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My life wasn't easy from the very beginning, as I was born in a family where my parents didn't know about God. My parents couldn't cope with their emotions and relationship. There were conflicts and quarrels every day, and several times they were on the brink of divorce.
One day, they said to my sister and I, "Children, we are getting a divorce. Choose who you want to live with." I couldn't answer the question. I couldn't understand what they meant. I was eight years old. After they got divorced, Mom wanted to return to her family home. So Dad took my sister and I to Kazakhstan. In a month however, Mom started corresponding with Dad. In a year, Mom decided to come back to him, hoping for a change.
We returned to Ukraine and for a short time all was well. But it was no less than a month and again my sister and I were, "put between two fires". Mom was in the hospital often, as she had heart disease from being stressed all the time. The situation continued like this for seven years. In 2005, when my sister finished high school, there came changes. She needed money for college so Dad had to go to Russia to work, and Mom moved to Kyiv with her sister to search for a job.
At first, Dad used to visit four times a year, and Mom twice a month. I am not sure whether I was 12 or 13 when I was left alone. My sister started dating a boy and moved to Cherkassy. To save money, my parents started visiting me less and less. They sent me money and phoned to know how I was doing. I didn't know whether it was better to listen to constant quarrels and be together or to be apart. Sometimes I felt very lonely and sad. I saw my friends with their parents. They were there when they needed them.
At age 14, I learned how to cook and care for myself. It was funny to hear my friends asking their parents what to wear to go out. When I was 16 years old, I finished high school and entered Cherkassy State Technological University, to study economics and management. There was a student in my class who told me about God. I repented when I was 17 and was baptized two years later. The direction of my life changed. I got the meaning of life. God has now given me new dreams and new wishes.
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Vanya sings at Kompas Park too! |
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I was invited to be in the Hope Now musical group called "Kolo Sertcya" which means "Close to the Heart". God has opened in me a new talent to sing. Thanks to Hope Now we went on tour in England last year. I had an unforgettable experience and fabulous impressions. I believe that all was thanks to the Lord. After I accepted Jesus Christ into my life, my life became full of miracles, miraculous things and people.
And now I need another miracle. I am now 20 years old, having finished 4 years of study with one more to go to complete my master's degree. However, Dad has lost his permanent work and can no longer pay $ 1,900 for the remaining year - that's why I need your help and support.
Vanya Ovcharenko
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