In the city of Kyiv (or Kiev, the old spelling of the city) is an old historical prison - Lukyanivska Prison. Here is a photo of the prison as it looked in 1900, about 45 years after it was built.
My husband's grandfather, Heinrich Epp, was arrested on false charges and was incarcerated in this very prison. Because of malnutrition and typhus, he died there on Christmas Eve,1921. He was found the next morning, on his knees with his open bible before him. My husband has that bible.
My husband was deeply stirred listening to the choir and orchestra, wondering what his grandfather would have thought if someone had come to him as he suffered at the hands of the prison guards, and told him that 91 years later an orchestra and choir would travel from Kyiv to Canada where his grandson would be blessed by their musical performance giving glory to God.
Only God could bring such a thing to pass - that the descendants of people on opposite sides of terror and inflicted torment could worship God together, sharing God's love as His children.
Mennonites were known for their pacifist beliefs, and I know that those who suffered prayed as Christ commanded ...
Mat 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."
Someone once said that the best way to destroy an enemy is to turn him into a friend. Only God knows the prayers of those that were persecuted, that laid the foundation for the souls being saved in Ukraine today.
Perhaps my husband's grandfather's prayers almost 100 years ago were answered in the concert tonight.
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8 comments:
Beautiful thoughts Julie...
That's quite a story, Julie and Ican understand how meaningful the concert was to him last night. I really enjoyed it as well and especially loved the 2 prayer songs. What a miracle that things have changed so much over there. I am sure there is much rejoicing in Heaven among those who suffered there for their faith.
This is beautifully put, Juie! It surely has amazed me how those of our generation and even some of our parents have gone back to the country that inflicted such terror on them . . .to run camps and build orphanages, extending a hand of love and forgivenss.
This is such a touching story, it had me in tears. I just can't help but feel deep emotion with in me wondering what it was like for my family in those days living in fear. Perhaps that is why it is so important to me that we are helping the children of Good Shepard Shelter in Ukraine...we are able to give back in love. We have so much to be thankful for.
Thank you for sharing your story. I'm looking forward to attending this concert tonight...knowing that my grandparents all came from the same area.
Generations taking time to give back.
Thank you Julie for sharing. I live too far away to have been able to go to the concert, but if it ever comes to NC near where I live,I will try my best to go to see them.
How wonderful for your hubby to have been able to be at this concert. God is Faithful....
I have my great grandma's Bible. She gave it to my grandma to give it to me as she was dying....What a beautiful treasure she gave me.
Love from NC
What a heart warming story. Your husband has that bible, what a treasure Julie.
This truly was one amazing event. I too, was stirred by the emotion of our grandparents who fled from this country. You have once again brought such beautiful thoughts to Gods Design.
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