Facing the Unthinkable
The war in Ukraine puts families in positions most of us can’t even fathom. What is best for a family may not be clear, or worse, may force families into impossible decisions. The tug-of-war that goes on in the heart and mind can be an endless battle that takes a heavy toll on their lives.
Yana and her son, Maxim, made Aliyah to Israel nearly six months ago. They had fled the war in Ukraine in hopes of a better life in Israel and to reconnect with their Jewish roots. They eventually settled in the city of Ashkelon, which is our neighboring city where we also have a congregation and humanitarian center.
It was very difficult for Yana and Maxim to adjust to life in Israel. Consequently, Maxim decided to leave Israel for Europe in hopes of finding better work opportunities and a higher quality of life. Yana’s heart grieved the separation of her family. Her pillar of support went to Europe and she was left all alone in Israel. She didn’t know what to do or where to turn.
That is, until God revealed the Beit Hallel Congregation to her.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Yana reached out to Beit Hallel to find spiritual support and guidance during this hard season of life. Our follow-up team members, Boaz and Yochevet, scheduled to meet with her to see how they could support her. When the day of her visit arrived, our team was already waiting for her in our reception area. We offered her some tea and refreshments, for which she was grateful.
She then told us that as she entered our church building, something touched her heart. She had experienced a wonderful sense of peace. As she mentioned this, she began to weep. We spoke with her for a long time and listened to her story of how hard it had been experiencing the war in Ukraine, and how difficult adjusting to life alone in Israel was.
We felt that Yana needed to be encouraged in Yeshua and started by sharing our own testimonies of salvation. We also shared how God had changed our lives for the better, blessing us with love more abundantly. We then gave Yana her very first Bible and explained how to study it daily. She learned how to read from Genesis all the way through to Revelations, as well as how to pray with faith.
Our team then asked if she felt the Lord was speaking to her about receiving Him as her Lord and Savior. She said that she knew the time was right for her to fully commit herself to God’s plan for her life through Yeshua. Yana repented of her sins! Her joy was evident by the tears she shed as she smiled at our team.
She shared with our team that she discovered a newfound purpose and destiny for her life. She simply knew everything would be alright as she walked with Him. Yana has started in a home group and has also been attending our Shabbat services faithfully. She has come a long way with hope for tomorrow. Hallelujah!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Thank you for partnering with us. Your gifts help those with horrific circumstances live with God’s peace. Please click the “Give” button below to support those making Aliyah to Israel.