Cosnita, Moldova
600+
£Ongoing
Ruvim and Pasha, a wonderful couple, have given their lives to serve the poor. They wanted to build a place where people could come and eat for free. So from the proceeds of a Link to Hope’s challenge event, we built a canteen for them in Cosnita, Moldova. How does it work? Firstly, Ruvim and Pasha work tirelessly to serve food to 50-100 people a day 365 days a year. Secondly Link to Hope supports the project by providing finance for the two cooks that are employed. Thirdly, a third lady walks around the entire village on a daily basis hand delivering food to the elderly, blind and disabled. This is because they are unable to leave their homes due to their disabilities. When we visited and helped deliver the food to people, it was distressing to see so many people living in such dire circumstances.
Ruvim and Pasha are determined to be as self sufficient as possible. They want to give the best food they can to the people that come to the canteen. To that end they have established a chicken farm. And are now farming rabbits to be able to give meat and protein to the villagers.
In conclusion, the canteen is a huge benefit to the community and we are delighted to support it.
Latest Update – June 2025
Ruvim & Pasa continue to work very hard in Cosnita and sent an update with photos of the people they support.
‘People come to the canteen not just for food, but because life has dealt them a hard hand, and this little place offers warmth, dignity, and often, their only meal of the day. Most who walk through the door carry heavy stories. They are the elderly, the forgotten, the sick. Their pensions — if they receive one at all — amount to no more than 50 or 60 euros a month. That barely covers a packet of medicine, let alone food, clothing, or heating in winter. But here, at the canteen, they find something different — a hot meal, yes, but more than that, they find kindness.
Take Mr. E for instance, a former construction worker, who was diagnosed with cancer last year. The treatments were too expensive, the wait lists too long. Now, he finds solace in movement, coming to the canteen not just to eat but to help — wiping down tables, carrying plates, stacking chairs. “The pain doesn’t go away,” he says, “but when I’m here, moving, useful — I feel human again.”
Every person who comes through that door longs for something more than food. They long for connection, for memory, for something familiar that brings them back to better days. Many speak quietly of things they miss — the taste of a childhood dish, the company of family they no longer have. Their eyes light up when their food is served. It’s not just a meal — it’s hope, a memory brought back to life.
This is why the canteen matters. It’s not just about keeping people from going hungry. It’s about reminding them that they still matter — that someone still sees them. And in that small room, filled with clinking cutlery, shared stories, and soft laughter, the canteen offers something even more nourishing than food: dignity, community, and love.’
‘May the Lord bless you. Thank you for everything. Be Blessed in everything you do.’
Ruvim & Pasa
Latest update – October 2024
‘Dear friends, we are so grateful for your support and donations. Because of your generosity we were able to continue our work here in Cosnita in a very small country Republic of Moldova. Our mission work here is based on feeding people with a warm meal and for those who are not able to come to the canteen, we are supplying food delivered to their homes.
Every day we have at least 30 people visiting us and about 20 people with different health issues we provide with a warm meal in their own homes. The canteen is working every single day without a break and we are thankful for this opportunity to serve people and to Glorify God through this work.
Below are some pictures of our daily routine at the canteen and a couple of pictures of people who are not able to visit us.
Your support is not only the money you send to us but also the love you share and the care of everyone. We are so grateful for your support and partnership with us which would not be possible without you and everyone who is involved in this work. We send you our love and gratitude for everything you’re doing for people from this small village Cosnita.’