Gerasemchuk, Natalia

Description

Tell about your childhood, school, family, etc.

I think I experienced the horrors of the war before I was born. From the first days of WW II Kyiv was under bombing. My pregnant mother with three more kids and a grandmother were trying to leave the city. My grandmother was praying then. It is due to her prayers our family was rescued by the Lord for He alone could help in that situation. I spent all my childhood in Chernigiv region by the river. I loved swimming and diving so much that would miss lunch sometimes. My school years were great – I was a good student, enjoyed reading, took part in different school activities. After finishing 7 years of school I entered an art college in Kyiv and in 19 got a job in Nizhin (torn in Chernigiv region).

Where did you work? Was your work good? Were you happy with your job?

At the age of 19 I was in charge of 36 people in the department of embroidery. I had no experience, but I was loved at my work. The ladies taught me many things for which I am thankful. The atmosphere was very warm and peaceful at my work.

Tell about your present life.

I did not stay long there. My friend came to visit me and invited me to go to Kyiv with him. He said that he was offered a job at the factory and there he was promised to receive an apartment only if he gets married. Now I still bear that friend’s last name.

Have you accepted Christ? How long have you been following the Lord?

Since my grandmother was a Christian I would go to church every Sunday with her. But I accepted Christ much later when there was crisis in my life: my son was very sick and my husband died at the age of 44.

Tell about one thing your sponsor needs to know about you.

Despite my life hardships, I would like to live by God’s will. I thank God for my sponsors who support Ukraine and me. Every morning my son and I pray for our sponsors so let God’s peace and love be with them and their families. And, of course, let this terrible war finish soon and peace be over the whole world. Last August I turned 80. I am very thankful for all the birthday greetings. I trust in God’s promises.  In this difficult time my heart is filled with thanksgiving and joy.