After Irina married, she discovered that her husband's grandmother, Hanna, was a believer. It was then that Irina began to read the Bible and learn about Jesus Christ. "More than anything, I realized that this was not a legend, like I was taught before," she said. Hanna also told Irina about Trans World Radio's (TWR) Christian programs. "Slowly, I began to learn the Truth," she added. "I never denied the existence of God, but tried to understand Him with my mind, yet nothing came of it."

In 1988, Irina visited an evangelical church for the first time. She and her husband Peter continued visiting church from time to time, reading the Bible and discussing what they read. When, in early 1994, Peter became ill, Irina recalled, "The critical situation made us think about prayer and visiting church more often. I enjoyed the worship services, and though I didn't always understand what the preacher said, my soul felt more peaceful and joyous, and problems took on second rank. More and more I began to see myself as a sinner and I prayed to God in my thoughts."

In July 1994, during an evening worship service, Irina and Peter committed their lives to Christ. "Tears of joy filled our eyes and God's peace our hearts. This was the happiest day in our lives," she said.

Since January 1999, Peter has managed the TWR studio and office in Kiev. Susanna Tielmann introduced Irina to Project Hannah, and after much prayer, approached her with the possibility of producing Women of Hope broadcasts in Ukrainian. Irina accepted, and was used by God to produce the program which brings hope and encouragement to countless women whose lives have been deeply affected by their country's atheistic beliefs, as well as by the horrific consequences of Chernobyl's nuclear disaster in 1986.

Sadly, in September 2004, Irina went to be with her Lord after struggling several months with a brain tumor. In her stead, Larissa, Tamara, Natalia and Inna continu the work of reaching women in Ukraine and Moldova through the 30-minute WoH program and a 15-minute version aired over an FM station.

Letter from a listener
“I am so thankful for your ministry. The Lord talks to me through your program. I just listened to the program about “the inner beauty of the woman.” Since childhood, I was mocked because of my outward appearance. Before I became a Christian, it was quite a sensitive issue for me. But everything changed after I accepted the Lord. Through your program, the Lord reminded me how important it is to be beautiful on the inside. I was overwhelmed by the story of the handicapped woman in the program. You strengthen my understanding of myself, God and the Bible. You are not just friends for me; you are real sisters.”

Ukraine at a glance
• More than half of the population lives below the poverty level. Average income for those who live in rural areas is $30-$60 per month.

• The effects of the 1986 nuclear power plant disaster in Chernobyl has caused devastation for generations to come. Many women fear having children because the radiation factor hangs over them like a "black cloud," producing physical and severe psychological stress and depression.

• Since the collapse of communism, Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus have become the latest areas to recruit women and children into sex slavery. Because of high unemployment among women, they tend to seek jobs outside of the country.

• Poverty and a high rate of alcoholism have made domestic violence a serious problem, and Ukraine had the 4th highest divorce rate in the world (Belarus and Russia are first and second, respectively).

Sources: Marina Klassen and Susanna Tielmann