Pilipenko, Olga

Description

Tell about your childhood, school, family, etc.

I was born after WW II when life was hard. We had a big family: 9 kids – 7 boys and 2 girls. I finished elementary school in our village and then had to walk 3 miles to a nearby village school. My parents worked in collective farm. Our mother was a believer, she read her Bible, knew many prayers and taught us, the kids.

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

After finishing school I when to Kyiv where my uncle hosted me in his home. My cousin helped me to get a job at a huge factory. My work was very difficult – I was a crane operator: 300 workers depended on my efficiency. First it was hard and I was afraid but later I got used to my work. I enjoyed it – I was respected by my colleagues. I worked at the same factory before I retired.

Tell about your present life.

I am 74. When the war started I had to move in with my daughter. It was hard for me to live alone since I had had 3 complicated surgery within a year. I have 2 kids ( a daughter and a son) and 3 grandkids (a boy and 2 girls). In 2006 my husband died of heart attack. Since then I had lived alone, but praise God for my kids and grandkids who love and respect me. If it had not been the war, my life would have been easier. Now it is good because I am helped by my sponsor. I am very thankful to all our American sponsors for their help – let God keep them and give them good health.

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

Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ because He shed His blood and gave His life to pay for our sins. Faith is the key to heaven. To earn faith in God, one should praise the Lord God, Jesus Christ, to follow His commandments, to read the Bible, to attend church, to give, etc. I joined St. Paul’s Church in 2017 – I enjoy it a lot. With pastor Ruslan we read Bible lessons, praise the Lord, sing songs and have fellowship.

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

I am responsible, come in time, trust people, perhaps, a worrier. I also would like to thank our American sponsors for their care and material support, holiday presents, warmth. All these things support us so much at this difficult time. You give us not only material things but also joy and hope. Separate thanks to our Ukrainian ministers who take such good care for us and treat us with great warmth. Let God bless you back for your kindness and sincerity. I wish you well-being, good health and prosperity, peace and warmth in all your ways!!!