In Russia today, life is challenging. There is the war in Ukraine, a struggling economy, and people are searching for peace. They long for something real, something beyond the daily grind. They’re searching, and in their search, many are finding a hunger for God.
We’ve been sharing the Gospel on the streets for a while now. It’s not always easy. Sometimes we’re met with suspicion, sometimes outright hostility, especially from some in the Orthodox Church. There’s tension, for sure. But we also see moments of real openness, a willingness to listen, a flicker of hope in people’s eyes. They see the chaos around them, and they yearn for something more.
We’ve found that showing God’s love through action speaks volumes. Our young people have been amazing. They’re full of fresh ideas, not afraid to step outside the traditional ways of doing things. They’re painting beautiful Bible scenes on small wooden boards and setting them up in parks. It’s a simple act, but it draws people in, sparks conversations, opens hearts.
Music drifts through the air, drawing people closer. A simple act of kindness, a helping hand, a shared meal – these things break down barriers and create connections. We’ve been organizing park clean-ups, handing out food to those in need. It’s amazing to see the ripple effect of these small acts of service. People see God’s love in action, and it changes them.
Of course, we face obstacles—bureaucracy, misunderstandings, and sometimes even outright opposition. But God is faithful. God is working in Russia, even in the midst of difficulty. We see it in the faces of the people we meet, in the quiet conversations, in the seeds of faith being planted.
We believe God’s hope can bloom even in the hardest times. We’ll keep sharing God’s love and hope, one conversation, one act of kindness, one painted board at a time, because everyone deserves to know they are loved by God.
God Bless you,
Alexei Polyakov, Kurgan, Russia