Hope of Christ in Day Centers
Helen Vipass intended to settle down after leaving a fulfilling but demanding job in educational tourism. Although Latvia was not where she initially had in mind, she felt a strong call from the Lord that guided her to move there in 1991. While supporting a newly established church mission, she became aware of a critical need. Every day, Helen passed by numerous desperate children on the streets with no one to aid them. She could not ignore their situation and turned to God in prayer.
Over time, Helen realized the Lord was leading her to establish a place of refuge for the kids. One day, with deep compassion, she followed God’s prompting to sit down next to a boy begging in a tunnel. Asking about his story and showing genuine concern began to rekindle his sense of self-worth. Helen took him to a café, and even brought him shoes the following day. These interactions sparked the vision for what is now known as the Hope for Children ministry. With the Holy Spirit directing every step, Helen and two other leaders endeavored to meet the children's needs and surround them with the love of Christ.
Apartments and Day Centers
The ministry steadily grew to acquire three apartments in Riga, where day and night, the children were cared for. More apartments were later purchased and eventually turned into homes for staff to independently foster kids out of. Today, Hope for Children primarily runs day centers with around thirty kids coming through each weekday.
Many fathers in Latvia are sadly unavailable for their families. Worse yet, most kids come from abusive households and are desperate for any form of escape. Day centers have, in turn, become a place of refuge. Hope for Children aims to protect the kids, alleviate physical and emotional suffering and help them build a better future while introducing them to the love of Christ. Through these centers, children receive support with physical needs, help with homework, exposure to Gospel, and the freedom to just be kids.
Additionally, Hope for Children runs a family support center which hosts various events and activities to build bridges within family units and between staff and parents. When Helen first got to Latvia, many families were unfamiliar with engaging their kids through board games and puzzles. By teaching parents various methods of connecting with their children, family bonds are strengthened. In the natural interactions and display of the Lord’s kindness, moreover, staff members have the opportunity to share about Christ.
Greater Impact
By God's grace, several testimonies of transformation have come from former participants of the centers. For instance, one mother's harmful lifestyle created an oppressive atmosphere for her six children. In all the years the staff knew them, the whole family lived in one room. It was through attending the center that the family could finally rest. They received love, acceptance, down time, and supplies for school.
The children themselves said they felt genuinely supported and sensed that the staff always looked forward to seeing them. Hope for Children also cared for the mom and over time, saw her gradually change for the better. Today, the older kids have graduated and are working in their chosen professions while the younger are finishing school. One of the girls has become the biggest help in one of the centers. She is a tremendous encouragement to everyone and the children really love her.
Hope for Children is not just making an impact on children and their families. For example, years ago there was a hardened, former inmate named Sasha who surrendered to Jesus in prison. Though he had a terrible record, he started coming to the first center asking for toys to take to the kids in his area. Helen states she did not know why she told him “yes”, since in the 90’s it was very hard to replace them, yet there she was! Not only was Sasha faithful to bring the toys to the kids in his town, but he also later came to work at the center in Riga.
Sasha was great with the boys and would take them out to do small home repair jobs. During one of those outings, Sasha met Yuri, the leader of a mafia group. Knowing what God did for him, Sasha was confident that God could transform Yuri’s life too. After talking a while, Yuri gave his life to Christ and even became a volunteer at the center! No matter how crazy the situation might seem, we must keep our ear tuned to God’s voice and follow His leading.
Opportunities to Shine Christ's Light
In the midst of the darkness, the glory of God shines with compelling brilliance in Latvia. He is drawing the hearts of youth, families, and individuals alike towards Himself through willing vessels of believers. Helen reflects that Christians are truly much different than the world in the way we interact with people. It is just as John 1:4-5 states- "In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Hope for Children greatly appreciates the prayer support as they have seen major differences when people are praying. They also have plenty of volunteer opportunities for those who are interested in coming for short or long term mission trips. From serving the kids directly to maintaining the properties, all skill sets are welcome to take part in what God is doing through the ministry.
