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Retirement age people constitute one third of Belarusian population. Many of them have come through many hardships in the postwar trying times. Industry and agriculture was completely destroyed by the war, and people worked for miserable pay with no hope for earning pension. When they grew old, our state took care of them, and those who have no relatives are sheltered by the homes for the old and less able. This home for the old houses more than 200 people.
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Anastasija Ivanauna, 84 (photo,left). Her mother died when she was two. Five years later her father died too, and her aunt took care of a girl. In 1941 Anastasija was taken to Germany. She lived in Czechoslovakia occupied by Nazis and worked as a servant maid for a hostess. When Soviet troops redeemed Czechoslovakia, she returned to Belarus and worked hard. She was engaged in various occupations, and twenty years ago was taken to the boarding home for the old. She used to attend church services, but never possessed her own Bible, and when we presented her with the Scripture, she kissed the book for joy.
Yevgenija Iosifovna, 87 (photo,right). She doesn’t remember how long it is since she was taken to the boarding home. Her husband died long ago, and they had no children. In the past, she worked as a nurse ministering to the sick. She was very thankful for the book of the Holy Gospel in extra-large print.
Gabrinya Bronislavovna, 56 (photo,left). Because of the blood-stroke her feet became paralyzed, and 4 years ago she found herself at the boarding home. She has no relatives. She worked at the poultry farm during all her giving age. She loves to read, which is why the nurse brings her books from the town library. On her bed-table there is a “The lord of the rings” book, but she wanted to read the Bible as well.