Visit to Morning Star

Went to visit Josef & Tanya Yesenov's place a couple of weeks back. It was amazing to see and hear about the work they are involved with and compare it to the first time we met with them in 2007!

Josef and his family have worked with "at-risk" children and teenagers for many years. I think their beginning story goes something like this: Josef used to work as a police officer. When he worked during the night-shift, he would always see children and young teens living on the streets either because they had nowhere to go or because they had a rough home life and did not want to go back.

After Josef gave his life to God, he and his family committed their lives to helping these kids.

When we met them in 2007, they were based out of a Methodist church in a busy section of Uzhhorod. In the basement of the church were living quarters for 5-7 young teens, as well as a kitchen. Josef & Tanya poured so much into these kids: teaching them about God, mentoring them, helping them get back into school, providing shelter, food, medical attention and also mediation between them and their families. Each week, they would also cook a hot meal for about 40-50 children who lived with their own families, but did not have the best home life. Josef & Tanya provided a safe place for these kids to go to. Over the years, these same kids became leaders within this outreach.

Fast forward to 2013: Josef & Tanya, through donations, had a home built just outside of Uzhhorod for these kids. Currently, there are 5 girls living there. Josef also said that they now are registered as a foster home and receive some government support.

He is also looking for a new location within Uzhhorod so they can continue their weekly feeding program to the other children.

 

This is probably only 1/8 of the entire story. There is a video about this ministry- I'll try and find it/post it soon.

 

Solomiya introducing herself to the littlest girl that lives at Morning Star.

L-R: Laurie, Jim, me, Solomiya, Josef, Volodya. Josef cooked lunch for us and updated us on the latest news.

Solomiya trying to sneak a banana.

This is the main room in the house used as dining room, living room, meeting room, school/craft room, prayer room, tv room.

Part of the kitchen.

Two of the girls who live at Morning Star.



Morning Star: front view.