Natalia first moved to Israel from Russia with her husband two years ago. We got a chance to get to know her through her daughter-in-law Liza, who got saved here at Beit Hallel several months ago.
During our recent evangelism outreach event and biblical tour, Natalia and her husband became interested in learning more about Yeshua, so they signed up for our Discipleship Course for “seekers”.
At the end of each Discipleship Course, we organize a baptism trip to the Jordan River. We wanted to give people the opportunity to receive Yeshua as their Lord and seal their covenant with Him through baptism. Natalia and her husband both decided to receive the Lord and to be baptized, even though she was still doubtful.
On the eve of her baptism, Natalia came under heavy spiritual attack. She told her husband that she had changed her mind and did not want to go through with the baptism. When she shared her doubts with us, we took the opportunity to pray with her and allow God to clear all her doubts. We encouraged her but made it clear that she was absolutely free to make the decision she wanted.
After we prayed, Natalia told us that she still did not want to get baptized but would like to go with her husband to support him as he gets baptized. Her decision was made, and she did not intend to back down from it, so she didn’t even take a change of clothing with her.
At the baptism site, we all prayed together as a group and suddenly, we felt the presence of God become so powerful and tangible it could not be denied. Suddenly Natalia stood up and said: “I need to get baptized!” As she approached the steps that led down into the water, she literally started running, even though she had severe knee injuries that caused her great pain when walking or running. She couldn’t even explain it, only that she felt she was being carried by the Lord!
During her baptism, she experienced something truly unique and special. As she was being immersed, she felt a lightness and freedom. She saw the water fill with sparkling light and become like liquid gold. She felt warm and powerful hands embrace and hold her, and she knew these hands that could be trusted and would never let her go.
Natalia’s whole life shifted after her baptism. It was a truly life-changing moment that birthed a new person inside. She was forever transformed. She is now an active participant in our Bible Studies and attends our worship services regularly. She is a truly born-again soul on a new path with her Lord Jesus.
She couldn’t possibly let go of Yeshua’s loving hands now that He had embraced her through her baptism and had brought her into the Kingdom of the Son of His love. Amen!