Meet Alina Bartlett
I was born in Ukraine during the final years of the Soviet Union—a time when everything Ukrainian and Christian was severely oppressed. The first six years of my life were marked by an atmosphere where faith was silenced, and truth was distorted. My parents, though they believed in God, were taught scientific atheism at university. Christianity wasn’t something we understood or discussed at home.
After Ukraine gained independence, I was able to begin my education free from Soviet propaganda. We came from an Orthodox Christian background, and though we occasionally attended church on major holidays, it felt distant, mysterious, and very ritualistic. It never helped me connect with God on a personal level. Deep down, I always believed He existed, but I had no knowledge of what it meant to have a relationship with Him.
That all began to change when, as a freshman, I attended an American summer camp organized by CRU missionaries from the U.S. For the first time, I heard the gospel clearly. I learned that God isn’t just a distant being—He is a loving Father who wants a personal relationship with me. But something was standing in the way: my sin. I had always believed all people were sinful, but I had never taken that truth personally.
That realization stirred something deep within me. I prayed a simple but sincere prayer: “God, if You are really there, please show me who You are and how I can know You.” After that, everything changed. God answered that prayer. I started going to church, reading the Bible for the first time, and I began to know Jesus—not just as a concept, but as my Lord and Savior.
I joined student ministry and served as a volunteer for five years. Eventually, I joined the staff of CRU, dedicating my life to evangelism and discipleship. By God’s grace, He found me—despite the lack of opportunity, despite the cultural and spiritual barriers. His grace is not limited by time, territory, or circumstance.
I give all the glory to God for His redeeming love. His grace has truly transformed my life. He pursued me when I wasn’t even seeking Him, and now I want to help others discover His grace too.
After Ukraine gained independence, I was able to begin my education free from Soviet propaganda. We came from an Orthodox Christian background, and though we occasionally attended church on major holidays, it felt distant, mysterious, and very ritualistic. It never helped me connect with God on a personal level. Deep down, I always believed He existed, but I had no knowledge of what it meant to have a relationship with Him.
That all began to change when, as a freshman, I attended an American summer camp organized by CRU missionaries from the U.S. For the first time, I heard the gospel clearly. I learned that God isn’t just a distant being—He is a loving Father who wants a personal relationship with me. But something was standing in the way: my sin. I had always believed all people were sinful, but I had never taken that truth personally.
That realization stirred something deep within me. I prayed a simple but sincere prayer: “God, if You are really there, please show me who You are and how I can know You.” After that, everything changed. God answered that prayer. I started going to church, reading the Bible for the first time, and I began to know Jesus—not just as a concept, but as my Lord and Savior.
I joined student ministry and served as a volunteer for five years. Eventually, I joined the staff of CRU, dedicating my life to evangelism and discipleship. By God’s grace, He found me—despite the lack of opportunity, despite the cultural and spiritual barriers. His grace is not limited by time, territory, or circumstance.
I give all the glory to God for His redeeming love. His grace has truly transformed my life. He pursued me when I wasn’t even seeking Him, and now I want to help others discover His grace too.
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