Dana and Linda had chosen Anna as one of the team to travel with Pastors George and Terri Pearsons of EMIC, who had been asked to speak at a ministers’ conference in Yalta. While Dana and Linda spoke on children’s ministry, Anna and the other children demonstrated how it was done.
“I stood in that packed venue and let my voice soar in praise to God in Russian,” Anna recalls. “The thing that stood out to me the most was the passionate praise that rose from the Christians there. It was inspiring to add my voice to theirs. Although I didn’t have any family left in Ukraine, my heart melded with theirs. I flew home with a new appreciation for my homeland, and with a new joy about singing in Russian.”
Anna arrived back home on a spiritual high from her experience in Ukraine, and with a powerful new love for her homeland and her people. She couldn’t wait to discuss her experiences with her family. Although her parents were thrilled to hear about the trip, Anna sensed a tension in the air that was unfamiliar. Her parents seemed burdened, their happy countenances clouded. From the privacy of her bedroom she heard them arguing, and feared the worst.
Warfare Praise
Unsure what to do, Anna crawled onto her bed and sang praises to the King of kings. Each time she did, peace descended on her heart. Then it permeated the room, shifting the environment.
“As a child, my stability was linked to my parents,” Anna says. “I wasn’t old enough to understand the stress and culture shock they were still dealing with. As a consequence, I turned more and more to God’s presence for my peace. That presence meant more than anything to me.
“Commanders Dana and Linda had taught me that worship was a lifestyle, a way to communicate with God—and a weapon. Looking back, I realize that going to my room to worship not only helped me find peace, it helped change the atmosphere. It was a weapon of warfare against the enemy.
“Of course my parents used their love and faith to resolve their issues. In the process, I learned how praise could shift an environment. It was a lesson I would use when facing many difficult situations.”
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