“An Epidemic of Helping”
As distress has increased with the pandemic, people’s desire to help has also increased.
BY ANDREY IVANOV, YEKATERINBURG, RUSSIA
For nearly a year now we have all lived in exceptional circumstances. We have learned to value things like love, goodness, and sacrifice more and more.
People are realizing they need God
– the only inexhaustible Source of all we need.
Our work with children and families has grown during the pandemic.
This is not only because of the increased needs that must be addressed, but also because of the growing desire of people to help.
Alongside the viral epidemic
that is wreaking havoc and bringing despair,
there is an “epidemic”
of showing love and helping others!
Just Like on TV!
Have you watched one of the TV shows where the home of a family in crisis is renovated and furnished while they have been relocated to another place?
One cannot watch with dry eyes how the family is then brought to their beautiful new home and overwhelmed with joy and astonishment.
Our shelter home team helped a family ravaged by drugs and illness, living in a miserable apartment. The substance abuse and physical infirmity were defeated and the family began a new life. A group of local volunteers renovated their home with donated supplies – just like the shows you see on TV. There was even a film crew from the local station to catch the “reveal” on camera!
Read the whole story below:
Three years ago we met Alexander and Katya’s family. Their situation was desperate: Alexander was using drugs and suffering from tuberculosis.
The couple was battling that while raising their three young children in a very small home of just one room and a kitchen. It was on the outskirts of the city and was being claimed by dishonest real estate agents.
Our team started digging into this mountain of problems.
We had the city notary cancel the order to sell the family’s home since it had been obtained by threatening the family. Alexander’s official documents were completed and he was admitted to a hospital for tuberculosis treatment.
Our team started bringing food and other supplies to Katya and the children regularly. We provided health care for them, helped the oldest child start first grade, and found a kindergarten for the five-year-old.
PHOTO: Andrey taking food to Katya and her children while Alexander was receiving tuberculosis treatment.
Two key persons unexpectedly enter the stage
Around that same time, Kostya, a young man who had grown up in an orphanage, came to stay in our shelter home for three months. He had been accepted to a vocational school but a dormitory on campus was not available for him.
His older brother Artyom often visited him in our shelter home and always thanked us sincerely for the help. Kostya eventually moved into a dorm room and we didn’t know if we’d see him again.
Back to Katya’s family…
After a year of treatment, Alexander returned home completely healthy and free from drugs!
In the meantime, we had found an apartment for them with one more room. It was in terrible condition, but was still an improvement over what they had.
A complete home renovation as a gift from a team of volunteers!
Last summer Artyom (the brother of Kostya who stayed at our shelter) came unexpectedly to see us. He and his builder friends wanted to renovate the home of one of the families we were helping, and Alexander and Katya’s situation was the most urgent.
The team began its renovation project in August, and by December 31 it was completed. During construction the family lived with relatives outside the city.
- “I was so excited and curious!” Katya said.
“They wouldn’t let us see until it was finished!”
All supplies were donated by companies and individuals who wanted to do something good, from the pictures on the walls to the food in the refrigerator.
–“We wanted to help a family that was really in need of this renovation. We also wanted the recipients to be sober and keen to do well, and to know they intended to care for and love their children in their new home,” the construction leader said.
Such joy!
On New Year’s Eve, Alexander and Katya and their three children were brought to their completely renovated home.
They could hardly believe their eyes!
– “The kitchen of my dreams!”
Katya exclaimed with tears.
Local TV reporters were present with their cameras and interviewed the family:
"Why do you think your family was chosen for this project?”
– “It was God!” Katya replied with full assurance.
He answered our prayers!
I am grateful to Him and to everybody with all my heart!”
God is the source of goodness and love.
He has set in motion
an “epidemic of helping”
and guides people to see and help those in need.
