From Poverty to Provision: A Family’s Journey to Self-Sufficiency
From struggling to afford basic necessities to growing food and earning an income, Viktor's story is a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness and the life-changing impact of self-sufficiency.6th September 2026
Trusting God in Difficult Times
There was a time when Viktor and his wife, Lyudmyla, struggled to provide even the basics for their eight children.
“We weren’t able to buy clothing and footwear, not to mention urgent expenses such as medicine and paying utility bills,” Viktor recalls. “For me as a man, it was painful to see that I couldn’t provide for my wife and children.”
Living in Rivne, western Ukraine, the family faced severe poverty during an economic crisis. With barely enough income for food, the future seemed uncertain. Yet through those difficult years, Viktor learned to place his trust firmly in God.
God’s Provision Through Family Sponsorship
As the family joined Mission Without Borders’ Family Sponsorship programme, they began to experience God’s care in practical ways.
“God started to take care of us, using Mission Without Borders,” says Viktor.
Through the programme, the family received food, clothing, hygiene items, school supplies and furniture. They were also able to improve their cramped living conditions, extending their small house to create more space for their growing family.
MWB staff member Pavlo says Viktor’s faith has always stood out.
“He is a hardworking man with the right priorities and a deep faith. Together with his wife, he is raising their children in love, wisdom and obedience to God.”
Growing Towards Self-Sufficiency
Today, Viktor’s story is one of resilience, faith and self-sufficiency.
For several years, he has cultivated his land, growing vegetables and raising poultry and pigs. Although farming has brought many challenges, including bad weather, limited resources and economic uncertainty, Viktor has persevered.
Through a Mission Without Borders self-sufficiency project, the family received a motorised cultivator, along with fertiliser and farming support. These resources helped them work more effectively and expand their farm.
Viktor told us, “We also sell some of our vegetables, and from year to year we try to improve and expand our farming.”
A Future Built on Faith
Viktor is quick to give God the glory for how far his family has come.
This year’s good harvest reminded him that every blessing ultimately comes from the Lord. Thanks to God’s provision, and the opportunities created through Family Sponsorship and the Self-Sufficiency Programme, the family now has food security, income and hope for the future.
“Most importantly, we try to be a strong family and to raise our children as sincere Christians,”Viktor
Through God’s faithfulness, and the support of people who care, Viktor and Lyudmyla have moved from crisis toward self-sufficiency, creating a brighter future for their children and a lasting testimony to God’s provision.
