“We Understand! We Lived a Life Similar to This.”
IGNAT IVANOV, President
When we visit a slum village for the first time, we don’t know how the residents will receive us. Some are quietly suspicious while others are more assertive, fighting for the items we hand out.
But as we continue our work amongst them consistently and trust is built, the experiences become encouraging.
Young people from nearby churches often assist us in distributing food and aid items. One of them said something that touched and encouraged us:
“This kind of help was crucial to my own family.
We lived a life similar to these people, also dwelling in a shack.
But when believers showed us love in a tangible way,
God opened our hearts to the Good News they brought,
and it changed our lives.My father is now a pastor, my brother is in college,
we have good homes and a blessed life,
and most importantly, we all serve God.”
I have gotten to know this family well over the years and others like them.
Help, accompanied by the gospel message, can accomplish more than we think. A sincere thank you for helping make this possible!
The Distribution of Pandemic Relief Continues
Lockdowns and loss of jobs due to the pandemic cause distress for families. We continue to distribute aid to families in need in our countries of operation.
The families in Bulgarian slum villages particularly need help. In larger villages we distribute help out of the church building. In smaller villages our teams deliver packages of food and supplies to every home.
By IRINA GRIGOROVA, BULGARIA
When our van pulled into the slum village, disheveled children and adults came from everywhere to meet us.
There was hopelessness in their eyes.
When there are no jobs and no means to provide for their families,
when there is only dirt and misery around,
when there is no running water or even rudimentary facilities,
people lose their self-esteem.
They feel forgotten and without a future.
We distributed aid boxes door-to-door. People invited us into their homes. One shack we visited was dim, with only a single room. In the center was a wood-burning stove with six individuals around it warming themselves.
All the children were home because their school was closed, which means they can’t receive free school meals. Without technical equipment they cannot participate in distance learning either.
Our visits, words, prayers, and acts of kindness bring hope to the villagers.
