by an Alliance international worker in a creative-access country, who serves on a team ministering to the disabled
Vadim, 46, had lived in a state-run institution since he was 3 years of age. I met him seven years ago when I joined a ministry team from an Alliance partner church that visits the residents. We took gifts to help brighten their lives.
From the moment we met Vadim, it was clearly a divine appointment. And I was honored to share his sacred story in “A Beautiful Brother,” published in the December 1, 2013, Alliance Life.
In the article, Vadim shared three prayer requests, and I reminded him of the words of Ephesians 3:20: “[God] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
This past year, all of Vadim’s prayers were answered!
A New Home
Vadim’s first request related to his future. A Christian man, Pavel, who has known Vadim for years, had begun the process of assuming guardianship of him. (Pavel and his wife are close friends with the family that leads the ministry to the disabled.) This had given Vadim hope.
He asked for prayer that he could finally live in a home with a family that loved him. This year, Vadim moved out of the state home where he lived for decades and now lives with Pavel and his wife who have been granted guardianship.
Remaining a Loyal Friend
Vadim’s second prayer request concerned a couple of girls at the orphanage who were his friends; they care for each other like family. If he left, it would be very hard on them.
Since moving in with his new family, Vadim’s friends at the state home have experienced his love for them through his frequent calls and visits. He also advocates for the items they need—as well as for the things they want. They now know he won’t abandon them.
Baptized
Also, in the article I shared that Vadim told me that he wanted to be baptized but couldn’t get permission to leave the state-home grounds. But after moving this past year, nothing stood in his way.
Vadim met with the pastor of his church, who was assured of his faith. This summer one of Vadim’s dearest dreams came true when he was baptized.
A Bonus Answer
Another of Vadim’s great desires has been that his best friend and roommate of many years at the state home, Zhenya, could become his roommate again. There were several impediments to this dream: the state would have to grant Zhenya permission to leave; Zhenya would have to want to do so as well.
Zhenya had been feeling betrayed by Vadim’s departure this past year and would hardly speak to his friend when he visited. Our Alliance team prayed about this complication.
Zhenya now has had a change of heart, and officials have granted him permission to leave the state home. Vadim’s guardians have extended the invitation to Zhenya to join their family.
There is now much rejoicing and thanksgiving in Vadim’s new home!