2022 Update

  2022 has been a year to remember. It began according to plan. We had a strong Christmas season in the orphanages, where we were able to bless nearly 600 orphans with the Joy and Hope of Christmas. We relished the fruits of investment by a growing team of volunteers and supporters.

  Then, in February, this corner of the world turned upside down. We left Russia on a few hours notice and for 5 months we were wanderers, traveling through a few countries, and sleeping in countless beds. We carried on with school and ministry, on laptops and cell phones, often all in the same room all day long. Sabina, barely walking, didn’t seem to mind. For the rest of us, it was often stressful.

  What we lost this year was an illusion of control. What we encountered was a humbling display of hospitality from friends, family, and strangers. The experience helped us (in a small way) relate to those who were fleeing war this year. We sensed God’s lead in an opportunity to support the people and churches of Ukraine. We had existing relationships there certainly, but if we had stayed in Russia we doubt our involvement could have happened.

  This year we witnessed a senseless war, its human devastation, and an unraveling of progress. We also witnessed new friendships, a vibrant fellowship of believers, and hope in things we cannot yet see. As Christmas approaches, we remember that Christ was born into a hard and broken world. His birth was heralded as the Emmanuel event – God with us. And that remains our experience and our prayer: in the hard and broken, God with us.

  With love and gratitude,

Sam, Yulia, Kristina, Andrey and Sabina