My Experience with God

I left that worship service a new person.

Ossana Bondar was born 1970 in Kiev, Ukraine. Her grandfather was a preacher, who instilled in her a love for the ministry. in1991, she began studying theology at the Zaokski Seminary in Russia. Oxsana has one small daughter

One beautiful winter day when I was only 13-years old, my family and l attended church in Kiev. The evening worship was a dedi­cation for the New Year. The church members filled the pews. They were excited and in good moods for they were thankful to God who had helped and taken care of them throughout the last year.

The program was very interesting. A pastor preached, the choir sang, and members prayed. It was an unusual day in my life.

That evening the church choir sang a new song, written by a local Seventh-day Adventist, Modris Zakis. I heard the song for the first time that night. I had heard many Christian songs before, and I thought it would be one of the well-known melodies. But suddenly, as I listened to this beautiful new song, it seemed as though something was hap­pening to the choir; instead of seeing familiar people, they looked like angels to me!

The song they were singing was about our prayers to God and His answers to us. I want to translate some of the words:

"Everlasting God, the Creator of the universe, the Father of heaven and earth. You are hearing all our prayers. Please, hear us. We are asking mercy from you."

Then, after these words, there were exclamations from the women's section of the choir. They were repeating, "We know You arc hearing us well. We believe it ..."

It was great! Tears streamed down my face. I could not stop them. They were tears of joy and excitement. For the first time in my life I understood the character of my Lord. I saw Him in another light. I saw a new, merciful, loving God. He can understand me. I can trust Him. He knows everything in my life.

After the singing, the pastor had closing prayer. During that prayer, I opened my heart to Jesus and gave my life to Him.

I left that worship service a new person. I wanted to sing, pray and share my faith with everybody.

A long time has passed, but I have never forgotten about what God did for me that evening. Through that beautiful music, my life was changed. I believe music has great power in our world. 

Ossana Bondar was born 1970 in Kiev, Ukraine. Her grandfather was a preacher, who instilled in her a love for the ministry. in1991, she began studying theology at the Zaokski Seminary in Russia. Oxsana has one small daughter