The journey to faith is rarely a straight path. For Frieda,* a Russian-speaking Jewish immigrant from Ukraine, it’s been a winding road marked by hardship and glimpses of divine intervention.

Frieda first connected with our team six years ago through Hebrew classes and Bible studies. Spiritually curious but hesitant, she had asked for prayer years ago for a leg wound that wouldn’t heal. She was scheduled to have a biopsy and was nervous about the results. We prayed for her, and within weeks, it was miraculously healed. Moved, she prayed to receive Yeshua, but soon withdrew, saying she didn’t need a savior.

Despite her doubts, our team continued walking with her through seasons of depression, financial strain, and fear. We didn’t give up. We continued to pray and walk with her through hardship. When her son was trapped in Ukraine under constant bombing, we prayed, and he escaped and joined her in Israel. Still, Frieda dismissed it as a coincidence.

Earlier this year, Frieda was forced to leave the apartment she’d lived in for over 20 years. She was devastated. We comforted her and encouraged her that perhaps God had something better in store. Then, just weeks later, an Iranian missile struck her old neighborhood, killing several people nearby.

We can’t know what would have happened to Frieda if she still lived there. With tears in her eyes, she exclaimed, “Thank God that he saved me.” And now, after years of prayer and patient love, Frieda’s heart is finally softening.

Since then, Frieda has continued attending our Bible studies regularly. She listens intently and asks thoughtful questions. Each time we see her, she seems to inch closer to a lasting faith, yet stops just short of stepping over the line.

We’ve seen her wrestle with fear, especially about what her children might think if she became a believer. We’ve watched her struggle with doubt, even as she experiences God’s provision again and again. And still, she keeps coming back.

Her story reminds us that God is patient. He doesn’t rush us but gently draws us with his love. Frieda has experienced healing, protection, and provision. She had prayed to receive Yeshua once before, and we believe she will again, but this time to stay.

Please keep Frieda in your prayers. Pray that she will find the courage to take that final step of faith and embrace the life and hope that only Yeshua can give.

 

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.