16/10/2024
We’re thrilled to tell you about another baptism in Central Asia! Her name is Olga* and it took place at the secret house church she attends. Here, in her own words, is how she came to know Jesus...
“I was aged 55 when I truly believed in God. It happened at a difficult moment in my life. I was in a terrible state and had no strength. I didn't want to live anymore. I felt such despair. Somehow, to cope with my sorrow, I prayed. I didn't know if there was a God, but I still prayed. I said, ‘No one sees me and no one knows what I'm going through.' Immediately, at that very moment, I felt someone answer: 'I know!' It wasn't an audible voice, but I felt it in my soul. Then a peaceful feeling came over me. I wondered what it was.
“One day, I met an old friend who told me about God and how He had changed her life. Her testimony touched me, so I decided in my heart that I should read the Bible. I fell in love with this book so much! Slowly, all my difficult experiences disappeared. I realised that God exists. I believed the words in the Bible that the Lord is my friend. I was strengthened by the verse: 'He who believes in Me has eternal life.' (John 6:47)
“I began attending a house church. At first, I didn't understand anything. I didn't understand any of the prayers and sermons, but I continued to go there. I tried to pray. Soon, everything began to make sense to me, mainly because I read the Bible a lot. I also attended a training course organised by Open Doors' partners. There, I learnt the basics of the Christian faith. It was an extraordinary experience for me.
“I'm grateful for the difficult seasons in my life, because they led me to search for God. I have just been baptised and I know that I cannot live without God. I used to be alone and unhappy, but when the Lord led me to faith, that's when I started to truly live.”
*Name changed
