LSM SOUP KITCHENS

The LSM Soup Kitchens in Moldova have begun a new season of operation beginning with September of 2009.  The Soup Kitchens will continue to operate until May 2010 providing the much-needed one meal a day to the impoverished individuals living in the areas where the Soup Kitchens are located.  Below are words of gratitude from the beneficiaries of the LSM Soup Kitchens:

Mr. Nicolai, 80 years old – „Elderly people from the village live a difficult life, without the LSM Soup Kitchen we would not have made it through the winter. While in the summer time we ate home grown tomatoes with salt and bread, it becomes much more difficult in the colder months. Raising three sons, I always assumed they would take care of me when I reach this age, but a big tragedy occurred in our family. Within four years, one by one, all my sons passed away. All three died of various diseases. When my wife passed away, I was left with nothing and no one. The LSM Soup Kitchen was there to help me with my loss. The warm meal I received here daily brought me back to life.”

Tudor, 72 years old-  a widower who is very ill. Just like the rest of the elderly, he is facing a financial crisis, but his case is worse. His daughter-in-law has cancer and is in constant need of care, so his only son is unemployed taking care of her. He also has two grandsons who rely on their father for daily provision of food and basic necessities. After eating at the Soup Kitchen, Tudor takes food to his daughter-in-law from which, often times, the children eat as well. LSM kitchen is a true salvation for this family.

Eleonora, 80 years old- worked as a teacher her entire life. She never had children, thus when her husband passed away she was left alone. The financial crisis she was experiencing caused her so much stress that as a result she had a  stroke. When she found herself alone and bedridden, she thought that one day somebody will find her dead. However, things turned out to be different. On the morning of September 1st, the social worker from the village, for whom she used to be a teacher, came to bring her good news. She told her that LSM opened a Soup Kitchen in their village, and that she will be included in the meal plan and receive a hot meal daily. At first, she could not understand how at this age of 80, people she did not know could bring her warm meals daily. But now, after months of receiving the warm meals, she is grateful to the LSM Soup Kitchen who continues to provide her with a hot meal a day.

Ion, 68 years old- worked as a technology specialist at a cannery. A tragedy occurred in Ion’s family a few years ago when he and his wife were involved in a car accident. His wife passed away and he was paralyzed. After many years of suffering, God answered his cry. He would not eat for days, and his neighbors would bring him a bucket of water that kept him alive during that difficult time. This year he became a part of the LSM soup kitchen. Now a social worker brings him a warm meal every day. As soon as the clock strikes 12pm, Ion has his eyes on the door for when it opens, he knows he will receive his one hot meal for the day.

These days during the financial crisis, the prices have risen considerably, but pensions do not exceed 500 lei monthly (about $50) and the LSM Soup Kitchen is like an oasis in the dessert. LSM currently continues to operate several Soup Kitchens throughout Moldova for the 2009/2010 season.