Our CBN office for the Balkan region is based in Zagreb, Croatia. Besides sharing hope to thousands of children through CBN’s animated Bible series ‘Superbook’, our team in Zagreb reaches out to elderly beneficiaries through food outreach and prayer ministry. One of the ladies we assist is named Slavica.

Slavica endured years of domestic violence from her husband who struggled with alcoholism. After discovering that he had been cheating on her with another woman for several years, Slavica could no longer bear living with him and made the difficult decision to leave about two years ago. Due to her advanced age and illiteracy, her only means of providing for herself, including food and clothing, is by offering calendars for charity and begging on the street. At night, she finds shelter with an elderly lady and during the day, Slavica continues to be on the streets of Zagreb.

Slavica also has a daughter living in another county in Croatia, who was left to care for five children after her husband abandoned them. When Slavica visits, she brings food and clothes that she has begged for, but she  does not want stay with them long-term because the rented house has only one room and a kitchen.

Our Operation Blessing staff first met Slavica on the streets of Zagreb after her throat surgery for cancer. When we meet with her during food distributions, we usually sit in the back of the van, where we talk about the Lord and pray with her. It took nearly a year to build the trust needed for her to open up about the darkest traumas she has experienced.

The assistance in food and hygiene products has been tremendously meaningful to Slavica, and she always receives it with a humble smile. Before sharing her full story with us, we asked if the Operation Blessing food box was helping her, and she responded, “You have no idea how much.” Today, we truly understand the depth of those words.

Slavica urgently needs prayer as she is suffering from severe bone pain due to rheumatism and is awaiting a second throat surgery, as she faces difficulties with breathing. The support she receives from our Operation Blessing team is a life line for Slavica and many other elderly beneficiaries, not only offering much needed food supplies but also offering a listening ear and prayer ministry. As a result, Slavica knows she is not alone and is experiencing God’s love and care for her.