BY LIZA DOMBROBSKYAYA
How long have you been volunteering at YWAM?
“I’ve been serving at YWAM for over 7 years. Jason was just pregnant with his first child, his girl when I first came. I am happy about Steve too, because I have known him and his son is so cute and his daughter is going to be like a little princess.”
What does YWAM mean to you?
“YWAM to me? To me it means everything. When I became older I haven’t wanted company or anything special. I have preferred to be alone. But since I’ve come here and I’ve started to volunteer I’ve found a lot of not just good people, but special people who mean so much to me. Thursdays are very important to me, because of the groceries, because of my low income. But it’s not just about the groceries, this place has been a healing place for me, too. You remember when I was so sick after my surgery and all of my stomach problems? I remember if I could walk, then I would come. And when I came here and when I’m around nice people...I feel better. Not because I’m greedy, but because the atmosphere and because of the real people. They really trust God, and they don’t pretend. They’re real and that makes me happy. And I’ve seen they way you treat the people on the streets. They only come in for a limited amount of time, but the people on the streets, they need you. They need the positivity even if for a few hours. I was so touched. Now I am always looking for a way to help. I want to help the homeless. In my opinion, if you can help people in need...then it’s what you should do. And you do that here.”
How has YWAM specifically helped you move to know God more?
“When I see too many people just so trusted to God, it’s made me feel much better. Before I haven’t had an easy life. But in this place I just can see so many people who trust God and are willing to do any job to show they trust God. It’s so special. People here show me love. Here I feel so much better. Even better than I have in church. In our place here? I just feel good. It makes me happy.”
In 2014, God called us to walk forward in faith and purchase our buildings in the face of a speculating developer. We were able to secure a long-term loan and now presently owe $1.5 million. If someone came up to you, wanting to give towards our building loan, what would you tell them?
“I think if you’re going to save this building for these needs, it needs as much support as possible! Because everything I’ve told to you...everything for people in need is good. And God wants that from us!”