Brother Viktor, Sister Natalya

Brother Viktor was a typical inhabitant of the Riga night shelters. He came to the Truth and gave himself fully to the Lord, but was then felled with a massive stroke which nearly killed him. If it hadn't been for the kind financial support of Western brethren and pressure from local brothers and sisters on the health care services, then our brother would likely be dead by now. The staff wouldn't even turn him over from one side to another without demanding 2 Lats for doing so. Of course, God was ultimately Viktor's Saviour, but He worked through the outreach of brethren and sisters here on earth. We got our brother into a care facility within Riga and arranged for him to receive therapy and treatment, which, under God's hand, has resulted in him being able to walk with a frame, being able to talk, although very quietly, and even being able to read out loud. We fetch our brother to the meetings at the Bible Centre, and he has distributed our literature within the care facility. We have been occasionally bringing with him a woman called NATALYA who lives in another wing of the same facility. Having studied Bible Basics she was convinced not only of the Truth but felt we were truly her spiritual `home' and family. We baptized her this week, and Viktor quietly read Romans 6 at the baptism and assisted our sister out of the water as best he could. It is all really a triumph for God's grace and the outreach of that love, grace and care into this world. Humanly speaking, Viktor would'ave been left to die in the snow or in a very grime, dimly lit hospital ward assigned to the `bomzh' as they are known here, those without insurance and state support.

We're really so appreciative of all your assistance towards so many like Viktor and Natalya. All Viktor's clothes which he's wearing, e.g., were provided by us or the women from Cindy's mum's group, as the care facility only provides night clothes.

Viktor and Natasha outside the care facility; Viktor reading

Romans 6 and assisting sister Natalya at the baptism.