When Valentina visited Dmitry, she found him seated on the ground, stripping the leaves from twigs and cutting them into pieces so that he might have fuel for his stove. For an 85-year-old former farm worker to be reduced to burning green wood is a sure sign of poverty.

“We stopped and had a long conversation with him,” says Valentina Feodorova who delivered food parcels to Dmitry’s village in western Moldova, about two hours drive from Chisinau. “His house and yard were in a neglected state. His wife was a teacher but passed away ten years ago. His son, who is already retired himself, lives far away and rarely visits.”

Dmitry explained to Valentina that he used to work on a combine harvester but was severely injured when his leg was caught in the machinery, requiring it to be amputated below the knee. “He made himself a wooden prosthetic and has been living with pain ever since,” she says. “He was surprised and happy that someone cared about him and was grateful for the food supplies we brought.

“We spent a lot of time with him, shared with him about Jesus and prayed with him.”

Blythswood assists the volunteers from Bethany Baptist Church, Chisinau, who bring food and friendship to people who are poor or homeless. Valentina says: “Thank you so much for your help. It brings joy and hope to lonely people like Dmitry.”