Those who unexpectedly receive help in difficult times and great need often find their hearts filled with deep gratitude. We can witness this through thank-you letters, but even more so through phone calls, audio messages, and video messages. We would like to share some of the most moving expressions of gratitude with you.
We are taught to show gratitude from a young age. It's not just a social custom, but rather a fundamental need, because those who are grateful are happy. And those who are most grateful are the ones who are aware of the many reasons for their gratitude. Everyone experiences gratitude differently. However, experience teaches us that the greater the need, the greater the gratitude.
During the Corona pandemic, a family from Belarus was able to be provided with aid supplies.
Ministry of Mercy
The branch of Mission Stephanus in Belarus reported on its work in 2020. Since it was unfortunately not possible to offer the usual summer camp for children with disabilities this year, a team of aid workers visited the families with these children. Our team received several letters of thanks, which gave us insight into the lives of chronically ill children and adults, along with their fears and worries.
The food parcels, which also contained clothing and shoes, were especially gratefully received. Thanks to this support, the children are not left alone and know who to turn to for help.
What we often consider a small thing is highly valued by people in poorer circumstances. The Strizhanov family from Belarus, who also received an aid package through the "Service of Mercy" relief effort, wrote to us:
“[…] We are very happy that people somewhere far away are thinking of us. […] Special thanks come from our disabled son Maxim. He really liked the beautiful and warm jacket. […]”
Even the worry about daily bread was alleviated. Igor Kuznetsev from Belarus, who was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumor 11 years ago and whom doctors gave little hope of a long life, expressed his heartfelt thanks for the food package he received.
“I thank God, who moved your heart to help us with a food package during this difficult time. My family is in self-isolation, so there is no possibility of going to the store for several days. […]”
Share your bread with the hungry.
Valentina Koz, the team leader of our Stephanus Mission branch in Ukraine, Kryvyi Rig, reported on caregivers who look after people in need of care at home, but who lack the necessary resources to cover the costs of the required care as well as the cost of food. Therefore, a constant balancing act is required: buying food and foregoing hygiene or personal care products, or vice versa.
Thanks to donations, food and medicine could be purchased for those in need this year, despite the strict lockdown. On behalf of all the staff, Valentina Koz sincerely thanked everyone for the assistance provided in the form of hygiene products, diapers, and bed pads, as well as for the financial support.
Aid supplies were also given to a bedridden sister from Cherson (Ukraine).
Financial support
A heartbreaking plea for help from Sri Lanka turned into a heartfelt thank you! We were able to transfer a donation of 5,000 euros to the girls' home "Arudpany" in Batticoloa so that the girls can be cared for and continue to live safely in the home during this difficult time of the Corona pandemic.
In Russia, the fire was raging in the truest sense of the word. Several families lost their homes. But thanks to the open hearts and hands of God's children, we were able to provide these families with a total of €8,000 in financial aid.
God loves a cheerful giver.
Aware that we are all deeply affected by the coronavirus pandemic, we realize how uncertain life is and how many are worried about their livelihoods and futures. Therefore, we are all the more pleased to be able to pass on the gratitude of countless sponsored children and people from various countries to the donors who consistently sponsor children and support projects. We thank God for every helping hand and every praying heart! Only through cooperation can we send aid to those in need.
In these times of coronavirus, the word of God from the Psalms is revealed to us: “Those who pass through the valley of tears make it springs; the autumn rains cover it with water” (Psalm 84:7). We are privileged to experience God’s blessing daily, and not, as feared, a decline in donations. Trusting that God will continue to bless us, we want to encourage one another!
CDH Stephanus
Igor Kuznetsev's family (Belarus) was in isolation and unable to buy food for some time.
