Although we have been in Estonia a few days, today was our first day of ministry. There are 15 men at the Village of Hope. Some old, some young; each struggling with their own problems but all can relate when it comes to drugs, alcohol and being in and out of prison. Many have tattoos symbolizing they were in gangs. Even though they have hit rock bottom their lives are not over, they are just beginning. God has opened their eyes and has shown them there is more to life than drugs and alcohol. They came to Village of Hope to change their lives, to have a new beginning, a new life in Christ. Village of Hope is a 10 month program whose mission is not only to help these men become sober but also disciples of Jesus Christ.
This morning the men shared their struggles as well as what they are thankful for. It was a beautiful sight watching them come together in a state of vulnerability and with thankful hearts. I am excited to watch God continue to move in and strengthen these men. After class we discovered just what it is that we will be doing for the next 30 days. We will be working in the woods! Our job will be to remove all of the trees in order to clear a spot for a road and eventually a women’s house. Village of Hope uses the trees as energy as well as income. In the woodshop the men make pallets. We went to the laundry room to get all geared up. They only have men’s clothing so everything is rather large. My shoes are about 8 sizes too big, I am thankful for wool socks, I wear three pairs to make them stay on my feet. After lunch we went to work.
After work we had the opportunity to go to a recreation center with the men. They collect bottles and every few months they turn them in and use the money for something fun. Although we were exhausted, at 8:30pm we piled in a bus. We all had our own seats so that was nice and very different from Africa. We played badminton with a man named, Aree. He is very nice but it was very funny because he has “skinhead” tattooed to the back of his head as well as spiders up and down his arm but he chose a cute pink birdy. After an hour or so we all played floor hockey. My team was undefeated, I think the men were all surprised to see a little blonde girl be so competitive. It was a very good night and a great way to break the ice and get to know the men. It was wonderful to see them smile and laugh!
“Then I will lead the blind along a way they never knew… I will make the darkness become light for them, and the rough ground smooth.”
Isaiah 42:16 NCV
