Progress Report 6

Tallinn, October 29, 2001

This past week I've been asking my colleagues and co-workers to reflect on what our children center means to them. I myself have been fascinated when I think of all the ways the center has been brought together. As I consider my own role in it I can see that I've never been able to see everything from the beginning till now, but somehow there has always been enough light to take the next step. It really is neat how the Lord weaves all our experiences together, brings people on our way, and creates something totally "other", "unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see."

Each and every one of our staff members and volunteers has likewise an almost supernatural story on how he or she came to the Lighthouse. For example, Nikolai, one of our volunteers, who is 23 has been reaching out to street children for five years. He is our main contact with the children as he walks the streets and befriends the children and then brings them to the center. He plays a very unique part in the center and we are very fortunate to have him.

Olga Nikitina, our latest addition to the staff had been praying with a friend for a chance to work with children and the Lord answered her prayer and we are very pleased about her ministry. Meelis Priimets, our first employee, heard about the center and felt called to ministry. However, quitting the better-paid job was not an easy decision. While praying with his wife they asked for a sign, and it just so happened that the shop of a larger chain he was working at was closed four months before the initial closing date and he was ready to join us.

Time and again we have experienced at the Board meetings that the Lord is faithful and His ways are often better than whatever we would have otherwise decided to do in those situations. I think it is important to keep that sense of being a part of something bigger than yourself, it lifts some of the pressure and gives us confidence that He is able to finish whatever He has started.

We're deeply touched by the generosity that the American people have poured upon us recently, partnering with us prayerfully and financially, even despite the difficulties at home. Thank you, Dr. Carol Mangrem, Richard and Karla Vevle, Early Bird Sunday School Class, Dunwoody UMC, Atlanta, GA; Vacation Bible School Children, Calvary UMC, Nashville, TN; United Methodist Women of Asbury UMC, Strawberry Plains, TN, Shades Valley Rotary Club in Alabama, Blakemore United Methodist Church and Belmont United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN for your generosity and love for these children. We have 7 000 dollars to go towards the goal of 30 000 dollars. We have applied for a special tax free status from the government, which, if successful, will be enforced since January 1st, 2002. That status will enable Estonian entrepreneurs donate money without being taxed 80 per cent on the given sum, as is presently the case. Thank you all who are helping us through this first year.

The life at the center is going on as usual. Every once in a while you hear stories that break your heart-a boy who is living on the street because he thinks there is no room for him in a one-room apartment with his mother, sisters and seven cats; or an eight-year old who has only now gone to school and can only write her first name. In comparison, it is required in most schools that a child can already read at the age of 7 when he or she goes to the first grade.

The average number of children at the center is 15 a day. We have a new singing class at the center, led by Piret Rips, the director of the legendary Credo choir. She also donated 25 new Credo tapes "Show the way" for a fund raiser, so if you're interested, let me know. Piret commented to me yesterday that in these first two weeks she has got attached to these children, and I agree with her-they really are very special.

There is also a Bible study three times a week, complete with a tent which is supposed to symbolize the booths that the Israelites lived in as they came out of Egypt. The story was further enforced by the miniature desert scene on a large cooking sheet covered with sand and a mirror underneath it, very handy if you need to "make" Red Sea. Children have been doing also a lot of crafts, the materials that the group from Mt. Bethel UMC in Marietta, GA and others brought us in summer have really come in handy and the children are enjoying the projects very much.

Since the children are on the fall break this week, the greatest excitement at the moment is the upcoming two day camp tomorrow in Palmse, on the premises of a 15th century manor house. God willing, I will tell you all about it next time. The exciting day for the staff and faculty will be November 3rd, as we will be gathering to discuss the vision and mission of our center. The discussion will be led by Enn Laansoo, one of our Board Members.

We will be shortly putting out a larger newsletter on paper. If you're interested in getting it or if you know someone who might be, please send me the addresses by sending an e-mail to info@lastekeskus.ee.

In conclusion, thank you again for your support. Let us stand alongside each other whatever the future holds. May the Lord Bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand.

In the Love of Jesus,
Kersti Raudsepp
Chairman of the Board