Russia (MNN) — While many around the world celebrate Christmas today, Russia and many of the former Soviet nations do not. Russian Ministries' Paul Tokarchouk says, "The whole country will work on this day. And we will have Christmas and the New Year holiday beginning the first of January."
Christmas in Russia is actually January 7th.
During the days of the Soviet Union, it was against the law to celebrate Christmas. Instead of exchanging gifts at Christmas, they did it on New Years Day.
But now, Russians do celebrate Christmas. This year Russian Ministries is using Christmas as a way to reach out to poor and needy children through "Project Hope, the Great Gift Exchange" initiative. Christmas in Russia is January 7, so you still have time to support them.
Tokarchouk says $25 supplies a gift box to poor and needy children "for churches to bring not only some toys and gifts, but also to bring Christian literature to the kids." The purpose is ultimately that they can come to Christ.
Tokarchouk says your $25 touches entire families. As the boxes are handed out, Moms and Dad read the material and are also introduced to Christ. There are many stories of entire families coming to Christ through the program.
There's still time to get involved. Click here to donate.
