Velentey, Lidia

Description

Tell about your childhood, school, family, etc.

I was the first child in the family. I also have a younger sister. My father passed away when he was 57. I have warm memories of my childhood. My parents took good care of me and my sister. I did well at school and had lots of friends.

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

I worked at the factory producing spare parts for tractors. I was a crane operator in the shop. The working conditions were difficult. The shop was full of noise, smoke, and dust. I developed a heart condition and had to resign. Then I found a new job at the department of pediatric oncohematology of a local hospital. I worked as a housekeeping nurse in a bone marrow transplantation unit. Every day I came home from work in tears. Children were dying, and I could do nothing to help them.  I complained to my mom saying how much my heart ached. My mom said, ‘Don’t cry. You need to pray. God will hear your prayers and help.’ My mother has prayed a lot and inspired me to follow her example.

Tell about your present life.

My life is not very cheerful. I had three surgeries. I have heart and kidney disease. I have also experienced a recurrence of multinodular goiter. In addition to that, I have skin cancer. I live in Kyiv. My family consists of 7 people. We all live in a 3-room apartment. Even though there are seven of us, we live as a well-knit team. I take care of my 89-year-old mother. She can hardly see or hear. Her hands tremble a lot. I often have to feed her. I also have to pay attention to myself (take medicines, and various medical procedures, etc.) Sometimes I almost give up. My only consolation is the Lord and the church.

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

How could I not accept and follow Him? He is my Savior, Teacher and Mentor. He is my Heavenly father. I turn to Him with all of my troubles. I pray to Him every day. I have been following the Lord for a long time. My grandmother believed in Christ.  My mom is a strong believer, too. My mom read a lot and instructed me. I have been a member of St. Paul’s Church for eight years. My friend brought me to church. This is my home.

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

I want my sponsor to know that I believe in Christ. I try to live according to His commands. I do appreciate the assistance that I receive from my sponsor.

At present, we all need your help and are very grateful for it.

I don’t know my sponsor, but I am so proud of him because he shows great respect and love for me. In my prayers, I always thank Christ for my sponsor.