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We are one mission, and we are one in Christ.
As current events continue to unfold in Russia, we invite you to lift up our brothers and sisters ministering to those with no hope.
Russia Update
- Summer camps continue to take place all throughout the country with kids having the best week of their lives. Pray for protection, health, good weather, energy for the leaders, and open hearts to hear the Gospel.
- Capernaum, the ministry for kids with special needs, blesses entire families. Accessibility is not something readily available in that part of the world, and the leaders use creative ways to ensure the families experience comfort and ease of access for their children.
- In Moscow, 'art clubs' continue to draw college students in. Deeper conversations often emerge during this special time of engaging in some form of visual art.
- To initiate contact with the kids, leaders use various athletic activities such as volleyball, floorball, hockey, and soccer. Pray for the provision and wisdom as the leaders navigate a challenging political environment.
- Pray for peace and protection, for committed leaders to come on board, for provision for the existing ministries, and for doors to open for the new ones.
- Pray for the protection of hearts, unity in the Lord, grace, forgiveness, and compassion.
“Some bizarre things are happening in our ministry now that surprise me personally. Even though our team is almost halved in size, we have more teenagers coming to us, and we had over 50 teenagers at the season's opening! I see that God is leading our team now; you can see it in our relationships with the teens and in the way our ministry leaders are becoming more dedicated.”
– Leader, St. Petersburg, Russia
About Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world and the world's ninth most populous nation, with 145 million people, 30 million of which are under 18.
Worldwide, Russia ranks among the highest in suicides, alcoholism, and abortions. It is a leading source of child trafficking for forced labor and sexual exploitation.
Recognizing the plight of youth in Russia, Young Life started its ministry in Moscow in 1992 and has expanded to include 29 cities and rural areas. Their ministry includes younger kids and teens, college-age students, children with disabilities, and orphans.
Now on the brink of a significant socio-economic change due to the current political situation, Russian kids, more than ever, are looking for hope and a sense of stability. Young Life national staff and volunteers give tremendous support to these needy children. In contrast to this backdrop of so much negativity and darkness in these young people's lives, Young Life Russia offers hope and life to adolescents through mentoring, scholarships, and ministry.
Through the Young Life ministry, Russian kids experience camp, build meaningful relationships with leaders, participate in athletic programs, and apply for college scholarships through the Developing Global Leaders (DGL) Program.
