The Petrov Family is No Longer Struggling Alone
The Yekaterinburg Family Team brings help, joy, friendship, and the gospel into needy homes.
The Petrov family of three children in Yekaterinburg has received regular assistance from our team since last spring. They are one of about 70 families that the shelter’s family team supports annually.
The issues faced by families are complex: some have substance abuse problems, others have illnesses or disabilities, and some have fallen into financial crisis for other reasons. Some families have single mothers.
Our team members visit these families, help them with various needs, and arrange healthcare and official matters. They talk and pray with the families, and many come to church.
Family team worker Natalia shares: “We learned about the Petrov family's difficult situation from the child protection authorities. We began visiting them regularly. The family consists of mother Elena, father, and three children. They live in a shabby and poorly maintained room in a dormitory for low-income families.”
“I Come Home from the Church with Wings!”
“During our visits, we get to know and befriend both parents and children. They start to open their hearts to us. We always pray together.
“We invited the Petrovs to the church service, and Elena attended with her children. There was Sunday school for the kids, which Elena said they enjoyed and wanted to go again. She became a regular at Sunday services and the women’s group. ‘I come home like I have been given wings! My heart feels so good and light!’ she exclaimed.”
“Is That Me?”
Last Christmas the women’s group in the church organized a festive gathering. Additionally, we prepared a surprise for all the women helped by our Family Team: we gave them beautiful dresses and styled their hair for the celebration. We wanted them all to know they belong, and to not let appearances make them feel out-of-place.
“’Is that me? I don’t recognize myself!’ Elena exclaimed as she looked in the mirror. We had never seen this typically serious and burdened mother smile so much and so freely as she did at the celebration!
“Alyona was also present (we’ll share her story in the next blog). Both women said they couldn’t remember the last time they had been so happy! Additional surprises came for all members of the families during the Christmas celebration.
“There are many different ways to put love into practice for both children and adults – and gradually lives are changed!”
