Earl Meador, retired chancellor for Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, and his wife Lori recently shared their inspiring journey as house parents at the Community House Damaris in Athens, Greece, during a noon Lions Club meeting on January 11.
Following his retirement last year, Earl Meador felt a void and sought divine guidance for the next chapter of his life. He recounted, “I really struggled during that time. I’d spent a lifetime being very active, being very driven. But I had the conviction that you may be retired from your professional life, but you’re never retired from God’s duties.”
The couple’s calling to serve in Greece came unexpectedly when longtime friends there invited them to become house parents in a recovery program for women ages 18-35, and their children, who have been or are at high risk of sexual exploitation or trafficking. Despite initial reservations, Earl and Lori embraced the opportunity after prayerful consideration.
At the House of Damaris, which currently accommodates two homes for about eight young women each, the Meadors became instrumental in fostering a loving and Godly environment. The shelter aims to provide these women, many from war-torn African countries, with a family-like experience, teaching them essential life skills such as cooking, cleaning, childcare, and independence.
The Meadors worked with 18-year-olds, some of whom had babies. Earl expressed concern about his role as the first live-in male parent in the house but soon realized the profound impact of being a loving and Godly couple. Lori emphasized, “Our main focus was just to be there, love them, and show them what a marriage was like — a normal marriage.”
The couple’s presence served as a powerful example for the young women, who had never experienced a healthy relationship. Lori shared an insightful moment when one of the girls remarked, “I never see Papoo get angry.” This realization underscored the importance of their role in breaking the cycle of abuse these women had previously encountered.
“We were Called to let our Light shine,” said Earl. “There wasn’t anything special about Lori and me, it was just that they had never seen that before. It hit me hard when I realized that I was the first man in their lives who didn’t buy them, sell them, or abuse them.”
Earl shed light on the grim reality of human trafficking, stating, “There are more people in slavery today than at any other time in human history. Sadly, many of those are right here in the United States, and they’re women and children.” He emphasized the damaging impact of pornography, describing it as the gateway to prostitution and other harmful activities.
The House of Damaris relies on donations, primarily from U.S. churches, to support its crucial mission. Earl and Lori Meador passionately urge Christians to seek similar opportunities in their communities to make a positive difference. Anyone interested in learning more about this program can contact Earl or Lori Meador at [email protected] or [email protected] respectively. For more information about the House of Damaris and to contribute, visit Damaris’ website, www.damaris.gr/.
The Lions Club, located at 119 Pine Street, continues its tradition of hosting engaging speakers every Thursday at noon. This service club, guided by the motto “We Serve,” welcomes new members dedicated to community service.