My name is Sasha Syskova. I am 22 years old and was born in Florida, USA, but I also spent much of my childhood in Chelyabinsk, Russia and was raised by my grandmother. Although I grew up around Orthodox Christianity, I did not truly know God personally.

After my grandmother passed away when I was 15, I began searching for fulfillment in the wrong places and eventually became involved in substance use and an unhealthy lifestyle. By the age of 19, almost 20, I knew my life needed to change. I was in such a broken place. Through my mother, who had given her life to Christ, I came to know Mission Assistance, where I encountered Jesus and was radically transformed.

What was meant to be a two-month stay has now become nearly three years of serving in ministry. I began as a translator and now am responsible for youth ministry and evangelism. I am especially passionate about reaching young people who feel lost, hopeless, or trapped in destructive lifestyles, because I know personally that Jesus has the power to completely change a life.

My heart is to see young people, especially those living in the slums, encounter the real love and power of God and fall deeply in love with Him. I am excited for the future and believe God will continue opening doors to reach even more people with the Gospel.