I lost my identity in those lies because I wanted to escape the fact that I was broken, wounded, and I felt like dark thoughts were the only food for my mind

Sometimes, I felt very lonely and couldn't find meaning in life, but I always knew that Jesus was with me, listening to me, and that I had a friend in Him.

It was a long battle, and it lasted until the realization that I can never be perfect by my works, but by the works of Christ, - and that only through Him can I be perfect.

I began to be surrounded by things that I didn't feel comfortable with, and that I did not enjoy.

That blessing was, is, and will be His gift, and I see it as the only true wealth in our lives….

I was trapped in a garage where there was a terrible noise, shaking, and destruction. In that panic I cried out, "Oh, my God, save me!"

For many years, at the urging of my father, we all practiced different Eastern philosophies - we studied the teachings of various yogis, ate macrobiotics, practiced yoga...

That same day, there was a terrible attack on our village, grenades were falling on all sides. I was alone in the basement, thinking this might well be the end of me.

In the 1990s, poker machines came to town and I spent every penny I had on them. When I needed more money, I stole it from my dad.

Two days later, early Tuesday morning, I heard a voice in my room - I couldn’t tell if it was a dream or if I was awake. I heard the words in my mother tongue “Today the Holy Spirit will descend on you”

The answer to the prayer I had prayed in the morning came so quickly. As I prayed I thought it would happen one day, - that the answer would show itself over time. But it happened that same evening!

My mom didn't have an income to take care of my sister and I, so she had to forego her meals so that my sister and I could eat from a young age, and this all filled my heart with resentment

Nothing happened abruptly - it was as if Jesus' gentle voice was slowly calling to his lost sheep

For us there is still wonder and admiration - and every day we are so thankful for the miracle of unexpected joy in our lives.

In the sixth week there was bleeding, then an urgent visit to the doctor and the sad news that the child is no more

She came over and said she wanted to pray for my hands and for my gift