The only Christian in my family was my great grandmother who prayed for her children and the children of her children. As a child, I had many unanswered questions about God. I was close to death many times and such experiences made me wonder, “If I did not die, then it was God who delivered me; and if He chose to help me, then He cares for ME.” When I was in high school, I joined a big evangelical church in Kyiv where I was saved.

As a teenager, I dreamt about a successful career in business, so I invested my whole being into studying. Receiving a good education meant a lot to me. Surprisingly, after I graduated from the university, my heart leaned more and more toward working with Christians. I worked as a translator, an administrator of various Christian projects, and a tour-guide. In my heart there was a dramatic shift from desiring to be successful, to serving people and participating in God’s work.

In October 2016, I received a phone call from Roger McMurrin who offered me a job as Diane’s personal translator. I had known the McMurrins and the work they were doing in Kyiv for 18 years, so my only answer was “YES!” I enjoyed working with Diane and learned a great deal about teaching and dealing with tough issues. As I got more and more involved in the work of the mission, God opened my eyes to the needs of the people MMK serves. I started seeing pain, misery and suffering – the needs of the people were both spiritual and physical.

It was not long before Wes and Kim Janzen asked me to teach an Evangelism Explosion course and to do administrative work within the widows’ food delivery ministry. I thank God for the Janzens’ encouragement and motivation – in some ways they believed in me more than I believed in myself.

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Lena Teaching Widow’s Bible Class

As I look back at my life, I realize God had been preparing me for this very work for many years. Caring for my disabled parents and an 89-year-old grandfather, my education in business, and my work and study at the reformed seminary all prepared me to serve those He has now entrusted to me. I am realizing more and more my dependence on the Lord and how to rely on His wisdom and guidance.

Sergey, Valentina & Lena mapping out where our home bound widows live in Kyiv.

What do I love most about my job? Growing in love for those we serve. Some of them are merely impossible, mentally ill, etc., and you cannot serve these people, unless you LOVE them. This learning experience is very humbling. God surely knew that my heart needed to be shaped. I thank Him for making me a part of MMK.