As we all well know, some love stories end happily, others sadly, and others are bittersweet.  In a just a few paragraphs, let me tell you a love story that ends...well, just wait and see.

  I met Bahgdan on my very first trip to Ukraine in 1997.  At that time he was just a young teenage boy with a huge smile, and a winning personality.  I spent a weekend with his family, visiting the village churches where his father, Anatoly Kostyuk, was a pastor and evangelist.  During my time at his home that weekend, Bahgdan and his family became lasting friends.  I remember laughing with him as we compared who could do more chin-ups on the exercise bar in his back yard.  He won.  

  Over the years, I would often see Bahgdan when I would visit his church in Melitohpol, Ukraine, or spend time in fellowship or ministry with his father.  I watched him develop into a fine, handsome young man with a heart for the Lord, a willingness to work hard, and a friendliness, sincerity, and committed Christian lifestyle that earned him a reputation of integrity.  

  He began to have serious physical illnesses however, and after a series of operations and life-threatening illnesses and hospital stays, he finally had one of his kidneys removed.  Although he seemed to be recovering well from these ordeals, the health dangers loomed over young Bahgdan and he lapsed into a depression that seemed to rob him of any energy that his sickness had not taken.  It was hard to work, hard to hope, even hard to be around others.  His family and friends could see the difference in Bahgdan and were deeply concerned.  

  One day, a friend from church called and told him, “Get ready!  I’m picking you up and we’re going to a Christian youth camp for a few days of rest and renewal!”  

  “I don’t want to go,” answered Bahgdan.

  “Sorry!  I’ve already made arrangements!  I’ll be there to pick you up soon.”

  To Bahgdan’s surprise, the fellowship and fresh air did him well.  And there was also a girl... Her name was Oksana and she had lived in Ukraine but her family had immigrated to America a few years earlier.  Now, she was in Ukraine for a visit but would be going back home to the States shortly after the youth retreat.  Bahgdan had never met anyone quite like her!  As they talked, just as acquaintances, he felt the Lord stirring something in his heart.  He managed to get her contact information (under the guise of sending her pictures from the camp), and when she got on the airplane, the first message that was waiting for her when she turned on her cell phone was from Bahgdan.  

  Their relationship developed over the long distance between Ukraine and America, and as they communicated and prayed together, both of them felt a love for one another being born in their hearts.  Over time, that love expressed itself in a desire for marriage.

  But Oksana’s parents had reservations.  They didn’t know this young man and they had worked hard to bring their family to the United States.  Did it make any sense for their daughter to go back to Ukraine and get married there?  As for Bahgdan coming to America, the stringent visa regulations made that impossible until after a marriage took place.  And so, the answer was “no.”  Perhaps, over time, Oksana or Bahgdan would change in their feelings for one another and the two could go on with their lives.  

  And so, the months went by.  And then, the years went by.  Bahgdan and Oksana never saw each other during this time.  They could only call one another, pray with one another, and write to one another.  But for three years, their love stayed strong.  

  I remember several occasions of meeting with Bahgdan or talking with him on the phone during those long, lonely three years.  I prayed with him and encouraged him to continue trusting in the Lord, and yet wondered how it would all turn out.  Sometimes when he would call me, his voice would be filled with hope and joy at some little turn of events that might be causing Oksana’s parents to give their permission.  Other times, we would sit together and I would only be able to look sadly at his hunched shoulders and furrowed brow as he shared his frustrations.  Yet, always, he held onto His faith in God and his assurance that the Lord was good and would work out everything for the best.  

  Then, one day, the three years of praying and waiting were brought to a joyous end when Oksana’s parents recognized the love between Bahgdan and Oksana and agreed to bless the union.

  Last week, the happy couple sat in our home, our children climbing all over Bahgdan and my Oksana and his Oksana chatting happily together as we prepared for dinner and then an evening of premarital consultation and wedding preparations.  For on the 17th of August, 2008, I will have the honor of uniting Bahgdan and Oksana together in marriage in the presence of their family, friends, and, most importantly, the Lord who brought them together and upon Whom they so patiently waited to see His beautiful will accomplished!

  For this young couple, 1 Corinthians 13 will always hold a special significance:  “Love is patient...”