From Russia — via Brooklyn — With Love

"Can I have a food bag for me and my family please?" the little girl asked timidly.

      Lana was only 7 years old, yet she had known much sadness. She and her mother had come from Russia, seeking a better life in America. But hope gave way to alcohol for Lana’s mother and her boyfriend, Ron. Ron had serious health problems and financial struggles, and he, too, had turned to alcohol.

      At 7, Lana felt the heavy responsibility of looking after the adults in her life.

      One day she followed her neighbors to the food pantry at the Brooklyn Rescue Mission. The Jacksons, who run the Mission, opened their hearts to her that day — and many days that followed.

      The Jacksons talked with her about Jesus, and they gave her Christian books and other supplies they had received from the Here's Life warehouse. Lana had had no spiritual input before then, but gradually she was drawn to Christ.

      When the Mission received back-to-school shoes from Here’s Life last fall, among them were some red shoes. They were not quite as "cool" as the others, and smaller than most, so Mrs. Jackson put them aside.

      Later that week, Lana arrived — wearing a red jacket. Mrs. Jackson noticed right away that Lana’s feet were crammed into old, torn sneakers, and she mentally measured the size.

      Yes, she thought, it just might work.

      She brought out the red shoes, and, sure enough, they were just the right size. Lana was thrilled!

      Lana continues to grow in her new faith, bonding to the Jacksons and their caring concern.

More Stories of Connecting, Empowering, and Developing:

Empowering: Summer in the City

Connecting: New Life at Easter

Connecting: A House of Prayer in Bakersfield and a Sidewalk in Atlanta

Other Links:

To give a child a pair of shoes, please click here.