A Life That Was Changed . . .

The Fruit of Orphans Reborn

My name is Nastya, and I am 15. I live at the orphanage in Primorsk village. My life was the same as any other orphan there. At times we had fun, but most of the time we felt bad, hurt and offended. You can just imagine — when I saw a happy family, I would crave to be part of one, but there was no hope that this would happen.

But then some Christians came and visited our orphanage, and I began visiting their lessons while in early childhood. Some changes began taking place in my heart, and I realized that I needed to ask forgiveness from God for my sins. That is what I did after one of the Bible lessons. I prayed to God, opening my heart to Him. I told Him of my desire to be part of a family. Sometime later, my aunt found me in the orphanage and she began to take me home for school holidays. But soon she stopped coming. Time went by and the pain lessened, and I continued to pray. The same thing happened with another lady and hurt me yet again. But God comforted me, and I began to understand that He alone is the only constant in my life.

Meeting a Family of God

Nastya (left) with Dr. Yana

Later that year, I was invited to come to the Hiding Place Christian Camp. I was really glad to leave behind all the orphanage routine with the evil doings of unbelievers there. The atmosphere of the camp was great, and I had peace and joy in my heart. Once while there, I had to see the camp doctor for a stomachache. We became friends and met regularly for fellowship. Unlike the others, I was able to really trust her. On the last day of camp, we parted with tears, and I prayed we would meet again in the future. Dr. Yana was actually allowed to take me home to stay with her over the school holidays! Those were the happiest days of my life, which God gave me through the prayers of many believers.

At Home With Believers

When we arrived at Yana’s home, her daughter Liza gave me a hug as soon as I entered the house. I was really surprised, because we only knew each other over the phone. But she was looking forward to seeing me and already loved me. I was really glad. The whole family made me feel welcome. I was surprised that they had hot water in their bathroom!

On Sunday, we went to church — a first for me. I had never seen so many believers together before. I was happy to meet Kristina Rudaya there — she was the one who held the Bible lessons at the orphanage. The service was so wonderful. I wanted to hear everything! After the service, we went home, and it seemed like the whole church ended up at our house later for fellowship.

Back to the Orphanage, But the Blessing Remains

At last, the time came for me to return to the orphanage. I did not want to part with those kind people. I tried not to show it, but when Kristina came up to say goodbye, I could not keep the tears to myself. I was amazed that people I hardly knew were so compassionate and worried about me. We had prayer together, and Kristina gave me a picture of her, me and Yana together. Then we had to go.

It took me a while to adapt and get used to the orphanage again, but at the same time, I was happy. I am amazed at God’s power and the miracles He makes. Yana wants to take me for the summer, and I hope this works out. Nothing is impossible for   God! I wrote a poem that reveals my heart …

I know God is always with me

And He will always come to help me.  

He will always comfort and understand me,

And all of my life is for Him!

All the rest is temporary.

The years and pain will go by,

but I know that only God

can give me joy and rest.  

Editor’s Note: Approximately 84% of these orphans never get adopted.   They are so very needful of a genuine, loving relationship.   Through Orphans Reborn, SGA is striving to help economically challenged  local churches to do just that – build godly relationships that are bridges for the Gospel to go forth and for precious young lives to be transformed by God’s grace. You can help! Visit SGA’s Orphans Reborn page for more details.