Consecrated: One Man's Faith and Courage through Persecution and Peace the Holocaust and Freedom

Not only was his life in jeopardy due to religious persecution when he witnessed persecution against the Jews and spoke up on their behalf things became worse for him. Political unrest was the cause of suffering for many people and the enemy of the work he was called to do for the Lord. Unfortunately persecution in its many forms remains alive today. We should look very closely at what is occurring because as this story reveals history has a way of repeating itself. It is a reminder to be thankful when we have freedom and peace something so many do not have yet are willing to die for. We must teach these lessons to our children. This is a story of mans inhumanity to man as revealed by the Holocaust as well as the impact of ―loving our neighbor as ourselves.‖ This is a story about the choices we make and the courage to make the right choices. This is a story about miracles. Finally this is a story about the impact we leave on those we come in contact with and the legacy we leave to the next generation. The results of Konstantin Jaroshevichs work are still evident throughout Poland and parts of Europe. Konstantin Jaroshevich leaves a legacy of unshakeable faith and love for all humanity. I pray this story of my grandfathers life will leave you encouraged and blessed. CONSECRATED Dedicated For a sacred purpose. To induct a person into a permanent office with religious rite. Ordained to the office of Bishop. Made or declared sacred. Devoted irrevocably to the worship of God by a solemn ceremony. -Websters Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary BOOK EXCERPT: A C h i l d I s B o r n The late 1800s was a time of extreme poverty and persecution in Eastern Europe. Late one night surrounded by the darkness and uncertain future Polusia Jaroshevich with her husband Michael by her side began to travail as she brought forth a new life. On September 25 1891 in Bielsk County Poland Russia she gave birth to a son whom they named Konstantin. At the time that part of Poland was under Russian occupancy causing their joy to be mixed with fear. The brief exposure to Christianity they had experienced through the Restoration Movement was now forbidden. The state church tried to hold people in ignorance while doctrinal differences among various churches throughout Europe were causing division among believers. However Michael secretly kept his cherished Bible from those earlier days often referring to it for peace strength and hope. Three days after the birth of his son Michael placed the baby in the arms of his dying mother who pleaded with him to give young Konstantin back to God. The New Testament Bible was placed on the head of the newborn child as his father Consecrated him to the Lord. As a young boy Konstantin worked on his fathers farm and attended public school graduating at the age of fifteen. His interest in the Orthodox and Catholic churches set him on a journey to find the truth. He studied what minimal often conflicting information he was able to find. Because there was no religious freedom in Poland public discussion of scripture carried severe consequences. Certainly possession of the Bible could result in expulsion to Siberia. Konstantin knew however that ―the truth would set him free‖ and thus continued his search for understanding.