Christmas Light in a Hospice
YEKATERINBURG -
A hospice is a place of waiting for the end, where hope is often lost. For more than a year our Yekaterinburg team has been visiting patients to share joy, comfort, and above all, the gospel! Our workers have been able to pray with many who, at the end of their earthly lives, have wanted to trust in God and open their hearts to Him. This Christmas as well, our team will hold a special program in the hospice. Here are some highlights from last Christmas:
The atmosphere in the hospice commons room was deeply moving. With us was a church music group whose songs proclaimed the good news of the Savior’s birth. Nastya, our young violinist, played beautifully, and Volodya, the son of one of our workers, recited a poem for the audience. Some of the listeners sang along, some clapped to the music, and some quietly wiped away tears.
We recognized several patients from previous visits and were glad they were still with us. We congratulated Rashid, who just celebrated his birthday. A month earlier he did not want to hear about God, but this time he told us he had been thinking seriously and no longer considers himself an atheist.
After the concert we invited everyone to join in prayer. Many prayed a prayer of repentance. When the Christmas gifts were handed out, one woman—who had also been present last time—stood up and said with emotion:
“Thank you for bringing a piece of God here! We all need Him.
If everyone brought love and joy the way you do, the world would be a better place.”
Her words touched us deeply. We then went to the rooms of those unable to come to the community hall. We sang, prayed, and shared the gospel with each resident. Three people received Jesus! One woman, unable to move, silently repeated a prayer to accept Christ.
In another room, a man exclaimed: “Thank you, Jesus!” He was from the same church as us! He sang with us and pressed his hand to his heart as tears streamed down his face. We felt God’s presence strongly.
A nurse invited us to the room of a young girl who was nearing death and was no longer conscious. We prayed at her bedside, believing that the heart hears to the very end.
