Living YES!: Zina's Story

Zina

Zina is one of those remarkable women who captures your attention. Whenever she speaks, you find yourself leaning in, not wanting to miss a single word. Everything is said with feeling and conviction, a beautiful quality I've also witnessed in her daughter and granddaughters.

I still recall our very first interaction at church. We were casually talking about house plants when she said, "I talk and sing to them, you know, you need to nurture these living creations of God!" From that moment, I developed a newfound appreciation for my plants.

Zina's life could easily inspire a movie or novel. She was just two years old when her family left Ukraine in a covered wagon during the Second World War. Her family lived in refugee camps throughout Europe until they were finally able to immigrate and make a home in Brazil when she was twelve. Zina has vivid memories of that 3-week journey on the cargo ship to Brazil. She recalls the crowded ship, seventeen seasick days, and being pursued by a smitten teenager who annoyingly showered her family with special foods to win her heart.

Starting a new life in Brazil was difficult, and it was up to Zina to help her parents provide for their large family. She would work under a terribly mean supervisor in a hotel where she endured to learn Portuguese and acquire the skills to eventually move on. Zina learned early lessons of perseverance, surrender and gratitude that are core to her character today.

There were many significant stories that Zina shared about her early life, but recounting this one flooded her eyes with tears. Her mother had recently given birth to a baby sister who was struggling to survive. Concerned for the baby's life, Zina's parents entrusted her with the responsibility of taking the baby on a bus to the nearest hospital. Zina was to communicate with doctors regarding her sister's condition. Heartbreakingly, Zina was informed there was nothing they could do to save her sister, and she would have to carry this lifeless baby back home to her family. She remembers praying, "God, just grant us a seat on the bus."

Zina also shared about attending a Tent Revival Meeting as a teenager in Brazil. It was there that she experienced the Lord like never before. "There were testimonies, miracles, and worship like I had never experienced." Zina had been raised Russian Orthodox, but in those meetings she first heard, "Jesus Saves, Jesus Heals, and Jesus is Coming Back Again!" Hating to leave those long tent meetings, she recalls sneaking in the house late at night. What she experienced there served as a pivotal moment when she really made Jesus Lord of her life.

Zina had dreams of immigrating to the United States, envisioning a land where "the streets were made of gold." Her fascination began when American pilots dropped candies and supplies from the sky to the refugee camps. With determination, it took her five years to finalize the necessary documentation, and at the age of 25, she became the first in her family to gain U.S. citizenship. She reflected on the challenges of the process, expressing gratitude for the country she has proudly called home all these years.

Zina would go on to marry an older man who made her feel loved and safe (not the annoying ship-boy, although he did try to track her down in Brazil!) Also a believer in Christ, her husband was an immigrant who had faced much adversity to finally gain US citizenship. Together, they shared their experiences and have two beautiful daughters. The couple was known for helping anyone in need and offering hospitality generously.

Zina lost her husband too soon to cancer, after only nineteen years of marriage. She once again faced hardship and finished raising her girls alone.

Zina never remarried, but she has had a faithful companion in the Lord these many years. I am witness to the incredible legacy the Lord has given her in a growing and beautiful family that all love the Lord. There continues a shared quality of gratitude, passion for life, and hospitality in Zina's family.

I knew Zina's family before I knew her full story, and as I listened to her recall events from her memories, I realized that, by allowing the Lord to heal and transform her, the fruit of her adversity has become her family's inheritance.

When I asked Zina what was most important to know, she said,

"God is good. We fail many times, but He never fails."

Reflection from Judy

The richness of Zina's story gently reminds us that stories worth telling and hearing surround us every day. While Shani, no doubt, had a specific time slot when she and Zina sat down for an "interview," it made me wonder if I'm allowing enough time to listen to someone's story. To ask questions. To set my phone aside and to really listen. With both ears. Good eye contact. And an open heart.

A couple of Christmases ago, our Colorado kids gave their dad a subscription to StoryWorth. Every week, Wes would receive an emailed question, selected and edited by our sons. He could also modify the questions, write his own, or skip some weeks. At the end of the year, we received a hard copy book he entitled, ALL MY LIFE HE'S BEEN FAITHFUL. In this treasured book are stories in response to the questions - a mix of human interest, adventures, humorous incidents, how we met, and testimonies of God's faithfulness.

Stories. They shape us. Inspire us. Put a smile on our face...or a tear in our eye. Let's be better at asking others to tell us their story. It's a win for both the listener and the storyteller.

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. Psalm 78:4 ESV

Do you know someone in the second half of life who is making a meaningful impact for the Kingdom? We’d love to hear their story as we continue gathering inspiring examples. Please send to info@yestoserve.org.

To hear more encouraging testimonies of faith, tune into our podcast — The Young Enough Podcast.