The Battle For Life

Starvation, constant moves, fighting against a seemingly unbeatable enemy: this was the life that Stan and Galina Shkurinsky experienced while coming of age during the Communist regime in Russia at the time of World War II. Food was scarce, and the government took anything of value from the citizens, even family members. It was a difficult time to live, but one that both Stan and Galina believed exemplified the unfailing love and control of God. In their autobiography, The Battle for Life, Stan and Galina share their life stories of courage and hope that took them from poverty in Europe to prosperity in the United States. Their stories are translated from their native Russian by their granddaughter, who also shares memories of her grandparents' legacy. The book begins with Stan's shocking account of his existence at the age of five, witnessing the deaths of his father, brothers and sisters from starvation during a famine in their Russian village. Besides food shortages, Stan's family also dealt with harsh and violent treatment from Soviet figures who had no problem murdering innocent people and taking everything from citizens. Galina's journey was also met with difficult circumstances, such as German planes bombing near their home in 1941, food shortages and taking backbreaking jobs in collective farms and on the railroad. She recalls the blessings of food and other provisions from local villagers who took pity on her and wanted to help her. Even when Galina and Stan fell in love, married and started a family, trials still followed them close behind in the USSR. However, peace came when the couple were shared the gospel and gave their lives to Christ, in a territory where Christians were persecuted and even killed. Their voyage to America allowed their legacy to continue for their children and grandchildren, enhanced by the knowledge that God saved them from certain death and ensured a hope for the future.