Left alone after the death of her husband, 79-year old Maria has found it a constant struggle just to survive.

In Moldova the old age pension for a single person is about £13 per month.   This just about covers the bread bill for a month.   It provides no money for heating, clothing, nutritional food.   In these circumstances even tea is a luxury.    The fear of illness constantly hangs over Maria and others like her.   A hospital stay costs £5 per day and this excludes Doctors’ fees and the cost of medicines.  Without a good nutritional diet there is a much greater chance of illness.  It is no wonder that Maria felt alone and impoverished.   To add to her woes, for three winters she was forced to take refuge in a home for the elderly after she was frozen out of her own house.

But now Marie attends the Mission Without Border’s Community Centre.  Since going there Marie has found a community that has given her a new lease of life.

“There are days when I cannot stay at home but I want to go as soon as possible to the Community Center and to the church,” says Maria. “My life has changed, even though I am an old woman.”

Every day the centre offers Maria, and many more, a warm meal and companionship. But for Maria it is the opportunity to attend church and join in the Bible studies that has made as much difference to her life. “I am proud to say that I began attending the church.  I am happy that, in spite of my old age, Jesus has found me.  People don’t have time to spend with an old woman like me.  There’s nothing in it for them,” Maria says, “but the people from the church offer me attention and take time to listen to me.”

Maria has now found Christ.   She has a purpose to live.   She is treated with dignity and love.   And all because of a warm meal.