Rainbow of Hope      

Imagine the futre of a country in which 1 out of every 21 of itsinhabitants is an orphan. This is the situation in Russia whererecently the Russian media reported that there is an estimated orphanpopulation of two million and another four million street children. Andsadly, the reality is probably even worse than what is reported. Butit’s hard to get concrete statistics because definitions vary widely onwhat a  street child  or an  orphan really is.

We know that nearly 70 percent of children in Russian orphanages arenot traditional orphans, meaning these “orphans” often have familymembers, but for one reason or another, they are not able to properlycare for their children. The family then voluntarily surrenders them tothe government, and they are placed in orphanages and referred to as  social orphans. Other children  have been removed from their homes by the State and put into the orphanages because of abuse situations.

Inmost cases at the age of 16, children are released from the orphanagesystem to fend for themselves. Statistics estimate that some 80 percentof the girls go into prostitution, and 85 percent of the boys getinvolved in crime and drugs. Many even commit suicide. And sadly, theoffspring of these orphans follow the cycle of their parents, and thecircle continues.

 My heart breaks when Iread these statistics. I’ve often asked myself, “How can my Russianbrothers and sisters and I help them break out of this vicious cycle?What can we do to help these forgotten, precious ones?”

This past year, when a friend asked me what my ministry passion was, Iquickly realised it was to bring God’s Truth to children - they will beour next generation and the church’s future. The Lord then gentlyrevealed a new ministry He wanted me to begin, working with orphans inRussia –which is now this new work,  Rainbow of Hope.

 Rainbow of Hope is a ministry bringing His hope, His love, His compassion and Hispromises to Russia’s children. My Russian team and I currently workwith 85 children and 12 teachers weekly. Our first objective has beento build relationships with the local, established orphanages byvisiting each week and offering craft classes. We hope to gain thetrust of the staff and the children through our dedication andconsistency.

 We are seeking the Lord’swisdom in how to help transition and positively integrate into society,the children that are released from the orphanages at age 16 ratherthan leaving them to fend for themselves - sometimes on the streets.  Please pray that God would show us clearly how we as a church family are to help meet their needs.

Every person has the responsibility of sharing the Good News of JesusChrist, and being His hands and feet in a suffering world, and alsoshowing love, compassion and mercy. These children need hope; they needlove and care; and they need to know they have a Heavenly Father whoadores them.

 How to Get Involved

 Spiritual adoption program – this involves choosing a child and committing to pray for him/herevery day. We will send you a photo card of your child with specificprayer requests.

 Send craft materials and supplies  to  Rainbow of Hopein Russia. Finding supplies for more than 97 children every week is noteasy in Russia. We have a complete list of our most urgent needs.