|
I was born in the Former Soviet Union, into a Jewish family.
My parents were atheists, as were most people who grew up under Soviet rule. We were taught that religion is the opium of
the people.
My grandmother raised me until I was six. Grandma and Grandpa were Hassidic Jews who believed in God.
At that time, in our city, the women did not wear schindels (wigs) and the men did not grow paious (side curls) or wear black
hats. Any faith – including, of course, Judaism – was persecuted.
My dear grandparents managed to observe every Jewish
holiday, and Grandma kept kosher and baked challah bread for Shabbat. On holidays, Grandpa quietly went to the Hassidic synagogue
situated in a small house hidden from the strangers' eyes. At home, they spoke Yiddish, sang beautiful Jewish songs and read
the Scriptures in Hebrew.
But we grandchildren had to keep it to ourselves. I knew there was a God, and He loved Jewish
people, "the smartest people in the world." At the same time, I was taught that Goyim (Gentiles) have their own God, so they
do not like Jewish people.
As if it were today, I see a bright, sunny summer day when the Lord revealed Himself to
me in His love and mercy. I had just turned eighteen. I was sitting in the backyard of our home, studying for an upcoming
physics exam. But I could not concentrate because of a horrible headache due to a recent concussion.
I had always
been a good student, and I could not imagine failing a test. I was desperate. Suddenly, everything seemed dark in my life.
I looked up to the blinding blue sky and thought, "Could it be there is actually Someone out there?" I said, "Lord, if You
exist and the truth exists, help me! I don't know what to do. I am all alone and no one will help me."
I cannot really
describe this, but suddenly I felt stillness and peace, and a bright stream of light extended to me. I knew something was
happening. I could not move. Later, I got up, went home and went to sleep.
I woke up in the evening of the next day
with joy and the realization that something great had happened to me. I reviewed my notes, and the next morning I passed the
exam. Praise the Lord! I was healed even though I knew nothing about His healing power!
Something inside me had changed,
and I looked differently at the people around me. I also stopped swearing.
|
After my finals, I went to Leningrad (Saint Petersburg). There
in the Hermitage museum, I was looking at the works of the great artists. Stunned by the number of paintings dedicated to
Biblical themes and heroes, I spent most of my time thinking about God. I wondered why so many art works were based on the
Bible. Why had so many people worshipped God for so many generations? Why was such a horrible death as that of Jesus needed?
What should I, a Jew, do with knowledge of the Son of God?
I had never heard a sermon or seen the Bible. I had only
seen the Torah in Hebrew. I learned of Jesus from the museum tour guide. His story touched my heart. I was crying for nights
and saying, "Jesus, I love You, but I shouldn't because I am Jewish. What should I do? Forgive me!" I could not have guessed
that this was a prayer, or that it was called repentance.
Soon, I found the Gospels in the old Slavic language, and
then in Polish. The Lord Himself was coming near to me and doing miracles. I read in Polish and understood everything! A short
time later, I was listening to the radio and found an evangelistic broadcast in Russian from Monte Carlo. I began to listen
to it daily.
Soviet magazines such as "Atheist" and "Science And Religion" printed excerpts from the Old Testament.
They tried to prove that there is no God, and told tales about believers, but I could read between the lines. It took me a
long time to realize my faith. I spent years looking for the Bible and for other believers. I was amazed to find other Jews
who believed in Jesus!
As I continue to walk with the Lord and grow in my faith, I cannot stop speaking of the One
Who changed my life. He, Who spoke to our forefathers in the wilderness, revealed Himself in the last days through His Son.
No
one can convince me that He forgot His people. No one can say that His hand is tired and He no longer heals. Jesus showed
me His love through His death on the cross. He spoke with me through His creation. What I needed to know about Him, He spoke
directly to my heart. He is merciful, healing, all-forgiving, not wanting to condemn. He revived my heart. He gave me the
Holy Spirit to illuminate the Scriptures. All of the prophets spoke of Him, and everything they said about Him is true!
My
children, parents and husband all believe Jesus is the Messiah of Israel. He does not stop working miracles, and we will
not stop praising Him. Jesus lives! He is coming soon! Praise be to Him forever!
|
