Day: April 2, 2014

 

 

There’s a hidden segment of Ukrainian society that is receiving little attention in the midst of the nation’s  political and economic clamor – its tens of thousands of street children.You won’t see them because they find sanctuary in the basements of abandoned buildings or crouch next to hot water pipes in a system of tunnels running underneath city streets.

To stave off feelings of cold and hunger, they sniff glue. The resulting “high” may offer temporary escape from the misery of their existence, but it can’t give them what they need most – the joy of a loving family, food, and shelter.

Most of these kids are “social orphans” who have at least one parent at home. Tired of living in an environment of neglect or physical abuse, they prefer to take their chances surviving as best they can on the streets where at least they enjoy freedom.

According to UNICEF, in Kiev alone there are some 20,000 homeless children. While the true figure is difficult to determine, more than 100,000 boys and girls are estimated to live on the streets in cities throughout Ukraine.

» Full story reports on Christian Aid’s ministry to street children.

» See also In Their Own Voices, a five-minute clip produced by Serious Pictures (YouTube) and this interactive map, Human Trafficking Patterns Mapped in Asia (IMB Asia Stories).

“While Christians in both Israel and Palestine have the freedom of worship there are still some significant injustices that need corrective action,” said Dr. Tunnicliffe in his speech on Thursday evening. “Evangelical Christians have dwelled in this land for many years and yet their churches do not have official recognition by the State. It is beyond time, that this recognition should be granted.”

Unlike the established traditional denominations, evangelical churches currently do not enjoy some of the basic rights related to marriage, burial, and other religious issues.

“I call upon the government of Israel and the Palestinian Authorities to grant this recognition,” Dr. Tunnicliffe continued, and stated: “This is not only a call for justice and democracy but it will also create a more stable context. Evangelical Christians in this region make a contribution to building a prosperous and thriving community. Treating them as third class citizens does not empower them to reach such a shared goal or even remain in the land.”

» Read full story. Watch Dr. Tunnicliffe’s opening remarks at the Christ at the Checkpoint conference (YouTube).

Elections can indeed change the course of nations. Pray for fair elections, free from rigging and manipulation. Ask the Lord to raise up men and women who will serve with integrity, righteousness, and justice so corruption and graft can be put to an end. Pray that the Lord appoints those of his choosing to fulfill his purposes.

Greg Kernaghan, a writer for OM International, traveled through the Arabian Peninsula in November 2013. He discovered authentic hospitality, passionately committed Christians and a sense of good things to come. He observed and listened to the hearts of Christian workers who have invested decades in understanding and loving their Arab neighbors.

Greg wrote a series of articles from the perspective of the OM workers in the Middle East, their story and their dreams, in their own words, fastidiously avoiding using real names and places so that the story itself may be told widely.