This last week Marina Alekseyenko got baptized in the South Region of Kiev Church of Christ. Her Mom is a faithful disciples of Jesus who made the biggest influence on her daughter’s conversion.
A little Marina was coming to preteens and then to young teens. However, when she turned 15 it seemed to her that the church was kind of boring so she decided “to get to know the world and the real life”.
Her Mom, Olya, stayed faithful praying for her daughter and tried to set a great example for Marina at home. Marina couldn’t help admiring the way her Mom persevered through all the trials and tough times. She always felt God’s support in her life and knew that it was Mom praying for her.
5 years passed, and the world did not seem so captivating and attractive any more. Marina went through deceit, betrayal, shallow relationships – and she saw the difference from love and patience of her Mom and of God as well.
Olya tried hard not to put pressure on Marina, though she had a great desire for her daughter to come to God. Olya knew that the Marina’s decision needed to be serious and solid – the one that stays forever.
So finally Marina told her Mom that she wanted to come to the church and to get baptized. It was her own decision and her own desire to seek God and to be in His Family. It took 2 months of deep talks, Bible study and prayers – when Marina was learning to deny her old self and to seek God’s will for her life.
The day of her baptism has come. There were many disciples present: teens, older sisters – the friends of Marina and the friends of her Mom, those who knew Marina from her childhood. It was a true celebration in God’s family!
The example of Olya has become a great one of trust in God for all the mothers.
We wish Marina to build close relationship with God, to be brave and faithful disciple of Jesus and to be a great daughter of our heavenly Father.
More pictures on www.RIV.kiev.ua – Rejoice In Victory! – Website of Kiev Church Christian fellowship
