One of Priority! Evangelism’s ongoing outreach is to the street kids of Chisinau, Moldova. As part of that outreach, our workers minister once a week in a juvenile detention center. These homeless kids have been arrested by the police for various crimes like begging, stealing, and prostitution.

I’d like to tell you the story of a twelve year old boy named Dennis. This is not a story with a happy ending (yet). I am relating this story to you so that you will remember to pray for Dennis (and the rest of our kids on the streets of Chisinau).

Dennis used to live in the suburbs of Chisinau. His father is an alcoholic and is a very cruel man. When Dennis was 10, His father killed his mother right before his eyes. Dennis’ father got 20 years in prison. He and his younger brother were taken to an orphanage.

Because of the emotional trauma, the boy became very unstable and violent. He would spend a month at the orphanage and then run away and live on the streets sniffing glue, stealing, and begging.  I first met him at the detention house. He caught my eye... there was something about his eyes. His eyes are so full of pain. Because of Dennis’ unruly behavior, our workers couldn’t finish the lesson  with the children.  Dennis was loud, disruptive, and aggressive with the other boys. Even the older boys were afraid of him because he was out of control and didn't have any fear at all.

Our workers began to spend extra time with Dennis. Over time, he became really gentle and kind. He hugged our workers and didn’t want to let them go. They told  him that Jesus is knocking at the door of His heart and that He wants him to let Him into his life. Dennis told them “I want to let him in, but I really don’t know how to find this door in my heart, I’ve never seen it.” He was so sincere in His desire to let Jesus in and he was so troubled that he hadn’t known before that his heart had a door! He accepted Jesus in His heart but in a week he ran away from the detention house.

He came to our ministry were we feed street kids. One day (it was winter and it was cold) he came to us in a sweater and I could smell glue on him. We gave him a winter coat and fed him.

He is still on the streets and he doesn’t want to stay at the state orphanage because he is beaten there. Dennis needs your prayer and he really needs to find this door of his heart so it would be wide open for Jesus. We will continue to reach out to Dennis and to other troubled kids like him. I believe with all my heart that he will be transformed and will be a trophy of Gods grace!