A family helping another family

Today, Trey and I went to visit a family affected by extreme poverty and alcoholism. There are seven children in the family, and the father left ten days ago. They don't know if he is coming back or not. We brought them groceries: bread, milk, diapers, potatoes, bananas, hot dogs, cereal, baby food. I brought my camera and they loved posing for me as well as being able to take pictures themselves! Trey got a ball out of the van and kicked it around with them. They laughed and laughed, ate, played and smiled. When we first arrived, the whole family seemed discouraged and downtrodden. I could tell there wasn't much happiness involved with daily life. But as Pastor Slava led them in a prayer and sang songs about Jesus with them, life began to dance in their eyes. Smiles formed as they gobbled up the bananas. We got huge hugs and toothless toddler grins as we said goodbye, gratitude oozing from each of them. 

The situation is sad, but there is a positive side to the story. There is a story of another family: Pastor Slava, his wife Irena and their five children. This family is not rich, but they see the importance of caring for those less fortunate than they are. I learned later today that this family along with others in the church make sure that these kids and their mom get the gospel, food and love every week. They seem to grasp the concept of consistency in ministry in a way that I have seldom seen. Irena began a ministry for mothers in Daugavpils, and she disciples and prays with most of them individually, even though they are not believers. She sees these women, aging from 17 with brand-new babies to women with 20-year-old children, every week. She has another moms' group in Kraslava, a nearby town, and wants to begin groups like this in two other cities. This family's dedication to ministry has touched my heart deeply. We went to their house for dessert last night, and every time we complimented them or thanked them for anything, they quietly nodded and pointed upward: "Slava Bogu"-- Praise God. 

There is a lesson to be learned from this family. We often think we don't have enough to give to others-- enough money, time, energy, education or talents. This family makes time. They find energy. They praise God. What an inspiration-- and what a wake-up call. Pray for Slava and Irena and their children. Pray for their church and their ministry.

Irena at the mothers' ministry

Isaiah 58:9-12
When you call, the Lord will answer.
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.
Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!
Feed the hungry,
and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring.
Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.
Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls
and a restorer of homes.