How warm meals at our Albanian soup kitchen transform lives with love
Albania’s Soup Kitchens feed bodies and souls, bringing hope to people in desperate situations.30th June 2025
A Mother’s Fight for Her Son
“I’m an unwell 74-year-old woman and I need a carer myself – but actually I am still a carer to my son. He is all I have.”
Lule, living in poverty in Lapraka, Albania, has spent decades caring alone for her 41-year-old son, Fatmir, who developed learning disabilities after suffering meningitis as a child. With few resources and no one to turn to, life often felt overwhelming. But everything began to change when she learned about Mission Without Borders’ Soup Kitchen — a place where she’s found more than just food. Here, she’s embraced by friendship, love, and the power of prayer. “My son became calmer as soon as we started coming to the Soup Kitchen. The prayers are so powerful. When we pray together, we’re stronger.”
A Widow’s Chance to Rebuild
For Bardha, fear and hardship cast a long shadow over her life. Despite her determination, poverty and social prejudice shattered her dreams of studying medicine. Later, the devastating loss of her husband to cancer left her alone with two young sons and no way to provide for them. At her lowest point, she discovered the church in Lapraka, which welcomed her to the Soup Kitchen. There, warm, nourishing meals freed up what little money she had for her children’s schoolbooks. But more than finding food, Bardha found a caring community, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose. “Now, I volunteer at the Soup Kitchen myself. Jesus brings us together. Here we find peace and love.”
Healing a Lifetime of Rejection
Born unwanted as the seventh daughter, Sose carried the pain of rejection her entire life. After years of hardship and the loss of her husband, she found herself living alone and struggling with loneliness. Everything changed when she began coming to the Soup Kitchen. There, she discovered practical support and — more importantly — a loving community where she was finally welcomed and valued. "I have found my second home here in the Soup Kitchen and I found hope and love," Sose shared.
Life-changing Support
The elderly and families who come to MWB’s Soup Kitchen often face life’s hardest battles alone, without support or hope. Each day, the Soup Kitchen serves over 140 people, offering not just nourishing meals, but a place of friendship, care, and the hope of the Gospel. As Pastor Fitor Muça beautifully shared, “They will never forget the love of God they see here, actions more than words.”
Join us today to bring comfort, compassion, and faith to those overwhelmed by hardship. Together, we can reach more vulnerable people with practical help and the life-changing message of God’s love. Donate now and make a lasting difference.
