Street Mercy

At night I am filled with tears because of the mess my life's become. I can't go back to my village - I'm ashamed of what people will say. This year will mark Viorel's third winter, homeless and living on the streets of Chisinau, Moldova. A well-educated man, Viorel was once a respected farmer in his home village. He had a beautiful family, but now he is alone.

"My wife died. I had a daughter, but she's gone abroad. I haven't heard from her in 19 years." Viorel tried to rebuild his life and began a new relationship. However, he was repeatedly taken advantage of, and as a result, he has been left broken emotionally and physically. He lost everything, becoming homeless when she threw him out of the home he lived in for nearly 30 years.

Viorel was also hit by a car a few years ago. His bones were fractured, his spine injured, and as his wounds did not heal fully, he now walks with a limp. Viorel now lives outdoors. Throughout the winter, he searches for shelter in basements, or in the entrances to apartment buildings. For now, he has found shelter in the ruins of a pavilion in a poor neighbourhood. "Here is where I live now." 

Winter is the time of year that brings the most fear and despair to vulnerable people in Moldova. They have no heater to turn on, no hot water to wash with and no cosy home to return to. In his distress, Viorel began to seek support. "I heard they offer a meal here," he said talking about the StreetMercy project run by MWB. Street Mercy provides regular hot meals to the homeless and vulnerable on the streets of Chisinau, as well as emotional and spiritual support, warm clothes, shoes and blankets, and other practical help. 

Street Mercy provides regular hot meals to the homeless and vulnerable on the streets of Chisinau, as well as emotional and spiritual support, warm clothes, shoes and blankets, and other practical help.  Since Viorel began receiving StreetMercy care, he has gained strength in his daily struggle for survival. Eating a nutritious meal each day, forming friendships with people, and benefiting from spiritual guidance - these things bringing hope to his heart.

"Here I am respected. Here I find humanity. This hot meal, this care - this is God."

Every day homeless come to the StreetMercy project to be served a hot meal. Nicolae, the volunteer and caretaker from the local church, joins them and says a prayer of thanksgiving before the meal begins. The crowd of people, weathered faces, eyes full of sad strories, gather round to eat. This is their saving grace. This is the hands and feet of Jesus.

With your support, you can help MWB feed hundreds of people sleeping rough in need of a daily meal to nourish their bodies, and fellowship to nourish their hearts.

Give to Street Mercy today.