Hi family and friends,
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year since I joined the Missions Training School . It’s truly been a rollercoaster of emotions. Filled with highs, lows, breakthroughs and a whole lot of stretching. I’ve been learning so much about myself. My strengths my weaknesses, and the personal traits I’ve needed to surrender in order to properly serve the Lord. It’s hard, and honestly it hurts my pride. But I don’t want to be prideful. I want to be humble before the Lord and before His people.
In this season, God has been gently breaking down old ideas and comforts I used to turn to when I was in the world. Things that simply don’t work anymore now that I’m in Christ. I’ve learned that real transformation requires letting go. And letting go hurts.
I entered what feels like a season of mourning. God began to bring up past trauma things done to me, and things I brought on myself through sin. It’s been deeply painful, but necessary. I’m learning to surrender that pain to Jesus and trust Him with my healing. It’s not easy. It’s messy. But I’m so grateful He’s given me the strength, awareness, and conviction to walk through it.
Right now, I’m walking through my life starting from childhood with the Lord. We’re in constant dialogue as I’m processing events, connecting dots, seeing how one hurt led to another, and how sin slowly crept into my heart at a young age. And even in this hard place, I see His hand. He’s placed godly people around me. Members of the Body of Christ who are walking with me, speaking truth, and helping me navigate this healing season.
I’ve lost friendships because of my faith. The truth is, the gospel is offensive. Just living it out can create distance with those who are comfortable in their sin or who don’t yet see the need for repentance. But at the same time, it’s drawn me closer to nonbelievers. My worldview has shifted. I no longer see the lost with judgment, but with the same grace and compassion God has shown me, because I was once lost too blinded by the world. I’ve learned that not everyone is in a place of full surrender yet. God has people in different places. My role is to be present, to be the light. Not to affirm sin, but not to condemn either. Simply to love and leave the rest to Him.
God has given me the privilege of going on small short- term missions trips as well serving in both the children’s ministry and social media ministry. It’s been a refining experience. He’s growing me in ways I didn’t know I needed, and I’m so thankful. Just last month, we held our Vacation Bible School. It was such a sweet time to minister to the children of the congregation and to many from the surrounding community.
I can’t express how beyond grateful I am that Jesus My Lord and Savior rescued me. I was literally walking to the gates of hell. But He’s set me free from so much sin. He’s completely transforming my heart, mind, and worldview.
My confidence and security used to come from within myself, and it was never enough. But now, my security and confidence come from Christ alone who never changes. And the more I walk with Jesus, the more grateful I am. Not just that He saved me, but that He wants a relationship with me. That He desires to know me deeply and transform me into a godly woman who lives in submission and service to Him. That’s something I cherish deeply and I can’t put a price on it.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;
and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave Himself for me.
I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law,
then Christ died in vain.”
— Galatians 2:20–21
This has become my life verse. It explains so beautifully how I feel about my life now in Christ: I no longer live for myself. I live by faith in the One who loved me and gave Himself for me and I never want to set aside His grace.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this update and for walking this journey with me. I’ve committed to another year of the Missions Training School, and I’m beyond excited to see what the Lord has in store for me.
Praise Report
Jesus has redeemed my relationship with my parents. It is now the best it has ever been. We tell each other “I love you,” we show affection, and it’s only because of Jesus, who has transformed my heart and the way I view my parents and family.
I’ve now been saved for over a year and a half, and I’ve been praying that the Lord would make me more like Jesus. He’s answering that prayer but not in the easy way. He’s doing it by teaching me to die to myself, to surrender, and to walk in humility. And I’m truly thankful.
Prayer Requests
• That I would continue to daily surrender my life to Christ
• That my family and close friends would come to know Jesus and be born again.
• That the Lord would reveal in His perfect timing where He is calling me to serve long-term
• For financial provision as I carry some debt. I know and trust the Lord will provide
If you feel led to support me, I’d love to invite you to partner with me most importantly through prayer. Your prayers truly make a difference in this walk of faith and obedience. If the Lord puts it on your heart to support me financially as well, that would be a blessing and help further the work He’s doing through me in this training and ministry.
With love and gratitude
For His Glory,
Katia