Get to Know Stephen Ministers Zinaida, Kateryna, and Zinaida
At the end of 2021, Irina met with another group of our widows from Stephen Ministry (we are meeting in small groups due to COVID-19). The ladies had some wonderful heart-to-heart conversations over a cup of tea and Irina got to know them better. We’d like to introduce you to them also. Their life stories are so unique that we struggle for words, but Irina did a great job conveying their stories.
Zinaida H.
Zinaida was born in 1937 and used to work in a shoe factory. She has two children who live nearby in Kyiv. Her granddaughter recently came to live with her—it’s good to have someone next to you when you are 84 years old. Zinaida has gone through a lot. She used to pray to God when she was in trouble but didn’t really believe in Him. Zinaida first heard about our Mission and the church about 16 years ago. She came, she listened, and she stayed! When Irina asked her why she decided to join Stephen Ministry, she replied, “because of friendship!” She is friends with Katerina Melnychuk, who invited her to the church. Time passed, and Katerina is homebound now because of health problems. So Zinaida began taking care of her friend. She brings her food sets, food vouchers and, what’s more important, printouts of Bible lessons! They discuss them and pray together! Zinaida is very grateful for the opportunity to serve her dear friend.
Kateryna K.
Kateryna is almost 91 years old and is still full of life. She has 64 years of work experience and has received five medals for labor!
Kateryna lives by herself. She had two children, and unfortunately, her son died 12 years ago. Her grandchildren are already grown-up and are 42 and 38 years old. At the moment, she is helping her granddaughter look after her son. Kateryna has been attending St. Paul's Church for 20 years. She has been Stephen Minister for about 12 years and supports three people. Irina shared that she wants to follow Kateryna’s example when she sees her optimism and desire to help! Irina is grateful to God for His work in Kateryna’s life, the people who invited her to our minister, and the sponsors from America who care.
Zinaida T.
Zinaida was born in 1944. She brought old MMK documents to our meeting, and told everyone that they are her memory archive. When she feels sad, she takes them out and looks through them, recalling all the wonderful years of attending St. Paul’s Church. And she has lots of memories because Zinaida has been a regular church-goer since 2000. It took some time before she decided to join Stephen Ministry. However, when she heard from the Word of God that Jesus helped people and called us to serve our neighbors, Zinaida became a Stephen Minister and has supported from two to five people even since. Despite being a 77-year old disabled person, she is still serving others!