The Girl Who Did Not Laugh

By Charlotte Ishkanian

Vladimir and his family lived in a little town in Ukraine, a country in southeastern Europe. Vladimir’s father was a shoemaker, and his mother was a teacher. The family had a big garden full of vegetables and fruit. They also had chickens, geese, ducks, and goats. Vladimir and his family prayed and read the Bible together. They loved to tell others about Jesus’ love. Vladimir liked to play the guitar and sing. He especially liked songs about God. 

One day his teacher told the students to read something they liked and prepare to tell the class about what they had read. Vladimir decided to read the Sermon on the Mount from the Bible, Matthew 5-7. He read it several times to be sure he remembered all of it. 

The next day the children stood and reported what they had read. Then it was Vladimir’s turn. He told about Jesus’ famous sermon. The classroom was silent as he began explaining what Jesus taught long ago. Then suddenly someone started to laugh. Then other children laughed. Vladimir continued his report. The teacher told the students to be quiet, but some children continued to snicker at Vladimir. 

But one girl in class did not laugh. She sat quietly and listened. After class Julia told Vladimir that she liked his report. Then she asked if he had a book about Jesus she could read. Vladimir reached into his backpack and pulled out his New Testament and gave it to Julia. That evening Vladimir told his parents what had happened in class. He told them how the children had laughed, but how Julia wanted to know more about Jesus. 

“We must pray for the children who laughed,” Mother suggested, “and we will pray for Julia, too.” That same evening Julia told her mother what had happened at school. She showed her mother the New Testament Vladimir had given her. Julia and her mother read the New Testament together. They both wanted to know about God. 

A few days later Vladimir gave Julia another book. Then another. Julia and her mother read the books together. They were glad to learn more about Jesus. Vladimir invited Julia and her mother to meet his parents. The two families became friends. They went on hikes, had picnics, and spent quiet times just talking. Julia liked to sing while Vladimir played his guitar. 

Julia and her mother asked a lot of questions about God, and Vladimir’s family happily answered each question. Julia and her mother began attending worship with Vladimir’s family. A few months later they gave their lives to Jesus and were baptized. Now Julia and her mother worship God and thank Him for everything. How wonderful it is that Vladimir did not stop talking that day in class when the other children laughed at him!

This story appeared in the February 2014 issue of KidsView. It was adapted from the book Best Ever Mission Stories by Charlotte Ishkanian.