Homelessness to Home

We first knew of Issaak back in April - he is nearly 60 years old. He'd just been discharged from hospital for a second time and was suffering with an infection having previously had both his feet amputated due to frostbite.

Before this, and before the operation to remove his feet, Issaak had been homeless, had spent many nights out in the cold - and he was one of the regulars at our Soup Kitchen.

It was clear Issaak relied on alcohol. His body was in immense pain and he was aggrieved at not being wanted or needed any more. After too many nights passed out in the cold, he woke up in hospital with his feet missing. It was a huge shock waking up to find himself wheelchair-bound. He was discharged and left to fend for himself, back on the streets in an even more vulnerable state than before.

Issaak has no family, and no one concerned for his welfare. He had no income or housing and therefore no food or warmth. People saw this disabled homeless man and took pity. Some gave him money or brought food, but quickly he was back in hospital with an infection.

Again, when it came to being discharged, nobody was prepared to take care of Issaak. Even social institutions for the elderly and vulnerable were unwilling to take on the responsibility of this double amputee.

Through the Soup Kitchen, Issaak had knowledge of the Men's Crisis Centre. Knowing he'd not survive another stint on the street, the hospital staff contacted Genya on his behalf. The next morning, Genya came and took him to his new 'home'.

There are at least six others living at the Centre who've benefited from a connection to the Soup Kitchen and been rescued from homelessness and addiction - all with severe health issues. Now they have a second chance at life, daily opportunities to know the Lord and heal from their pasts.

The Soup Kitchen has resulted in shelter and has been life-changing for some. For everyone else, who is hungry and needs basic items, our Soup Kitchen is a beacon of hope, a light in the darkness and a practical demonstration of God's provision and love for people who are lacking basic needs.

Russia's leaders, preoccupied with conflict, may not acknowledge the homelessness problem on their doorstep - but we see it, and it's worsening. Children, elderly women and countless others are coming because they have nobody else who will help.

We pray that while the food on offer nourishes their bodies, the worship and sharing of His Word will point people in desperate poverty to a God who cares. This Christmas, we hope to gift each person their own Bible.

We would love to raise £10,000 for maintaining and growing this amazing outreach - because it is so much more than food.

PS: the first £5,000 in donations will be doubled thanks to our wonderful Match Funders!

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