The ten-year work of God at the Ray of Hope Children's Center

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A group of 18 people from the Speyer and Schwegenheim congregations had the opportunity to travel to Latvia from January 17th to 21st, 2024, and to serve the Lord there. Our goal was to actively support the tenth anniversary celebration of the "Ray of Hope" children's center in the city of Liepaja.

After a 20-hour drive, we first eagerly packed food and household supplies for families in need. As the first children entered the center, we quickly realized how much a small hug or a smile could warm their hearts, as many of them are unfamiliar with such gestures at home.

Although they live at home with their families, not in orphanages, they are known as "street children" because most of them grow up on the streets. Most come from very troubled family situations where violence, drugs, alcohol, and prostitution are commonplace. The center in Liepaja offers many children a refuge where they receive intensive support, individual attention, and love. The center's goal is to guide the children to Jesus Christ so they learn to cast their cares on the Lord instead of seeking refuge in drugs or alcohol out of despair. Through God's wonderful guidance, several street children have been converted in the past and now stand firm in their faith.

We spent a blessed Friday afternoon with the children at an ice rink, where most of them were skating for the first time. Their joy was unmistakable. In the evening, Brother Willi Krüger taught the teenagers about the importance of good works in practical service. We also visited some of the families of the children who attend the center with the food packages we had prepared. This brought home to us the harrowing living conditions of extreme poverty. Through songs and a short message, we were able to share our faith.

On Saturday morning, we met at the children's center to make the final preparations for the anniversary celebration. While delicious aromas wafted from the kitchen, we arranged seating, decorated the hall, and rehearsed musical pieces and songs one last time. Brother Viktor Altuhoff, Brother Nikolai Wall, and many guests from Latvia joined us for the celebration, filling the room to capacity.

During the service, we were deeply moved by God's grace and guidance over the past ten years and witnessed hearts that had been converted and were now serving the Lord. The children's testimonies clearly showed how grateful they were for a place where they experienced love and were cared for both spiritually and physically. After a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving, each child received a small package of sweets, which they were especially delighted to receive. We praise God for His abundant blessings on this special day.

On the last day of our trip, after a three-hour church service, we began our journey home. We thank God for the success of our trip, for His protection, and also for the necessary support. Please pray for the children of the center, that the Lord may reveal Himself to them and their families. May God richly reward you.

Jessica Lenz, Municipality of Speyer

Further information about the project and the opportunity to donate can be found here: https://cdh-stephanus.org/strahl-der-hoffnung/