Growing up in a Christian home in communist Romania brought its own kind of suffering for Elena. Losing both her grandfather and her beloved father also took an emotional toll on the young girl. Then, at eleven years old, she was sent to a distant state boarding school where she endured loneliness, ridicule, and abuse. As she grew older, Elena found her niche in running. The Christian teaching she had received at home faded to the background as she trained with a vengeance to become the fastest runner in Romania. Her goal seemed very close, when God's loving call changed her life's course. After making a total commitment to Christ, Elena was kept under surveillance by the communists. Nevertheless, she was determined to work for the Lord. Finally, she tried unsuccessfully to escape from Romania. In prison, although suffering many hardships and more ridicule, Elena found that our sovereign God can use trials to strengthen His children and increase their faith in Him!