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.
I was part of a Volunteer-in-Mission team from Calvary United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. We were completing a 10-day experience that took us to the southeast part of the country. This was our last night before flying home to the United States. We arrived late in the afternoon and found the Apteegi house alive with music and activity.
There were about fifteen children who ushered us into a series of dances that quickly created the connections we hope to experience in Christian community. With a boom box perched above us on a window sill, we were dancing outside on a concrete slab surrounded by the buildings and spires of the city. It was fun to be sure, but it also struck me as metaphorically powerful. Here we shared in the movement of body and soul. I thought of the psalmist describing how God turns mourning into dancing, and of Paul describing how in Christ strangers become brothers and sisters, and finally of Jesus weeping for the city he loved.
After dancing we were taken inside to enjoy cake, juice, and coffee with the kids. Once again the prevailing feeling was community as we shared conversation and passed the plates. During this time two of the children told us about a camp experience they had enjoyed the week before through the ministry of Lighthouse. The visit then concluded with Kersti introducing the staff and telling us the history of, the vision for, and the financial needs of Lighthouse.
At this point my curiosity and excitement gave way to amazement. It is humbling to consider the volunteer hours that are offered as a gift to God and God's children through this ministry. It is incredible to witness the quality of opportunity offered with such limited resources. And it was nothing short of grace to contemplate the depth of love shared in that place.
I have been praying for the Children Center Lighthouse for some time, now I see the faces of children as I pray. Your prayers are coveted because they are integral to the foundation upon which Lighthouse exists. This is a ministry in God's name. You are also invited to come and join the dance at Lighthouse should your travels take you to Tallinn. And third, you are encouraged to make a financial contribution to this vital ministry. Any gift amount makes a difference for the children of Tallinn.
There is a hymn in the United Methodist Hymnal entitled Rescue the Perishing, and the third verse came to my mind as I left the Lighthouse: "feelings lie buried that grace can restore; touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness, chords that were broken will vibrate once more." Please consider making a financial gift to Lighthouse; I can attest that chords that were buried or broken are not only vibrating again, they are dancing because of Lighthouse.
Peter van Eys,
Senior Pastor,
Calvary UMC, Nashville, TN