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The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 left millions of people in a spiritual vacuum, the result of 70 years of atheistic ideology. The spiritual hunger of the people ushered in thousands of missionaries from around the world in the 1990’s. YouthReach International was part of that evangelistic push, reaching children in former Pioneer Camps.
Now, the welcome of the 1990’s is replaced with skepticism of the 2000’s. Most Russians/Ukrainians claim to be Christians as members of the Russian Orthodox Church (believed to be associated by birthright). The overwhelming religious beliefs are a combination of Christianity, eastern religions, mysticism, animism, and pluralism. Most people do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, yet they will light a candle in prayer to God for someone they are concerned about. Discussions with children confirm that their understanding of the Lord is tainted with folk stories, a distant faith, and certainty that God is more punishing than merciful.
Within this environment live millions of forgotten children. Some are orphans – either left with no living parents, dropped off by parents unable to care for them, or taken by the state from alcoholic or abusive parents. Some live with grandparents who are unable to truly care for their needs or understand the complexities of this new generation and a world system so different from that they grew up in. Some have the blessing of living with parents, but are forced to see them drunk, abusive, or simply unavailable to raise them. It is these children – the orphans and at-risk – that YouthReach International hopes to introduce a relationship with Jesus Christ.
There are other ministries in Ukraine and Russia that reach out to these same categories of children. Children’s Hope Chest has an orphan ministry center outside of Moscow, Russia, which does a great job of reaching those in their realm of care. Jeremiah’s Hope, in Mariupol, Ukraine, operates a Transitional Living Center for orphans there and also in Kiev. There are also kid’s clubs throughout Russia and Ukraine operated by Caritas Internationalis.
YouthReach International has friendships with each of these ministries, and we partner with some of them to reach the children. Given the overwhelming numbers of orphanages, orphans, and at-risk children in Russia and Ukraine, there is no one ministry that can reach all of them.
YouthReach International operates under a unique concept of mentoring orphans and at-risk children for Christ. It is our hope that our 12-3-1 Mentors will act as a big brother or sister to the children, counseling them in both their life and their spiritual journeys, and ultimately leading them to Jesus Christ as their Savior. We also bring American short term missionaries into interactive environments and outreaches to initially connect the children with the 12-3-1 Mentors. While there, small groups of Christian communities come alive in front of the children. The Word of God becomes real through Bible inspired classes, and the love of Christ is experienced through hugs, play, drama, song, and sometimes tears. During these times, the children meet a new friend, their 12-3-1 Mentor who is partnered with their American short term missionary. This relationship is further deepened and developed throughout the year during our regular gatherings, either in a local city or in their own orphanage.
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