Friends of Estonia

Reflections

2005

Monday: Our team gathered outside the van for prayer. Holding hands in a circle, each one shared a hope and concern about meeting the children and workers for the first time. We were not sure of what was ahead for us. Some team members were going to work on building repair projects and they wondered what they would do and where to find the materials that would be required to fix things. After each sharing the group prayed in unison, “Lord hear our prayer.” Soon after we arrived at the Lighthouse all our fears left us as we met the children! All wear name tags and I am beginning to get the correct pronunciation which makes their faces light up! Big smiles on everyone!

Tuesday: Our morning devotion was based on the biblical story (separation of the sheep and goats) about service to the Lord by helping others. The day’s activities included playing with beach balls on the front lawn. I was touched when a boy asked me to throw the ball with him. We smiled and laughed a lot to communicate that we were having fun. Suddenly, when I looked at his eyes I realized that I was seeing Jesus. Several boys were drawn to the men at work and they helped with small tasks. It is evident that the children care about this place too. They are anxious to learn and need someone to show them how to work.

Wednesday: The group huddled in the van to avoid the cold rain when we shared our devotional thought and prayer for the day. This time we thought about miracles. Looking at Jesus’ miracle of changing the water into wine at the wedding, it was noted that there are daily miracles as well as the special ones that Jesus performed. Daily, rain is changed into wine as it forms the developing grape. We witnessed a miracle later that same day in the conscious of a teenage boy, aged 18 with the physical stature of a 12 year old, when he returned a pair of gym shoes that he had stolen earlier from another Lighthouse child. Without a loving home, he had a very difficult childhood. He turned to the streets for his livelihood with all the characteristics that accompany that lifestyle. He refused to attend school. The teachers were frustrated about any progress in his behavior. But when he admitted his guilt after first denying it, we cheered. This act shows that there is some hope for him to change. Several staff agreed with Mall that prayers were the power behind this boy’s change of heart. The Lighthouse is now his daytime home where he can be fed, interact with caring adults and be safe.

Thursday: God’s love for us is all about the ONE. Reflecting on yesterday and the great rejoicing over the youth’s return of the stolen shoes and his apology, I turned to Jesus’ story about the shepherd searching for the lost sheep. Jesus described how it is that God cares about the one out of the many who once was lost but now is found. Mall and the other teachers demonstrated the kind of joy that is God’s by their response to this change of heart in the lad. This has helped me to understand better the nature of repentance. I felt this joy as if it were something to touch, smell or hear.

Friday: It is hard to believe that this is the last day! Progress has been made on the building projects but more needs to be done. We filled each day with stories, crafts, games and singing, smiling and hugging. We decide to close with a special party complete with ice cream and cake to celebrate new friendships. We have been engaged by God in a mission of presence. God has been present to us as we have been present to the children. Many of us will be back!

Dr. Sarah L. Hallstrand, Team Chaplain, May 30-June 3, 2005

2004

We return to the Lighthouse amid the celebration of advent and witness the work of the children and the staff at their Christmas pageant on Friday, December 10. The spirit that filled the room in the awesome gifts that God has given these children spread into our hearts and we were overwhelmed. But, amidst the work and the love that the children enjoy daily at the Lighthouse another aspect of the ministries of the Lighthouse became evident when two street youth arrived hungry and cold. They were fed and food was given to them to take into the darkness of the Estonian winter. Before they left Mall and Alla and I joined them in the prayer room to pray for Gods protection in their lives. The Lighthouse provided all that they could for them at that time and we release them into the care of Gods hands.

The night after we met with the boys of the street, they returned. Asking for help to go to an orphanage outside Tallinn. The night before when we heard such hopeless speach from thier lips, now we hear hope returning to thier lives. They also brought a younger boy with them. The lighthouse was able to purchase them tickets on the train to the orphanage.

The activity at the Lighthouse has greatly increased since we were last here in May of 2004, a piano teacher, and dance teacher helps with the children and Tarmo helps with the boys, the work of God is evident everywhere especially in the attitudes of the children and thier much alive spirit. The miraclolous work of God continues at the Lighthouse. Praise God, Pray for all the children of Estonia and at the Lighthouse for your prayers and your work changes lives. May God continue to bless you as you anticipate your work for the Lighthouse, and continue to bless the children and the staff of Lighthouse.

Jeff Tallent, pastor Bethel and Union UMC, Caswell County, North Carolina. December 2004

2001

It was during Easter Week, half a year ago, that I attended the Lighthouse opening on Apteegi street. This September I returned and was even more delighted to see what was going on. The atmosphere there with the twenty children and several staff people was encouraging. The care was incarnational, and the need staggering.

Chuck Killian, Professor at Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, KY. 2001.

This past June I had the opportunity to visit the Children Center Lighthouse in Tallinn, Estonia. I must admit that I was as curious as I was excited because I had been a part of the conversation that led to the founding of this ministry. My part was listening to the need and affirming the passion that envisioned a place in the center of Tallinn for the city's most vulnerable children. This was my first visit and I was not sure what to expect.

Peter van Eys, Pastor of Calvary UMC, Nashville, TN . 2001.

In June I returned to Apteegi for a day of celebration at the Lighthouse Children's ministry. Once more there was activity. Once more there was laughter. Once more there was abounding evidence of God's love. Some of the poorest children in Tallinn now have a place where they are fed, receive much needed attention and encouragement, learn about the Good News, and know they are loved.

Randy Frye, Pastor of First UMC, Pulaski, VA.. 2001.

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