From Despair to Light
A Mother and Daughter’s Heartfelt Testimony

Your support is a lifeline for so many here in Israel, a land where the need for hope and the message of God’s love has never been greater. Today, we want to share a powerful testimony that shows just how impactful your partnership is in transforming lives.

Not long ago, Miriam, one of our devoted ministry team members, met Olga, a woman who had recently made aliyah to Israel with her family from war-torn Ukraine. Olga attended one of our women’s gatherings, seeking connection and perhaps a spark of hope amidst the challenges of building a new life in a foreign land. The gathering touched Olga deeply, igniting something within her heart.

From that moment, Olga became a regular at our meetings, where she found warmth, support, and, most importantly, the presence of God.

Miriam, as she often does with those she meets, began praying for Olga, building a genuine friendship along the way. During one prayer time, Olga shared that she tangibly felt God’s presence—like a fire—coursing through her soul. It was a moment she could not deny, and it confirmed that God was at work in her life.

Like any loving mother, Olga longed for her teenage daughter, Marina, to experience the same. Yet Marina remained resistant, her heart seemingly closed to conversations about faith and hesitant to engage.

Despite Olga’s prayers and encouragement, Marina’s spiritual walls remained firm.

One day, everything began to change. During a special humanitarian event for children, Olga surprised our team by bringing Marina along. At first, Marina kept her distance—avoiding eye contact, keeping conversations short, and staying on the outskirts of the group. However, our team, including Miriam, began to pray silently, asking God to touch Marina’s heart.

What happened next was nothing short of miraculous.

As Miriam and Marina spent time together, Miriam shared a deeply personal story about her eldest son, David. On October 7th, Miriam experienced the unthinkable loss of David, an IDF soldier, who gave his life in combat. Through tears, Miriam recounted how David, despite life’s struggles, always found solace and peace by running to God in prayer. She spoke of his courage and faith, even in the most difficult moments, and how his life was rooted in hope that came from the Lord.

Marina’s demeanor shifted as she listened. Tears welled in her eyes as she interrupted Miriam to share that she had attended a memorial for David and had been profoundly moved by what she heard about his life and faith. This moment opened a door that had been firmly shut. Marina began to share her own struggles with adjusting to life in Israel—learning a new language, navigating an unfamiliar culture, and feeling isolated in the process. Her vulnerability and openness surprised even her mother, Olga, who looked on in awe.

By the end of their conversation, Marina didn’t want to leave Miriam’s side. For the first time, she felt seen, heard, and understood in a way that spoke directly to her heart. Before they parted ways, Miriam invited Marina to a youth meeting scheduled for the following Thursday. Marina’s response was unexpected and encouraging—she not only expressed a desire to attend but also planned to bring a friend with her.

While we continue to pray that Marina will follow through on her desire to come, the softening of her heart is already a miracle in itself. God is at work, using every moment, every connection, and even the deepest pains to draw His children closer to Him.

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

Isaiah 61:3-4

Miriam’s grief over the loss of her beloved son, David, has been transformed by God into a crown of beauty. Through her pain, she has become a vessel for His love and compassion, touching even the hardest of hearts and drawing people toward His light.

Through your prayers, generosity, and unwavering support, you have enabled us to minister to precious souls like Olga and Marina. Because of you, Olga has discovered the love of Yeshua, and we firmly believe that Marina is on the brink of doing the same.

This is the power of God’s love in action—transforming lives, one person at a time.

Your partnership allows us to be His hands and feet here in Israel, reaching those who are searching for hope and answers in a challenging season. Together, we are sowing seeds of faith in this land, and God is faithfully bringing forth a harvest.

Thank you for standing with us.

Your prayers and support are making an eternal impact, and we are deeply grateful for your role in this mission.

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