A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice (Isaiah 42:3 NIVUK)

Picking up the story of my childhood heroine Anne of Green Gables, the turning point in her story was finding the peace of a home and the security of two people who loved her allowing her to flourish.

Child psychologists know that ‘When children develop a sense of security, they will actually experience the benefits throughout many different areas of their lives. Security helps to develop emotional, mental, and physical health. We've mentioned that children who feel secure can feel freer to express their emotions.’(1)

Here in Italy and in many other European countries Ukrainian refugees have been able to join family members already settled here. Echo International has been able to help them by providing copies of Lala’s Journey in Ukrainian for children in Spain, Germany and other countries. I’ve become aware of how important this is. The cleaner of a friend of mine was able to welcome her sister, niece and children and my friend provided a home. On both counts it clearly has helped them to feel settled. The town has provided toys, clothes and books and the children have joined in with the universal language that is football (or soccer in the USA). On the surface all seems remarkably well for them. But Silvia* (the cleaner) reports that when the door closes the grief at their plight descends.

Natasha* is Ukrainian, but has lived in Italy for many years and acts as the local coordinator for the relief work, was speaking to our church on how refugees are already no longer front page news. We can’t as the church allow this to happen for any person who finds themselves displaced, marginalised or disadvantaged. Echo International is determined to be part of this Kingdom work, seeking to form partnerships and provide resources through the curriculum that will help nurture the ‘smouldering wicks’ of those caught up in the horror.

Please continue to pray for all the women and children made homeless by this conflict. Pray for the families welcoming them and providing sanctuary that they will continue to be able to do this. Pray for local and national governments that their policies will be fair, transparent and just. Pray for Amy and the Echo mentors as they deliver Lala’s Journey that it comforts and encourages children and their families.

Jean Guest

Jean has recently joined Echo International as a part time member of the team. She’s British (hence the confounding spelling) but lives in Italy. She has two adult sons, loves books, theatre and music, but is passionate about cricket!