Progress Report 2

Tallinn, May 28, 2001

Opening its doors on April 7th, "Lighthouse" is becoming more and more popular among the children at risk. There are 25 who come regularly on top of these who have just dropped in once or twice. The most we have had on any single day so far was 16 last Friday. The children bring their friends and we also work closely with the local police who recommend children to us. One of such girls, a third grader, drew a picture today and wrote "Jesus loves you" on it and asked us to hang it on the front door of the building.

When I think of the message that the Lighthouse center is sending out to the world, I mainly think of three words-trust, reconciliation and co-operation. Trust is one of the main things that the children, who used to spend most of their free time on the streets, have lost. It is wonderful to see them develop close relationships with the staff as well as volunteers. By and by their home situations unfold and sometimes there is really nothing else to do than to hold the child and just hope and pray that one day the misery will end.

Reconciliation is another key word-for one thing, on a small scale there is reconciliation on the ethnic level, for we have children both from the Russian and Estonian families. Sometimes that can cause problems, of which the language barrier is not the least, but so far we have managed to work things out. Then in some cases, there is reconciliation to the society in general and the family in particular. We have developed close contacts with the parents. And last but not least is the reconciliation to God through Jesus. For many of the kids, this is the first time they've ever heard the Good News.

The third key word is co-operation. Both the Board and the staff are comprised of the members of the Russian and Estonian "departments" of the UMC in Tallinn. Today the cooperation went even further. Elselill from Norway and Mari Kerde from Estonia performed a beautiful drama. Amy from America helped Tamara from the Russian church in the kitchen. It was truly like Pentecost where the language barrier was broken and the universal language of love was clear to everyone present.

I am very proud of our staff, who are so committed to these children. Every day there is something exciting going on. They've been to museums, picnics, outings, etc. In the beginning, when the weather was colder, we rented a gym twice a week. Now we have substituted that for the games in the park every day when the weather is fine. There is a crafts club and a Bible club held every week. Starting this Thursday Amy will begin with the English Club. A tradition we have is singing grace in two languages before each meal.

Let me share my lunch experience today. After the lunch we went to the park again. Before we started with the games, even I together with four others had to serve "my punishment". We all had to jump on one foot quite a long distance, walk while squatting and then on top of it, squat 20 times. The girl who was counting my squats asked: "Is that all you can bend?!" Apparently, there is a "law", which I knew nothing about, that they do not speak while eating. As you know, ignorance of the law does not exempt one from responsibility. I'm sure I'll remember from now on, because my legs are killing me!

In conclusion, let me encourage you to continue to pray for us. We believe this center is God's will for the children in Tallinn. Pray for the children that they may experience God's love in their lives, as well as for the staff and the volunteers. Please also pray for the finances. Our annual budget is $30,000 of which $10,000 we expect to raise from Estonia. $5,500 has already been committed. So we are still looking for individuals and churches, who would commit $1,000 a year, even if it be just for one year. Any amount is of course highly appreciated. Together, in cooperation, we can let the Lighthouse shine even in the darkest of days. And should you ever be in the region, do drop by and visit us.

In the Love of Jesus,

Kersti Raudsepp,
Chairman of the Board