Znamenskaya, Olya

Description

Tell about your childhood, school, family, etc.

I was a middle child in the family of 6 kids. My father was a military and my mother had various occupations in manufacture. When I studied in school I took part in all school activities, including sports.

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

50 years ago I came to Kyiv to visit my friend and then decided to stay in the city. First I worked at the chemical factory – it was very harmful production. Was I pleased with my job then? I did not think about it – I just had to work.  My kids went to day care for kids of the factory workers. The factory also had its hospital and other institutions where its workers good receive necessary care and help. Later the factory gave me an apartment.

Tell about your present life.

I had three sons. The oldest one died in his thirties because of heart disease. Six years later my husband died of cancer. Now I live with my both sons. They both have university degree. The older one is sick and needs to be operated. I also have some serious health issues. All my trust is in the Lord.

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

I believe in Christ – He is my hope and my salvation. I came to St. Paul Church in 2014. I try not to miss any Bible studies and carefully listen to all the sermons. I apply pastor’s illustrations to my life. Now from my poetry, “We keep on praying to the Lord, for He is our only hope, we believe the road He has for us is the road of goodness and peace”.

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

My hobby is Christian poetry – I love to read it and memorize it. Sometimes I write poetry myself and can even share it with my brothers and sisters. I am fluent in both Ukrainian and Russian. I would like to finish with another poem. “Let there be peaceful sky above us all, for there is one God for everyone. We are all to say, “No war!” Let children’s laughter be heard everywhere!” Thank you for your support!