As soon as Oleg picked us up from the airport yesterday, we started on all cylinders (at least I hope Oleg has only 12). We were exposed to human trafficking about 5 minutes from the airport. We pull up to an intersection and ahead are a couple of beggars moving between cars. Oleg tells us they are being forced to beg for money. He is sure their handlers are close by watching them. I see the eyes of one of the beggars from less than 6 feet and the lifelessness breaks my heart.
When we got into town, Oleg took us to casually meet the transition home youth in a park. I immediately notice the close bond between Oleg and the youth and I could sense the vibrancy in the youth’s spirits. The boys love to talk about sports while the girls busily engage with the ladies on our Mission team. We had ice cream with the youth, chat a little more, and then visit a church. My spirits are lifted and I feel joy to be among this group of people.
Our next stop was Oleg's newest project – a transition home (pictured), social apartment, worship space (pictured), office, and anything else that can be fit inside the newly purchased home. The home is located in an area where Oleg grew up, an area where you were either a gang member or a baptist. (I’m so thankful his passion was for Christ and not gangs!) The transition home has been vacant for 8 years. It once was a place of much evil. Now contractors tear down gold leafed ornamental plaster that once stood for the worshiping of monetary idols. Oleg told of the souls that were torn down inside this home and the evil that went on. He is transforming a home once used for tearing lives apart into a home used for restoring lives all the while an oppressed neighborhood witnesses the miracle! This transition home gives me much hope.
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