Emmaus Children's Food Program
In Mark Koehler's Ukraine neighborhood, children struggle every day with the realities of alcoholism, drug addiction, prostitution, poverty and dysfunctional families. Single parent families are common. In such a climate, Emmaus Christian Club is a haven that draws children from the harshness of the streets. Hot meals are provided, and there are three Bible study groups, a sewing club, a knitting club, access to computer instruction and arts and crafts activities. The skills they learn here have possible relevance for their future and probably would not be learned elsewhere.
Monthly contributions from Mission Ukraine Children's Hope provide meat, fresh fruit and vegetables to upgrade the nutritional value of hot meals, which are served five days a week. MUCH has also provided a sewing machine and a hemming machine. The project that has been the biggest hit is the installation of a small shower/bathroom, which MUCH funded. Children who don't have access to bathing or whose parents don't attend to their children's hygiene came to the club in a very unkempt state. Now, they can get squeaky clean five days a week! Their appearances have improved significantly.
When a child is fed spiritually and physically, has a clean body, can explore his/her creative potential and learn practical skills, chances are much greater that the negative pressures of the culture can be resisted. MUCH is committed to partnering with Emmaus Club to offer that opportunity to these neighborhood children.
Read Letter of Appreciation from children of Emmaus.