What does it take to spark hope in 16 small Russian villages? It’s a tale of resilience, compassion, and unwavering determination.
Meet Nadia (name changed), a beacon of light in the midst of darkness. Her journey, intertwined with that of four widows over 80 years old, unveils a remarkable story of faith in action. Armed with nothing but their savings, an old rusted Lada (a brand of car), and a heart full of love, these women embarked on a mission to breathe life into forgotten communities.
Traveling alongside her mother, one of these courageous widows, Nadia witnessed firsthand the transformative power of fellowship. Together, they brought encouragement, training, and invaluable resources to a village church longing for renewal.
But the road to revival was not without its challenges. The church, once nurtured by Korean missionaries, faltered and lost momentum, so the missionaries returned home. Now led by a woman and attended predominantly by Korean individuals, an evangelical denomination recently added this group of believers “to their books”. However, it isn’t fully accepted because having a female pastor is too radical to allow them to qualify for training or support.
Undeterred by obstacles, Nadia and her mother extended a hand of friendship, bridging cultural divides and fostering a sense of belonging. Through weekly Zoom studies and heartfelt conversations, a close-knit community emerged, united in their pursuit of faith and fellowship.
Nadia’s impact extends far beyond the church walls. As an English teacher, she seizes every opportunity to share the message of hope with her students. Recently, she brought joy to two children in need, gifting them with the precious gift of a Bible, igniting a spark of curiosity and comfort in their hearts.
But Nadia’s mission doesn’t end there. From women’s conferences to leadership seminars, she tirelessly invests in the next generation of change-makers, empowering them to spread the love of God far and wide. Recently, she facilitated 50 young leaders in the Forest Planting game which helps people learn about planting teams and multiplying organizations. Nadia has used it to teach over 2,000 individuals about Kingdom values and how to reach others with the gospel.
In a world plagued by uncertainty, stories like Nadia’s remind us of the power of hope and compassion. Together, we can be a force for good, spreading love and light to the darkest corners of the earth.
Join us in supporting Nadia and countless others like her as they continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Russia and beyond. Your generosity can make a world of difference. To make a donation and be part of something truly transformative, click here.
