SGA’s founder Peter Deyneka is known for his words, “Much prayer, much power!” He stood on the truth that much power would come from much prayer, but no prayer brought no power. Scripture tells us . . . A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much (James 5:16). Many people have great needs and personal, heartfelt prayers to lift to God. We find our peace in knowing that God hears our prayers. We rest in the truth that God is sovereign, and He will work His plan, in His timing.

But when we are praying for the salvation of a loved one, or for a prodigal son or daughter to return, we can feel powerless as we try to speak or work our way into turning that heart toward Him. However, it isn’t us. It is God who turns that heart. And, while we wait, we pray. With much prayer, there is much power. The power doesn’t come from what we do, but faith in what God does! He changes hearts and draws people to Himself. Sometimes it takes years. Sometimes we are surprised by an overnight testimony of salvation, but in each case, God’s timing is perfect. 

As we begin a new year, consider making a personal commitment to pray for all of those you know who don’t know Christ. Then, let’s wait with great expectation of God’s power through salvation! Pray also for Ghenadie, in the story below as shared by an SGA Storyteller in Moldova, who is a great testimony of God’s saving faith and the steadfast prayers of a faithful wife. “Ghenadie’s story is proof that God works even when we do not see immediate results. He is faithful and will answer prayers in His perfect timing.”

Today I want to share with you a story that proves how wonderfully God works in our lives, no matter how far we think we are from Him. It is the story of Ghenadie, a simple man, but one who became a living example of transformation through God’s grace and love. Ghenadie is a married man to his wife, Victoria, a woman of strong and unwavering faith. From the beginning of their marriage, Victoria wanted her husband to know the Lord Jesus. However, the first ten years of their marriage was a trying time. Ghenadie showed no interest in the Bible or spiritual life. He was preoccupied with his furniture-making business and daily duties, remaining indifferent to God’s call. But Victoria did not stop praying for him. Every day, in her prayers, she brought him before God, asking Him with faith to transform his heart. Victoria was a model of patience and wisdom, showing him the love of Christ through her attitude and dedication. 

After ten years of prayer, patience, and hope, God worked in a miraculous way. Ghenadie agreed to go to an event organized by the church. Little did he know that this seemingly small invitation would change his life forever. During that event, the Lord spoke directly to his heart. The words spoken by the pastor seemed to be special just for him, and God’s presence was so strong that Ghenadie could not hold back his tears. For the first time, he understood that God was calling him personally, with endless love and patience. From then on, Ghenadie’s life took an unexpected turn. He became a regular at church, eager to learn more about God. At the first invitation to repent, he came forward and publicly confessed that he received Jesus as Savior. In a short time, Ghenadie was baptized and began to study the Bible intensely. 

He was not content with just attending Sunday services; his desire to grow spiritually was unwavering. He attends Bible seminars annually, sacrificing his free time and working hard to be able to take vacations. Today, Ghenadie is not only a transformed man, but also an active witness for Christ. Together with his wife, they have raised two daughters, ages 10 and 15, whom they are teaching to love God. Moreover, his influence also led to the conversion of his mother, who, two years after Ghenadie baptism, also received the Lord. 

Recently, Ghenadie was offered the opportunity to take the Gospel to a village in Moldova. Without hesitation, he accepted the call. Now, every Sunday, he travels to share the good news with the people in the village. Ghenadie considers this to be just another way that God is using his life to bring others to faith. He admits that his entire transformation would not have been possible without the prayers, patience and faith of his wife. Victoria is for him an example of perseverance in prayer and living proof that God answers prayers.

Ghenadie firmly states: “In the hand of God, all things are possible. Any heart of stone can be transformed into a heart of flesh.” His story is a powerful testimony of God’s love, which never gives up on anyone, no matter how far away it seems. This story shows us that God works in ways that we sometimes do not understand, but which are always full of mercy and compassion. Through Ghenadie’s transformation, God touched not only his life but also that of his family and community.

If you are praying for a loved one who does not yet know the Lord, do not be discouraged. Ghenadie’s story is proof that God works even when we do not see immediate results. He is faithful and will answer prayers in His perfect timing. I close this story with a verse that reflects Ghenadie’s entire story: Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone form your flesh and give you a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). May this testimony inspire and encourage you to believe that God works in extraordinary ways in our lives.