Updates From Jo Anne Lyon

Hope in the Streets of Odessa

Tucked away in the news brief sections of newspapers this past week was a startling headline that reminds us one more time of the human capacity for evil. The words particularly grabbed my attention as I was headed for the identified country at that very moment—it read, “Mass Holocaust grave unearthed in Ukraine.”

I was traveling to Odessa, Ukraine, where World Hope International (WHI) is partnering with World Hope Canada to provide services and safety for Odessa’s street children. The UN tells us there are 100,000,000 street children in the world. This number seems so overwhelming that we want to sit on our hands and cry, helpless and hopeless. But I believe we have the capacity to change this reality.

WHI’s work in Odessa began some eight years ago when a young Canadian woman working with college students there contacted me about her recent discovery. "It is very cold here," she began her phone conversation in a tearful voice, "and we just discovered 60 children living in the sewers near the flat where I live. Is there something you can help us do?" I was sitting in a sun-filled office on that cold, brisk day but the dark words and image lingered in my spirit.

Others began to hear this cry for help and WHI soon opened a "drop-in center” to provide temporary care for Odessa’s street children. I had the privilege of visiting that center this past week. It is a flat located in the area where the street children are most abundant. The First Steps center is truly the first step for children to begin to trust, be fed and clothed, take a shower, get clean clothes, and even visit a nurse.

As I ate with the children at the center that night I could barely believe the stories. A girl sat near me as we sang. Her eyes were dulled from years of sniffing glue. She was a "first timer" in the center and I watched as the nurse carefully and gently washed and bandaged the sores on her legs. She sat quietly as if savoring each safe touch. At only twelve, her age mocked years of survival experience. Young girls like this trade sex with a gang of boys in exchange for their protection from other gangs. I watched her as she took in all the activities as an observer. The staff treated her with great dignity. I hope she returns.

Three nice looking older adolescents seated themselves. They were dressed in clean casual clothes, had great presence and spoke in caring tones with the children. I found they had been former street kids who came to First Steps several years ago. The staff worked with them to get identification documents that would allow them to escape the streets. Since street children have no legal papers and no address, they are in a sense non-existent. After these young men had their papers, the staff tutored them and helped them finish their basic education. Today, these young men have jobs, a permanent place to live and First Steps still welcomes them to come for meals anytime they wish.

I watched the children observe these three—here they could see hope in action. First Steps has served nearly 400 different children already this year.

After leaving First Steps I visited Hope House—a home purchased by WHI through generous donations and located on the outskirts of the city. The children living here are the ones who responded positively over time at First Steps and wanted to move more permanently into a stable home. Moving to Hope House is significant for the street children. In fact, one little eight year old girl inquired after having lived a normal life at Hope House for several weeks, "When do I get a day off?" It was explained to her that sleeping in a bed, living with family, eating regularly, going to school, and helping with the chores was what life was about.

Another boy, Vova, had lived on the streets for five years and at age thirteen was one of the first residents of Hope House. I asked him what difference Hope House had made in his life. Without hesitation and in a firm voice he responded, "The children in the streets are hungry, scared and dying. If I had not come here I would be dead." Vova is now attending school and is learning mechanics from the house father. He loves working on and driving the tractor.

The twelve children now living at Hope House are flourishing in every way. I had the privilege of worshipping with them on Sunday morning, and as I saw them smiling, exhibiting excellent social skills and entering into the community of a Congregation, I realized what a huge leap they had made—from living in the sewers like animals to being children in a family. Hope House was recently honored by the government of Ukraine as the #1 facility in the country for quality care. The House parents were awarded the "Social Workers of the Year" award as well, and I consider myself privileged to see the results of their efforts.

The last day of my trip I visited the Holocaust Memorial. Our guide told the local stories but she too was stunned at the new mass grave just discovered. She said, "They burned the Jews alive and people nearby heard the screaming for days but could not find out what or where the screams were coming from."

I could not get this statement out of my mind. I then thought of the young girl at First Steps—yes her crying is more subtle. But I know where it is coming from and I must respond.

I invite you to join us as we respond to the cries. This outreach is critical to life and death among Odessa’s youth, and your partnership is essential for our continued work.

Thank you for helping preserve hope and life in the streets of Odessa.

Join me as we join the heart of God in doing His will.

Jo Anne Lyon
Founder & CEO