Russia (MNN) ― The plight of orphans in Russia has been well documented. Their story prompted hundreds of ministries to focus their efforts on assisting this most vulnerable population in the former Soviet Union.
Together, these efforts have seen homes and other places of refuge springing up to provide hope for these kids. One ministry is taking it a step further, laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining body of response. The difference in their success is the Gospel.
Russian Ministries trains Next Generation Christian leaders all across the FSU for Christ-centered work. The doors are open now because of the Christmas season. Even as the teams are trained and ready to go, there is one last thing that needs to be done to ensure they are fully equipped to bring Project Hope to the kids.
Russian Ministries' interim Director of Development Shelly Cochrane explains, "We made an arraignment for a whole new batch of Bibles to be printed -- the 'Children's Picture New Testament' in Russian. 80,000 copies are printed and on their way."
These New Testaments are a key part of Project Hope. Russian Ministries provides the colorful boxes with a Scripture verse printed on it, along with a Bible or other Christian book. But the local church fills the boxes with gifts, candy, personal care items, and more.
The goal is in sight, but there's one more hurdle. "We have a whole batch of ministry teams of young people prepared to go out to the places where the children live," explains Cochrane, "but we still need $20,000 to complete the printing so that we have all of these copies of New Testaments to send out with our team."
Since Russian Christmas falls on January 7, there's still time to help, but it's running out fast. There's a lot of ground to cover to reach the first 50,000 children. "We have ministry teams that are deployed in 65 cities, so it's an ability to really blanket wide-open areas with thousands of children who delight in receiving their very own copy of the New Testament."
Without the funds, the New Testaments won't get to everyone. With all the teams going out at Christmas, you may think that someone else will catch those who don't get a New Testament this time around. However, Cochrane says, "It's not the case where these children would receive a Bible some other way, and it's really a great situation, and offers much more opportunities to share the Gospel to have these ministry teams personally deliver them and talk with the children."
Project Hope is an extension of the local church, which is what makes this program such a great discipleship step. It's a long-term investment of relationship with the community. "This is not just dropping batches of Bibles for people to come and take off a stack. This is personal connection. There's ongoing follow-up and ongoing relationship building with these families and children throughout the year."
Any amount will multiply the joy of Christmas for needy children in Russia and other FSU countries. Click here if you can help.
