Russia, for many years, has had trouble coping with its large number of orphans. Many of the children in state-run orphanages don't have the opportunity to hear the Word of God. Recently, an LHM-Russia staff member has been teaching a children's Bible study to orphans in Russia's Volga district.

One of the children, Maria Nesterova, was very excited about going to Bible study. Maria, now 12, has been in the Russian orphanage system since she was born, transferring to a home for disabled children at the age of 7.

Elionora Makeeva, LHM-Russia Children's Ministry Coordinator, organized a children's Bible Correspondence Course (BCC) at a Russian orphanage. With BCC, the children learn age appropriate lessons of God through targeted and themed studies. Every month, students enroll in BCC and graduates are encouraged to contact their local Lutheran congregations. LHM representatives use Russian-language materials for follow-up, and individuals are directly referred to meet with pastors, lay leaders, or volunteers in their areas.

Maria attended the first class, and sat in the front row. Elionora began to explain who God is and some of His characteristics. A few hours later it was bedtime, but all of the kids begged Elionora to tell them more.

Maria has attended every class since, actively participating whenever she can. Elionora says, "The message of love touched Maria's heart. The fact that there is someone who loves her made Maria so excited. And she could listen, learn, answer questions, and then draw pictures related to the subject of the lesson for four hours!"

Human Rights Watch reports that more than 600,000 children in Russia are defined as being "without parental care." These children are the sad aftermath of a Russian economy making the transition from Soviet rule in 1991. Each year more than 113,000 children enter the orphanage system, and 30,000 of them run away from the harsh conditions of the orphanages. Even the ones who make it have the odds stacked against them; upon release, 10 percent commit suicide, 30 percent commit crime, and 40 percent wind up unemployed or homeless. Such statistics make LHM-Russia's outreach a critical part in bringing the love of Christ to children faced with such despair.

Your continued prayers and support for LHM allow outreach programs to have an impact all around the world. We ask that you prayerfully consider a gift to our International Ministries today. Click here to support this ministry or call us at 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4275.