Stories from the Field

September 2006

Hope for Every Heart
From the Central and Eastern Europe website http://hope4cee.org

In Kharkov, Ukraine, a small group Bible study has been started that is aimed at setting people free from the bondage of depression, as well as helping all people overcome feelings of helplessness, by introducing them to Jesus. This bible study is being led by Michael and Liz Caldwell, Masters ISC Missionaries in Kharkov, Ukraine

One Thursday night, before the first depression class began, Liz visited the ESL class, at New Hope Center. She made an announcement and gave a brief testimony. She shared how she struggled with depression for 16 years and how God delivered her from its bondage. Then she invited everyone to come to the new group--Hope for Every Heart—that would be a study on how to be freed from depression.

As she spoke, she noticed that Sasha, a young man in the back of the classroom had his head down. When he looked up his eyes were red. After the class ended, Sasha with tears in his eyes came up to Liz and asked her when he could talk to her. She asked him if it was about this class on depression and he said that it was. He said with desperation in his voice, “Can I come?” Liz of course said yes. Sasha said that he doesn’t believe in God but by the third lesion, Liz noticed that his countenance was different. He is considering the cost of becoming a Christian. Please pray for Sasha and the many others who are like him.