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Greetings to you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ!
My name is Mascha, and I thank the Lord for you and for the money you have donated. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Jesus Christ” (Philippians 4:19).
Despite the diagnosis of infertility that doctors gave my husband and me, God blessed us with three children: Hanna, Daniel, and Angelina. We didn't give up and underwent various tests and therapies within three years.
Once, on my way home from work, I heard a voice inside me: "I will give and I will keep!" By the grace of God, I became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter, Hanna (Hebrew for grace), on March 8th. When Hanna started first grade, her eyesight began to deteriorate. Today, she is in seventh grade and 13 years old, and she has severe myopia, meaning -8.5 diopters (nearsightedness). Laser correction is only permitted at age 18, which is why we are undergoing therapy and hoping for God's grace.
Thanks to your financial help, we were able to have the examination done, buy the necessary medication for three months, and order contact lenses. According to the doctor, my eyesight has stabilized somewhat.
The housing situation
For almost 15 years, our entire family lived in a basement with only one room, without good lighting or any comforts. I always dreamed and prayed that we would one day have our own house, because God revealed to me: “He who makes the barren woman dwell in the house, that she may be a joyful mother of children. Hallelujah!” (Psalm 113:9).
We couldn't afford a house as a family. "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27). After the birth of our third child, the government allocated us a 6,000 m² plot of land to live on. With the maternity allowance for our second child, we were able to build a wooden house. The plots for large families are located near forests and meadows, streams and lakes. The church always supported us in prayer.
“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of thorns, cypresses shall spring up, and instead of nettles, myrtles. It shall be for the Lord’s praise and for an everlasting sign that will not pass away” (Isaiah 55:12-13). It wasn’t easy to clear the land, but now we have our own berries, potatoes, carrots, onions, beets, and even chickens and rabbits, thank God. The Lord has led us out with His hand! He has helped us in everything.
Once, our youngest daughter, Angelina, made a yellow envelope out of paper and labeled it "Money." She also made a sticker and gave it to me with the wish that no money would ever go missing from this envelope. That's a miracle! Like the jug of oil for the poor widow in the Bible. The Lord keeps filling the envelope! Hallelujah! When it was empty, you sent us help.
We moved into the house while it was still under construction. Thanks to your help, we were able to insulate two rooms, install the heating system, and buy insulation material. Instead of streetlights, we installed electrical wiring and connected lamps. How wonderful our Lord is! He is always watching over us, listening and answering! He loves to be gracious! He is alive and speaks to us through His Word!
I've been baking my own yeast-free bread for many years, and thanks to your help, I was able to buy flour, oil, and sugar so I could make compote for the children. The brothers brought us lots of grain, canned goods, fruit, and sweets from you. When the children opened these gifts, tears streamed down my face. They were so happy and excited! They opened them and ate with relish. When we still lived in the cellar, things were sometimes very difficult for us.
But the Lord knows everything. He answered me, “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you and directs you in the way you should go” (Isaiah 48:17). When I look back like this, I see very clearly the hand of God and His grace upon me. Even now, when my dreams have come true and my children are growing up, we have our own house, and everything seems peaceful, my heavenly Father reminds me of this: “That your hope may be in the Lord, I remind you today” (Proverbs 22:19). “Remember all the way the Lord your God has led you” (Deuteronomy 8:2).
God has worked many miracles in my life. A book could not contain all that there is to tell. You, my dear brothers and sisters, are a miracle! I ask you, in your prayers, also remember my Hanna's eyesight; may God's glory also be visible in her life.
May the Lord hear you, protect you, and send help from His sanctuary and strengthen you from Zion!
Lifatowi family
Saransk, Russia
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