CHRISTMAS COMES TO SARKANI

Sven and Glad Ljungholm from UK visited Latvia and Seda/Sarkani in January and posted two reports on their blog. Here is the first one:

The Skangali manor, located in rural Latvia, became the property of the Soviet Army however, subsequent to Latvia’s independence the property came into the hands of another Army, The Salvation Army. The manor was renovated and now comprises the main residence, seven large out-buildings with granite walls and about 50 acres of land. The Salvation Army built an additional building which houses a children's home. In the manor's rebuilt barn, the army has operated a primary school for 10 years and a planned spiritual development centre lies in the future.

Unknown to The Salvation Army their nearest neighbours were alcoholic families relegated to living in former Soviet Army barracks vacated following Perestrokia. The village is comprised of thirty alcoholic families and the village inhabitants include 23 children, most of them under 12 years of age. On learning of their existence The Salvationist neighbours stepped in and renovated two flats to serve as ‘safe houses’ for the children. These are projects that Sven and Glad Ljungholm of Hamilton have been in the forefront in co-ordinating both individually and with a team comprised of Salvationist friends from throughout the UK. To date more than 10,000 pounds has been collected and used in providing services along with building supplies and clothing for more than 600 children.

Glad and Sven are in Sakarni this week hosting a Christmas party for the abandoned children of Sakarni. Until they stepped in a year ago the children had no lunch provided at school as their parents didn’t provide the necessary funds the money was used to support their drinking habits. Sven, a former Salvation Army Officer called on other former Officers all members of a worldwide fellowship and the necessary funds were immediately collected to support the feeding of the children through the entire school year.

When the school day ends at 5.00pm the children are no longer confined to their family flat or the nearby woods hiding from the reality that is their life, but now go directly to the Army’s two ‘safe houses’ where the Captain and his wife provide them the love and support needed for their emotional well being.

Glad and Sven are on their fourth mission to the village of Sakarni in the last 17 months and will lead another mission team in June 2011.

From:  http://hamiltonsa.blogspot.com/