Russian Orphans: Finding an Eternal Family and Answers to Life’s Questions

The Russian city of Krasnoyarsk is notable for being the third largest city in Siberia, as well as a vital hub of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway. Yet it has another distinction of more eternal consequence. This busy metropolis on the banks of the Yenesey River is where the SGA-sponsored Orphans Reborn ministry began — a ministry that has since expanded across vast Russia to reach thousands of lonely, forgotten boys and girls with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Kristina Rudaya, one of the faithful church workers in Krasnoyarsk, says that the impact of the Orphans Reborn ministry is going far beyond the walls of the orphanages. Children who have participated in the outreaches since their younger years are taking the lessons they learned into adulthood — and building lifetime relationships with loving, caring believers from local churches …

Relationships with believers can be life changing for these kids.

Each week, some boys or girls come to visit me at home. This is a great time to simply fellowship, have some tea, and discuss very serious matters that are on the children’s minds. They tell us openly about their lives, their doubts, and their need to understand God. Many of them will leave the orphanage this year, and they will continue their education in other institutions. If they do not continue their studies, they will have no place to live. A lot of the children who live in the orphanages do not know how to care for themselves. Therefore, the conversations that we have with them on these subjects are important for them to be successful in their lives. Of course, we do not stop our ministry with them when they leave the orphanage, but we continue to support the children with whom we have worked, teaching them about God and helping them. I pray that, upon their graduation from the orphanage, they will remember that the Lord loves them, and where the church is. I praise the Lord for the opportunity to serve Him, and these opportunities give me a lot of joy. Thank you for your prayers and support!

According to fellow worker Tatiana Kiseleva, sometimes the fruit of their labors isn’t seen until years later …

Several years ago, I led Bible lessons at the orphanage in Sosnovoborsk. A boy named Sergei was part of that group. He was very active and participated in the lesson, but never repented and trusted in Christ. Recently I visited one of the rehabilitation centers for teenagers, and I saw Sergei there. He recognized me and reminded me who he was. He told me that he had been at a Christian camp and was given a Bible as a gift. While we were visiting with Sergei, we began to witness to him and three of his friends. As we talked of the Lord and His love shown on the cross, Sergei expressed the desire to repent, and he prayed with us on the spot to receive the Lord.

These testimonies from our faithful Orphans Reborn workers in Krasnoyarsk are just a couple of snapshots of what God is doing throughout the year across the lands of Russia. They are wonderful examples of how He is using the prayers and support of SGA’s faithful partners to have an impact on young Russian boys and girls — children who would otherwise look forward to hopeless lives. Instead, they are coming to know the One who can give them … a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

Please continue to pray for Orphans Reborn!