Not every child SGA-supported churches reach has lost both parents. Many are what’s known as “social orphans”—children who come from dysfunctional families but may not have lost their parents at all. Some live on the street.

Others are placed in orphanages. Many still live at home, but with a single parent scrambling to make ends meet, or with both parents present yet unable—or unwilling—to truly care for them. Some parents are deep into alcoholism and substance abuse. Their children carry the weight of neglect and instability, even while their families remain, in name, intact.

Nastya is one of these children. She and other social orphans in her community are reached through the ministry of a small SGA-supported church in the Ivanovo region. Though the congregation numbers just 20 people, its outreach is known throughout the region: believers visit two orphanages and work with social orphans across several villages and towns. This year, the church registered a charitable foundation that will allow the congregation to reach even more children like Nastya.

Today, Nastya is 18 years old and shares her story below. Please watch . . .

Nastya’s Testimony [Translation]

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who is part of the team. First and foremost, to Dima, Sveta, and the rest of the team.

Thank you so much for helping me grow up, for literally helping me get back on my feet, being there for me from my very young age. I came [to youth club], and I wasn’t afraid to come a second time, as I put my trust in you.

Thank you for helping me come to know God, that I learned who He is and I entrusted myself into His hands. And now my whole life depends on Him alone. I’m very grateful for that.

Now I’m an adult, and as people tell me, I’m a good person. Thank you very much, everyone! I’m very blessed, and I’ll keep obeying God.

A Story Still Being Written

Nastya’s story didn’t change overnight. It grew slowly, through years of consistent care from believers who showed up again and again—with patience and the truth of God’s Word. Struggling children like Nastya need practical and spiritual help for today and a faithful presence pointing them toward Christ for the years ahead.

You can help churches continue reaching children like Nastya with the hope of the Gospel. Your generosity—and your prayers—help believers from SGA-supported churches stay in a struggling child’s life for as long as it takes.