A chance encounter on a Texas campus has been described as “divine providence” by worship leader Brooke Ligertwood, stemming from a years-old video clip and the fervent prayers of a woman from Ukraine.
Ligertwood, known for popular songs including “A Thousand Hallelujahs” and “Bless God,” detailed the unexpected meeting on social media Sunday, explaining how it unfolded with Ksusha, a Ukrainian woman pursuing her doctorate.
According to Ligertwood’s account, Ksusha had arrive across a video of the singer-songwriter years prior, in which Ligertwood expressed a desire to one day study theology. Moved by the statement, Ksusha began praying specifically for Ligertwood to have the opportunity to pursue theological education.
“God saw fit not only to give me a sublime taste of an answer to a prayer I hadn’t dared pray myself, but made sure that she who had faith to pray it for me saw with her own eyes a beginning come to pass,” Ligertwood wrote.
The meeting occurred at the Lanier Theological Library and Learning Center in Texas, where Ligertwood was auditing a doctoral intensive led by Fresh Testament scholar Dr. Lynn Cohick. Ligertwood described herself as “poorly educated” in formal theology, noting her background was shaped by reading and mentorship from authors like C.S. Lewis, Bonhoeffer, and Tozer during her time as a touring musician.
Ksusha, who has been studying remotely for her doctorate even as periodically traveling to the U.S. For classes, recognized Ligertwood on campus. Ligertwood recounted Ksusha’s initial reaction: “She shook her head. ‘No, my name is Ksusha, but I am shocked.’ Her shock quickly became my awe as she explained.”
The encounter, Ligertwood reflected, underscored the power of prayer and the unexpected ways in which God can orchestrate events. “So, when you pray, know this: God is a loving Father with a glint in His eye,” she wrote.
