When Brussels fell to the German army during WWII, a British nurse in charge of a local
nursing school refused to leave her post. Edith Cavel cared for the wounded, both
sides, and helped over 200 Allied soldiers escape. She was arrested on charges of
espionage and executed by a firing squad on Oct.12,1915.
Edith Cavell became known as the “martyr nurse”. As a tribute to her courage, Canada
gave her name to the grandest mountain of the Athabasca River Valley, Mount Edith
Cavel.
This brave woman saved many lives. However, others lesser known or acknowledged
have been influential to help save lives for eternity. I met one of them.
In 2012, my husband, Jim, and I were partners with “The Singing Men of Texas” along
with Michael Gott’s Evangelical Ministries. We traveled to the Ukraine and also to
Crimea prior to its annexation by Russia. While preparing for one of the Singing Men’s
concerts, I met and interviewed Olesya. This is her story.
“I was born into a non-Christian home but influenced by my aunt who had
become a believer in Jesus Christ after WWII. As a teenager I wanted to go to
church but when I did my parents became angry and forbade me to attend or
even to read the Bible.
But I found ways to read it without them knowing about it. I hid a Bible in my
room and at night I read it by flashlight under the covers. Sometimes I would
sneak it into the bathroom and close the door. I believed the verses I read and
trusted Jesus as my Savior at the age of thirteen but did not get baptized until I
attended the university at the age of seventeen. While there I applied for a job as
a church secretary and was hired.
I began interviewing Christians who were persecuted during the Soviet
Communist regime and learned many were beaten because of their faith. They
delivered a powerful message, ‘Do not give up! Be strong in Jesus!’ I was so
encouraged I wanted to share their steadfast testimonies with others.
Through some contacts made, I began speaking on the radio. All families during
the Soviet regime were required for political reasons to own a radio. So, I began
sharing the amazing accounts by hosting my own program on TransWorld Radio
with a potential to reach as many as ten million listeners. I am blessed by the
written word of God, and now I can share with others.”
Olesya has a tender heart, a servant spirit, and a desire to use her God-given talent.
Her messages are reaching millions, and she may never know the result or have public
recognition for her zeal for the Lord. But Eternity will showcase the extent of her
influence.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the opportunity to meet Olesya, a true heroine of faith. Thank you that the
Soviet radio, once used for evil purposes, is now being used for good. Thank you for the
influence of Olesya’s aunt. Help us to realize that regardless of our age or our station in
life, we can cause others to desire a relationship with You and to love your Word. Show
us how to make a difference in the lives of others for your Honor and Glory. In Jesus’
name, Amen.
Adapted from Fran’s book, HOPE on the Way: DEVOTIONS to Go