Reunions

For the last six years I have seen hundreds of street children in Odessa, Ukraine. Every time I see a boy in the street, shelter or reformatory school, I realize how little chance I have to ever see him again. These kids get moved around a lot, some go back to their homes, some to the orphanage, some to prison, and some die.

Igor was my English student at the boys reformatory school called Fontonka. I had about 10-12 boys in my class each week. I taught these boys English using Bible stories and my love for God on Mondays for about three years. The atmosphere in this school was so depressing and dull that my English classes turned out to be the highlight of the week. Seeing the boys who were picked from the street for stealing and bringing meaning into their lives became a fun part of each week for me, too.

I said "good-bye" to Igor about two years ago. What a surprise it was for me to see him again recently! The state moved him from the reformatory school to a shelter, and then from the shelter to our eighth grade class at Internot #4, a boarding school orphanage. I know that the Lord brought him into my life again and I need to help this kid. The look of "shock" on both of our faces when we first saw each other was amazing. The spell was finally broken when I opened up my arms and he fell into my chest with the biggest hug you could possibly imagine. It was a truly delightful moment. Our staff members gave him a good"welcome", clean underwear and clothes.

Last week several friends from Nashville,TN visited us and the children at the orphanage. One of the ladies asked Igor what Bible story he liked best. He immediately said that he loved the story of Joseph. Igor said that most of Joseph's family hated him and either wanted him dead or to go away from them. They wanted no part of Joseph just like Igor's father wanted no part of him. It is just like whenyour mama dies and your father is drunk all of the time and he has a new girl friend. Igor then described how Joseph's plight, even thoughcaused by others sins, was all under the control of God. Joseph was later used not only to save his family but all of Israel.

Please pray for Igor and his healing. This boy has a lot of pain and bitterness in his heart. Nevertheless, he is seeking God and comfort in his life. Pray that he would trust our staff and children in the class enough to find his new family.

Thank you for continually walking with us on this journey.

Paul and Tania Becker