Russia (MNN) — As Russia struggles under COVID-19, the Church there has been bringing aid and sharing the Gospel. Now you can help.
Russia has become a new hotspot for COVID-19 cases. The country now has the second most confirmed infections after the United States, with actual numbers suspected to be quite higher.
Through SGA, you can support people in Soviet Russia and the former Soviet Union. (Photo courtesy of SGA on Facebook)
Russia has sent a lot of mixed messages about COVID-19, first declaring control over the virus before asking for help as case numbers rise. At the same time, Russia lifted many of its work restrictions over a week ago. Eric Mock of Slavic Gospel Association says, “The evidence on the ground is that people are suffering economically and through the health issues. And the hospitals are overwhelmed.”
Mock says most of the news about Russia has been filtered through the lens of Moscow and other large cities in the western part of the country. “Outside Moscow, there were already regions where people lived in pretty difficult conditions. Healthcare is not quite as good as it is in Moscow. People were already in the middle of a difficult life, much more difficult than we have here. And so what we’re trying to do is help the Churches help these families that are suffering even more.”
How to help
You can support these churches through SGA’s Christ Over COVID program. Mock says, “We’re seeing churches step up and reach out to people in a pretty profound way. So pray for these churches. Pray that hearts would be open to the Gospel. Above all, pray that God would be glorified in this time.”
The Church in rural Russia is helping vulnerable people and embodying the reign of Christ on earth. (Photo courtesy of Сергей Горбачев from Pixabay)
Mock encourages Christians to get involved with SGA’s daily prayer guide, which is available by email for free. “Every single morning, we’re taking these stories and we’re writing a devotional to go along with that. Our staff is putting that together to encourage people and to give them insight into what we’re hoping that they’ll pray for.”
Mock says this time will go down in the history books. “We just realized this is an amazing time. “This is a historical time and a great opportunity for the Gospel. We’re asking people not only to get involved in praying but to give to this program so that we can provide food for these churches.”
A largely empty street in Moscow during the COVID-19 lockdowns. (Photo courtesy of Анна Иларионова from Pixabay)
