Polina's Story

Polina's Story

Polina, a 16-year-old teen from Viciebsk, Belarus (see map), had it all planned out.

She would spend the next few weeks visiting relatives – her cousins were a fun bunch, and she would also do a little traveling – something she’s had on her bucket list for quite some time. ​ ​

Then she will be ready.

The end to her suffering will finally arrive, and she will be free from the years of abuse and rejection.

She sealed the date in her mind.

One evening, on her way home from school, Polina bumped into an old friend.

“Hey, I’m heading to this really cool hangout,” he said. “Want to come? There will be a lot of good food! It’s right over there,” he pointed to the building across the street.

“Sure,” she said. Anything was better than being at home.

As they entered a large room, Polina hesitantly sat in the far back corner. ​

Teens like herself were coming into the room. They were chattering, laughing, hugging and singing.

They seemed to be unusually cheerful and friendly. ​ ​

Polina kept quiet. She wasn’t used to being around people like that.

Her life epitomized darkness and hopelessness, but what she observed was strikingly different.

This group was exuding light​ – a weightless, unfamiliar light that was warm, inviting, and … safe.

Next week, Polina came back. And then the week after.

When, a few weeks later, one of the leaders invited everyone to a Bible study group, Polina showed up.

During small group discussions over the next several months, something shifted inside her heart.

Sitting next to other kids and having made friends, Polina started to open up.

Then one evening, when it was her turn to share, she felt the courage to speak.

She shared about her family and how her parents fought with each other for years, constantly dragging her into the middle of it.

In his drunken fits, her father told her, again and again, he wished he had a son instead of a daughter.

Polina blamed herself and desperately tried to make things better, but nothing worked. She hated herself for that.

Her body trembled, she could no longer sleep, and fear took over her mind and soul. ​

She lost all hope and was planning to end her life.

"But things have changed since I found Young Life," she added. "You helped me realize that my life can be different."

Polina scratched her plans. ​

A year later, a different Polina comes to the Young Life club.

She smiles, her body doesn’t tremble, and she has a newly found zest for life.

She is surrounded by friends and Young Life leaders who walk alongside her.

She takes part in every game, skit, and serving opportunity.

Polina is seeking Jesus.

He firmly holds her heart, gently mending its pieces, giving her a safe refuge, and loving His precious daughter as He created her.

Polina’s mother, who recently visited one of the clubs, shared with one of the leaders:

“I came here to see what it is that you are doing with my daughter. Ever since she started coming here, she stopped talking about suicide, became more respectful, and started smiling. I never thought I’d see my daughter so joyful and excited about life.” ​

​ To Jesus be all the glory.

“Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore? But even if mothers forget, I’d never forget you – never. Look, I’ve written your names on the backs of my hands. The walls you’re rebuilding are never out of my sight.”

Isaiah 49:15-16