Showing Christ's Love for Children in the CIS

Please consider taking part in this year's Immanuel's Child program benefiting children in the former Soviet Union.

Just $25 will enable Russian churches to purchase and give away much needed items to children (Russian Bible, hygiene/toiletries, fresh fruit, clothing, etc.).

Slavic Gospel Association (SGA) has been ministering in Russia since 1934--long before many ministries dared. Please visit SGA's website.

January 7 ~ Christmas in Russia

Today, January 7, is the day Russians celebrate Christmas. Our daughters clearly remember how it was (is) a much smaller less significant holiday than New Years--not too surprising after 70+ years of oppression and persecution.

Somewhere in Russia, an orphan child either has received or will receive gifts with a message attached that is written in Russian rather than English (like the majority of the other gifts)--from two former orphans named Olga and Nina.

Unfortunately, our girls were not in an orphanage that benefited from this ministry while they lived in Russia--the orphan population is staggering--but by God's grace more and more orphanages and orphans are being reached through this annual program!

Our church has participated in the Immanuel's Child program for the past three years, and this year our very own Olga coordinated and completed the effort. If you're unfamiliar with the Slavic Gospel Association (SGA) I urge you to get acquainted and consider participating in next year's "Immanuel's Child" program-- it kicks off in October and costs only $25 to provide a Children's Bible in Russian, various toiletries, toys, healthy snacks, and fruit (stuff ALL kids need and like!).

Christians, orphans, and adoption

Back in April I wrote THIS regarding the Christian's spiritual adoption. Later in August, I was surprised and encouraged to receive a comment to that post from Dan Cruver, Ministry Outreach Coordinator for Carolina Hope Christian Adoption Agency.

In Dan's comment, he said some things that I whole-heartedly agree with and hope more Christians will consider,

"...We are working hard to articulate the connection between spiritual and human adoption. We believe that the more people grow in their understanding of spiritual adoption the more they will consider extending the same kind of kindness to orphans (whether through adopting themselves, assisting others to adopt, or through mission trips to orphanages around the world)."

Since receiving his comment, I've regularly read his Carolina Hope blog and have been very encouraged by the thoughtful and challenging posts Dan offers on the topic of adoption--both spiritual and physical. I hope you'll take some time to read his blog, I'm fairly confident most Christians haven't thought this deeply or thoroughly on the matter of adoption.

Carolina Hope Christian Adoption Agency blog, "from hope to reality"

BTW, I'm NOT saying that I believe every Christian couple is called or equipped to adopt children. What I am saying is God does call ALL Christians to care for orphans--in various ways at various levels!