a Christian summer camp changed everything for Maryna.

“My brother shared our story, and there happened to be a family at the camp who hadn’t even planned on coming, but at the last minute a spot opened up and they came. This family had many foster children. Our story touched them deeply, and after a while, they invited us to visit them. They lived in a village near the town of Mizoch.

“We were welcomed into such a simple and relaxed atmosphere that we’d never experienced before. My younger sister cried and didn't want to go home. I, on the other hand, couldn't open up and trust anyone. I just couldn’t let people get close to me because I didn’t want them to hurt me.”

Maryna and her siblings were eventually adopted by the family.

“At first, I was very unhappy, slamming doors and refusing to talk to anyone. I rebelled,” she said. “Over time, I became friends with my new sister, Svetlana. I trusted her. She started taking me to conferences and youth meetings. With her, I visited Mission Without Borders’ Christian day center for the first time.

“We regularly attended choir practice, Sunday school, and various events at the center. Svetlana took me everywhere.”

Finding Faith at Sunday School

Sunday school became a great blessing for Maryna. It was there that she first seriously thought about faith and learned the truths of the Bible. She was able to ask questions and get answers. The church has a strong emphasis on working with children, teenagers, and young adults.

It was also here that Maryna first discovered Mission Without Borders. The Mission partners with the church to provide spiritual, emotional, and material support to people in the community.

Maryna added, “At first, I didn't believe that God existed – but God's miracles and care surrounded me. Once, I almost drowned at sea. When my strength left me, a man suddenly appeared, picked me up, and pulled me out of the water. Another time, the car I was riding in got into an accident. The hit was on my side, but I was left without a scratch.

“Over time, I developed faith in the Good Father and in a large, friendly family – the church – where imperfect people are united by Him and learn to love one another.

“I have committed so many sins and don’t want to even mention them. Last Easter in April, at the end of the service, the pastor asked as usual if there were people in the hall who wanted to repent.

“Tears flowed from my eyes, and it was as if someone had lifted me up and carried me forward. That day, I gave all my sins to God and told Him that I didn’t want to return to them.”

Maryna’s life is now transformed. “In my life now as a Christian, I have confidence and certainty. My anxiety has left me. I believe that sin separated me from God, but now, the main thing I have gained is closeness to God.

“I believe that by not listening to God, a person condemns themselves to unhappiness. Among my relatives and friends, there are those who have come to faith and those who live life without God. This helps me understand that I made the right choice.

“I’ve become much more joyful and open. I don't react so painfully when someone offends me. I also try to be loving and kind to people who reject me.

Finding Support with a New Family

“My new family supports me in everything. I have both emotional and spiritual support. I appreciate that I have people who value me and love me for who I am. They pray for me and care about me, and are always ready to help with advice and action.”

Maryna is now enrolled on Mission Without Borders’ child sponsorship program. At Sunday school, where Maryna first felt part of the church community, she has now become a teacher for the younger group, happy that she can serve others. The church also runs home groups where young adults study the gospels together, and an after school club for children.

Maryna is creative and loves music, and she is now learning to play guitar at church. An orchestra has also been organized, led by a professional conductor. Maryna’s dream is to join an orchestra in the future and serve others with her musical talents.

The church also runs meetings for low-income families and individuals, where material support is provided. Maryna's parents maintain ties with families living in poverty in the community and set a good example for her to follow.

Maryna said, “Some people were like stepping stones for me, leading me towards Christ. Those people are my new parents, my older brother, and Mission Without Borders.

“I’m inspired by how the Mission does such wonderful things for us and how they invest in children and teenagers.

“My destiny has changed thanks to God, but He worked through so many people, and that includes the people who support the work of Mission.”