Paul Klimenko, Missionary, Kurgan Rehabilitation Center
Drugs and alcohol can destroy lives without mercy. The problem of drug abuse is of vital concern for Russia – where cheap, abundant Afghan heroin has helped fuel a surge in addiction rates. In addition, injected drug use has been a key factor in the spread of the virus that causes AIDS. There are about 2 million opium and heroin addicts in Russia and another 3 million people who use other drugs. Authorities state that about 30,000 die each year of drug overdoses.
Thank you for your prayers. We ask that you continue to pray for us that we may not be weakened by thoughts or urges from our previous addicted lives. -Paul Klimenko.
In conjunction with the Department of Youth Affairs and Drug Control, Russian Missions team participated in two educational seminars that were held at the Polytechnic College with over 300 students in attendance. The event, designed to encourage and strengthen Christian young people in their faith, drew both unbelievers and Christians. Speakers challenge attendees to accept the truth of the gospel, stay away from drugs, incorporate faith into their lives, defend their faith, and share it with others.
My rehab staff gave their testimonies and shared the treasures they had found in Jesus, the happiness and peace of mind, knowing that their sins were forgiven. One former client, now attending Bible school, performed rap songs. I’m unsure if you know that Rap music is emerging as an increasing influential voice in Russia. I believe your Rap music is more about girls and guns; ours is more focused on social conscience. Many music artists tackle drug addiction which was also the focus of my friend’s performances at the college.
For a 17-year-old youth, the decision to fight back came during our recent visit to his college. After the event, he talked to our team about his family situation and his father’s use of drugs. He told the team that he knew where his father kept the drugs and that, sometimes, he took them as well. Although he realized taking drugs was not good for him, it was only after he listened to our presentation that he truly understood…we are so important to God even though we are not perfect. The young man understood that Jesus loves him and that he could communicate with Him through prayer. This young man said, I consider that we all change with the help of God. He also requested prayer for his father who is still taking drugs. Our team left the teen the promise of help for him and his dad, as well as spiritual attention from one of our Russian Missions pastors.
Two current construction projects: Rehabilitation Center, Kurgan, and the House of Prayer, Red Cornfield. The Center’s heating has been installed and our plans and efforts turn to interior layout. There will be a kitchen area and a separate dining room. We propose to make one room as a library setting. The center currently houses 16 clients. We do not miss any opportunity to reach out to our community; every Saturday our staff can be seen competing with local youth in a never-ending soccer tournament.
The House of Prayer construction is a bit more problematical. Outwardly, everything is built. But, it is not heated nor the interior designed. Lord willing, our projected opening dates will be Nov. 5 thru 10.
You see, God truly is a God of miracles
Psalms 18:16-17 – He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.
There are life choices and the consequences that occur because of those choices. Smart choices are not necessarily the easy or fast ones. If you feel you are beyond the point of salvation, I want to tell you that God never gave up on me! He certainly will never give up on you. No matter how far down you are in life, God is willing to meet you there and bring you out.