“Don't spread your garbage outside your house”
Irina and Sergey, parents of four children, run a Mission Possible shelter home for victims of domestic violence in Chelyabinsk.
An old Russian proverb says, “Don’t spread your garbage outside your house.” That is, don’t tell outsiders about family disputes and issues.
This principle has been adhered to so closely that even domestic violence is something that isn’t discussed. If one dares bring up such a personal problem, they will most assuredly be criticized.
“She has caused it herself in one way or another,” neighbors will comment. “Married couples should be able to endure some trouble,” relatives will say. Even the police won’t interfere with “family disputes.”
Natalya’s first husband was often on business trips. Finally, the truth was realized that he was cheating on her. The marriage ended.
“My second husband had been in prison, but he seemed to be good and caring,” Natalya says. “In the beginning he was really such a man: he worked and earned money, renovated our home, and helped with housework. A year later we had a son, Makar. I spent a lot of time caring for him, and that’s when my husband’s attitude began to change. He started drinking and inviting his friends over.”
“He soon became aggressive
and started beating me and Makar!
I reported it to the police,
but no action was taken.
I had no one to help us.
Our only other option was to leave home.”
“I had heard about Mission Possible’s shelter home in our city, but was afraid to stay in the area. Fortunately, they had a home in Chelyabinsk also, and Makar and I were received there.”
Natalya had attended church when she was younger, but her faith waned after she got married. Now she felt that God, not having forsaken her, led her back into fellowship with believers to renew her faith and life.
Natalya needed a few months to recover from her difficult experiences. She made new friends in the church and received a job at a bakery. Makar started daycare. Soon mother and son were able to move into their own rental apartment!
We have had hundreds of mothers at our center
over the past seven years.
Their situations are not easy,
but by working together
we can help save more families!
“BEAUTIFUL ME” –
THE SHELTER HOME’S WONDERFUL PHOTO PROGRAM FOR MOTHERS
When fearful and exhausted mothers arrive at our shelter homes with their children – empty-handed and unaware of what the future holds – they are helped in every way.
One way to encourage them is through the “Beautiful Me” transformation program. Local hairdressers, beauticians, and photographers contribute their skills for lovely photographs of these mothers to lift them up and say, “This is who you really are!”
