I love being around people who overflow with hope. I think we all do. In countries that Mercy Projects works, such as Ukraine, Kosovo, and Armenia, Covid-19 lockdowns have decimated the lives of the poor. This Christmas, we are determined to share the hope of Christ in the midst of their suffering. One family’s story in Ukraine shines through brightly with this very hope.
The Matveyev family in central Ukraine is thankful for what they have. Sasha and Natasha have been married for 13 years and have 8 children.
The family huddled together in their small house with two rooms and a kitchen during our visit. They live very modestly, but you can’t call them poor. Their home is truly rich with laughter and joy. The kids help their mother by washing the floor, cleaning the house, and even five-year-old Vira helps in the kitchen to knead the dough for bread. Their home may be small, but their hearts are big. Village children love to come over to play and hear Natasha tell everyone bible stories.
Her husband Sasha works part-time in maintenance at the hospital and does side jobs for other people in the village. Their dream is to expand their home and add a second level so the children would have separate bedrooms.
“We don’t really have the funds to build more rooms,” Natasha said. “So we started collecting used bricks in the village on our own. The children helped carry the bricks. I fear that we will never finish it,” she sighed.
During the visit, the Matveyev’s did not ask us for help and they are thankful to be in the Mercy Projects sponsorship program. However, we would love to help this family fix up their home and add some bedrooms. If the Lord puts this project on your heart, just let us know.
Partner with Mercy Projects and read the full story online at www.mercyprojects.org.
