Facing life as a Russian orphan is challenging. Here are some numbers that help tell the story of the grim reality of life without the Harbor:

At the age of 17, Russian orphans are moved out of institutions. Forced to make a way for themselves, most orphans don’t succeed. More orphans and street children exist in Russia today than in the years after World War II.

10,000 “graduates” from the Russian state orphanage system per year. 8,500 of these fall into drug dealing, prostitution, other crime, and homelessness. 500 commit suicide.

Events

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“Our mission is to find the lost and forgotten orphans who are aging out of the Russian state system and who have a desire to succeed.

Having identified them, we work to develop them in such a way that they are anchored in life and launched into a sustainable future.”

from the blog

Aug 31
Final Update on Kursk Trip
Well, I am on my way to St. Pete right now. This is my final Kursk trip update. I slept like a child. The mattress was good and I needed good rest before my 19 hour ride back to St. Pete. I was waiting for Nina to pick me up and take me to the station. She was late, but when I saw Lydia then I knew everything was going to be fine. Nina took me to the station. We came early and had a chance to talk about her husband and Lydia’s as well. It is very interesting that these wonderful and Godly women have husbands who do not believe in God and Nina’s husband is also an alcoholic. It is hard for these women to live with their husbands. Nina accepted the Lord two years ago. Now she is ministering to her husband in the midst of his constant nagging about reading Christian literature, Bible and watching religious programs. Yet, when she prays he never disturbs her and moreover he joins her. Please pray for him. His name is Gennady. Lydia’s husband is Alexei. He is a professor and seriously ill person. Lydia is praying that through his health problems and two serious surgeries that he has gone through it would get his attention, but so far it is not the case. However, he is going to church with Lydia time to time, but it is not sinking in his heart yet. I am pleading for your prayer support for these two men who need God desperately.

The train ride was smooth, but long like the first one. I had a gentleman who snored so loud for 5 hours so I was unable to sleep. By the time I got to St. Pete at 5 a.m. I was dead tired. I came home and fell asleep for two hours. Then I got ready and went to TBN studio. TBN is Trinity Broadcast Network. They have been here in Russia since 1999 and the headquarters for Russia is in St. Pete. They recorded an interview with me about The Harbor, orphans and my life story. Lord willing it will help to spread the word in Russia about our mission. I thank the Lord for this opportunity. As I was leaving the studio Zhanna a lady who interviewed me made a comment, "You had impressed our studio and most of all I thank you for sharing the gospel because half of TBN studio staff are not Christians." Who would have thought that this would be an opportunity to share the gospel at a Christian studio that is has been around for a long time. God is good.

In my quiet times I am studying the book of 1 Samuel. I am stunned by Saul who was a chosen king over Israel. His father Samuel was a faithful servant and a king. His son was supposed to be the same especially because he was a chosen one by God, yet Saul did not meet God’s expectations. Saul was a rebellious person and in 1 Samuel 15:23 says, “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry…” The Lord grieved that he had made Saul a king of Israel. I was moved by this chapter and realized how important it is to be obedient and do as God instructs us especially when we are chosen to do something. When we are rebellious God grieves over us and it is comfort to me because it shows his deep love, care and compassion.

I am going to meet with uncle Misha and aunt Marina. This will be a farewell dinner. Then I have to meet with two other folks. As you can see busy day. I have another meeting tomorrow and a few more people to meet with in addition to packing my stuff and getting ready for rise and shine day on Thursday.

Love & blessings,

Alex