Freedom - Irina's Faith Story | Short Documentary

Summary

The speaker shares a deeply personal journey of faith, starting with being abandoned at a young age and growing up in an orphanage. At 10 years old, they first hear about God's love and accept Christ. After facing many struggles, including miscarriages, they experience doubt and distance from God. However, a booklet from a ministry reignites their faith, helping them understand that true freedom comes from God. The speaker encourages others to seek peace and freedom through faith, emphasizing that God defines who they are and what they can achieve.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The speaker describes striving through various spiritual practices like prayer, worship, and Bible study, but often feeling guilt when unable to do them consistently.
• 🇺🇦 The speaker was born in 1989 in a country that was formerly part of the Soviet Union.
• 👧 At around four and a half years old, the speaker and her sister were taken to an orphanage after their mother left and never returned.
• 💔 The speaker recalls feeling hopeless as a child, never having heard of God or knowing that prayer was possible.
• 🎁 At 10 years old, the speaker heard the gospel for the first time through a shoebox gift that communicated God's love and plan for her life.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Two years after accepting Christ, the speaker was adopted by a family in Florence, South Carolina, which was a transformative moment.
• 💍 In 2013, the speaker married Stephen, whom she describes as a supportive husband, and later had their son, Peter.
• 😔 Despite the joy of becoming a mother, the speaker struggled with feelings of inadequacy and fear due to her lack of parenting experience.
• 💔 After three miscarriages, the speaker experienced distance from God and deep emotional pain, questioning why it was happening despite her faith.
• 📖 A booklet from In Touch Ministries titled 'Freedom' reminded the speaker of God's presence and that He defines her identity, leading her to experience spiritual freedom.

Q & A

What feelings did the speaker struggle with in their spiritual life?

The speaker struggled with feelings of guilt when they didn't wake up for Bible study and a sense of striving to do everything right, including prayer, worship, and study.

What significant event happened to the speaker when they were four and a half years old?

When the speaker was four and a half years old, their mother left to run errands but never returned. This led to the speaker and their sister being taken to an orphanage.

When and how did the speaker first hear about God?

The speaker first heard about God at the age of 10 while living in an orphanage. They received a shoebox filled with toys and heard the message that God loves them and has a plan for their life.

What life event brought the speaker to Florence, South Carolina?

The speaker was adopted by a family in Florence, South Carolina, two years after accepting Christ.

What new chapter in the speaker's life brought them joy?

The new chapter that brought the speaker joy was getting married to Stephen in 2013 and later having their son, Peter.

What challenge did the speaker face after becoming a mother?

The speaker felt terrified as a mother and struggled with feeling unprepared, especially given their upbringing in an orphanage where they lacked guidance on being a parent.

What scripture-related difficulty did the speaker face?

The speaker struggled with understanding the peace of heart and freedom mentioned in the scriptures, as they were not experiencing it in their own life.

How did miscarriages affect the speaker's relationship with God?

The speaker experienced three miscarriages after having Peter, which caused them to feel distanced from God and confused about why this was happening, leading to a low point in their spiritual life.

What pivotal moment helped the speaker feel God's presence again?

A pivotal moment came when the speaker received a booklet from In Touch Ministries titled 'Freedom,' which made them feel strongly that God was with them and leading them toward freedom.

What advice does the speaker offer to others struggling with peace and freedom in their faith?

The speaker advises others to go to the Lord and ask Him how they can be set free, as true peace and freedom are available to experience every day through faith.