Navigating the journey of
parenthood is already a formidable task, but for those grappling with poverty,
the burden can be overwhelming. The relentless worry about putting food on the
table or keeping the lights on adds an extra layer of stress that weighs
heavily on families. During these struggles, many parents persevere, enduring
the constant strain without realizing that there is a wellspring of strength
and solace available to them through faith.
Cristina Fita, a resilient
43-year-old from Romania, knows this struggle intimately. Poverty has been a
persistent companion throughout her life, casting a shadow over her daily
existence. During times of doubt and questioning, when her faith wavered and
uncertainty clouded her mind, she found herself grappling alone with her inner
turmoil.
“I committed my life to God two
decades ago, but as time went on, I found myself drifting away from him and
life became difficult,” she said.
Together with her husband
Achim, aged 46, Cristina faced the harsh reality of their living conditions.
Their modest abode, a cramped one-room structure, seemed barely more than a
collection of makeshift walls, patched together with bits of wood, bricks, and
earth. Situated in isolation within a field, their dwelling provided only the
most basic shelter for their family.
Cristina said, “We’ve had our
fair share of challenges. Not having enough – and going through times of poor
health – has been a part of our lives.”
When Cristina’s family was
enrolled on Mission Without Borders’s family sponsorship program, it wasn’t
just the regular material help that the family needed. Cristina also felt a great
need of spiritual support to help resolve her confusion and unanswered
questions.
“No one in my immediate family
has ever been a born-again Christian, so I didn't have anyone to confide in
about my feelings or questions, especially because talking about feelings
wasn’t really encouraged in our family or even in our culture in general. I
yearned for someone to talk to,” she said.
Each family enrolled in MWB's
family sponsorship program benefits from consistent visits by a dedicated
family coordinator. In Cristina's situation, this role was fulfilled by Nicu, a
devoted Christian staff member who gladly embraced the opportunity to share his
faith with her.
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