Russia (MNN) – Orphans and other disadvantaged children received supplies and Easter gifts this year with the help of SOAR International.
Today begins part one of a two-part story about Baskets of Hope and SOAR’s work in Russia. Join us tomorrow as we look into SOAR’s work in Russia with orphanages and the local Church.
The Gift of God’s Word
(Photo courtesy of SOAR)
SOAR’s outreach ministry, Baskets of Hope, provides toys, winter gear, hygiene supplies, and school essentials to Russian children who don’t have access to these resources. This year, SOAR missionary Becky Dwinnell brought over backpacks filled with these resources for children in Ryazan, Russia.
Along with the supplies, every basket has a Bible in Russian.
Dwinnell says this Bible is what the children get most excited about from their basket. “They don’t go for the school supplies. The first thing[s] they look for are their Bibles. Each child gets a Bible in the Russian language, and it’s so cool just to see their eyes light up when they get these baskets and are looking for their Bibles,” Dwinnell adds.
These supplies are truly gifts because it is rare for these children to receive new items.
“It’s just like getting a birthday present — you always want to get something new,” Dwinnell says.
These items are all bought in Russia, so the children are familiar with the toys and excited to receive them.
The Need for Supplies
Poverty in Russia remains high. Approximately one-third of the population can’t afford to buy new shoes. This makes it even more difficult for orphans and other disadvantaged children.
(Photo courtesy of SOAR)
SOAR continues to step into places of poverty to help Russian children with both daily supplies and God’s Word.
Dwinnell says SOAR visited a transition home on their last trip for those who have aged out of the orphanages. She got the chance to connect with teens they had visited in previous years.
After talking with the teens, Dwinnell says, “They remembered us and the impact that it had on them to keep following Jesus.”
She adds, “They cherish those Bibles over there.”
If you want to help these children, donate to SOAR here.
Pray for these children as they receive these Bibles and supplies. Pray that they would learn about God’s Word.
Dwinnell says, “Pray for the caretakers. It’s a rough… job that they have. Pray for the caretakers and pray for the children as they receive their Bibles.”
The next project SOAR is working on is Stuff a Stocking, a program to get more supplies to these children in January. Click here to learn more.
Join us tomorrow to learn more about SOAR’s work as they partner with the local churches in Russia!
Header photo courtesy of SOAR.
