'Of course I believe in Jesus!' - Pauline's story
Galyna (left) discussing the Scriptures with Pauline, a new Jewish believer in Moldova
WHILE VISITING JEWISH HOMES IN KISHINEV, GALYNA BARBANEL WAS DISAPPOINTED TO FIND THAT ONE OF HER CONTACTS HAD MOVED AWAY. HOWEVER, ANOTHER RESIDENT TOLD HER THAT IF SHE WANTED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE JEWISH, THERE WAS A WOMAN CALLED PAULINE DOWNSTAIRS, AS GALYNA REPORTS.
When Pauline opened her door, she was very welcoming and invited me in to talk. When I explained I wanted to talk about Jesus, she was only too happy to listen. I shared the gospel with her and we discussed the Jewish feasts. Pauline was embarrassed that, despite being Jewish, she knew very little about either subject and was very grateful for literature on both.
THINKING ABOUT
Later, she told me that – just before my first knock at her door – she had been reflecting on God and thinking about her soul. She had buried her late husband and, more recently, her sister Bella. She was thinking about her eternal future when there was a knock at the door and there I was!
At the end of the visit, Pauline accepted an invitation to join me at the congregation I have been attending with my husband Igor in Kishinev. I rejoiced when, true to her word, Pauline turned up at the service. Having enjoyed her time there, she was keen to come back and hear more about Jesus. She returned a few times but then caught the flu so could not meet with me for some time.
OF COURSE I DO!
When we eventually met again she reminded me that I’d promised to install a Bible app on her phone. I took this as a good indication that her spiritual hunger was continuing to grow.
I installed the app and we read a portion in the Gospel of Luke about how Jesus fulfilled all the Old Testament messianic prophecies. When I asked Pauline if she believed this she said, ‘Of course I do!’
I told Pauline she needed to tell God this and seek forgiveness of her sins through Jesus.
Praise God, this is exactly what happened next!
It was such a joy and privilege to see Pauline profess faith in Jesus and begin to follow him in this way, all after answering her door to a complete stranger.
Praise God for the providential way Pauline met Galyna and for her profession of faith. Please pray for Pauline and for Galyna as she now disciples her.