Christmas Children

Christmas is a special time for children at the Velyko Polovetskoe orphanage in Ukraine — part of SGA’s Orphans Reborn ministry.

… for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Matthew 19:14).

In just a few short weeks, believers across North America will be celebrating the joyous birth of our Lord and Savior in that Bethlehem manger long ago. Across the lands of Russia, Christmas is celebrated a bit later, on January 7. Yet how wonderful it is that believers from different cultures — observing different days on the calendar — are joined together with one purpose … to make sure thousands of young boys and girls hear what Christmas is really all about. It’s about Jesus, the One who loves them most of all, and gave His life so that they might have life eternal!

For our Russian brothers and sisters, these crucial days of ministry between December 25 and January 7 are vitally important as they reach needy and unchurched children in their neighborhoods. For many of these “Christmas children,” outreaches such as the SGA-sponsored Immanuel’s Child ministry is their first contact with Bible-preaching churches and the truth about God. The churches make every effort to follow up with the children throughout the year, and especially at Easter, which is by far the most prominent Christian observance for Russian believers. But it all starts at Christmas. Since 2002, more than 74,000 children have been reached through Immanuel’s Child outreaches across Russia and her neighboring countries.

In addition to Immanuel’s Child, SGA partners help the churches in a variety of ways. Through the Christmas for Orphans ministry, SGA partners support church workers as they hold special Christmas programs at orphanages and children’s homes across Russia and her neighboring countries. This program is an integral part of the year-round ministry of the Orphans Reborn teams.

As faithful church workers share the story of Christ, they show the children that the Lord’s birth is not the only part of the story. He also lived a sinless life, dying on the cross as payment for our sins and rising again victoriously from the dead. The Lord Jesus then ascended to heaven, where He now sits at the right hand of the Father, and will one day return for His own. It’s a tremendous promise of forgiveness, hope and victory that warms the hearts of the children, many of whom come from dysfunctional homes where there is abuse, alcoholism and neglect. For many an orphan, it’s the promise that their lives have meaning and purpose — above all, to know that they are loved by God and can bring Him glory through lives changed by His power.

Last year in the Russian city of Pskov, Pastor Konstantin Luposhtyan says that the impact of Immanuel’s Child went far beyond the children …

More than 200 people came to the Immanuel’s Child service in Pskov

Our results with Immanuel’s Child have surpassed all our expectations! The church sanctuary is designed for 200 people, but more than that actually came to the service. We prepared 100 gifts for kids and 30 chocolate bars for teenagers, but 150 kids and teenagers came in addition to the 100 adults who attended. There was roughly an even split between the number of believers and the unsaved in attendance. We gave the unbelievers Christian literature, and many remained to talk with us after the service. The response was very warm and cordial. Many asked us to organize a similar event on Easter. We hope and pray that the children and grandchildren of these people will come to our Sunday school.

Yuri, a retired lieutenant-colonel, came to the church together with his wife, a daughter and a granddaughter. He said he had Baptists among his relatives. At the end of our talk he said that he wanted to have a private talk with me alone and have a long conversation, because he had many questions. About 15 people said they wanted to keep meeting with Christians. A mother with 18 kids came to the service. She has adopted 9 kids and has 9 of her own. Despite a snowstorm, her oldest son brought her to the church by car, and both of them were glad they came. Another mother, who is the chairwoman of the local Committee of Large Families, brought her four children. They liked the play and they said they wanted to come again to such activities. Once again we thank you for your material support to make Christmas real for these children and their families!

Please remember to pray for Immanuel’s Child and Christmas for Orphans Christmas ministries this year. May the Lord draw thousands — both children and adults — to Himself in saving faith!