An Ecumenical Ministry in the Parish of St Patrick's Catholic Church In San Diego USA

米国サンディエゴの聖パトリックカトリック教会教区におけるエキュメニカル宣教

Monday, August 6, 2012

Pastorgraphs: “A Pastor’s Dream for Every Child”

E-Vangel Newsletter
August 6, 2012

Pastorgraphs: “A Pastor’s Dream for Every Child”

Pastor Elena Sokolova serves God in Khabarovsk, (Far East) Russia. We have been supporting her unique “street orphan ministry” since 2009.

Pastor Elena rounds up children who would otherwise live on the streets, including the beautiful girl with a megawatt smile in the photo. Some have parents, but due to alcoholism, drugs, and despair, many children must fend for themselves. They are easy prey for gangs, drugs, and sexual slavery. That is, until Pastor Elena intervenes with food, clothing, a warm place to stay, and most importantly, the only genuine love many of them have ever experienced.

She recently wrote: “Our dream is that every child who ever comes to our Church receives Jesus Christ in their heart and can feel happy and secure.

Children coming to the apartment for children’s ministry can have rest and warmth in winter, can draw pictures, watch cartoons and movies, read the Bible, learn about God's love, do homework, play table games and have a hot meal. We can see the children grow spiritually and mentally. Although it is not simple process.”

Inflation is taking a terrible toll in Far East Russia. Pastor Elena wrote, “The rate of exchange during the time of my living in Khabarovsk (since 2004) changed from 24 to 32 rubles.” She said a loaf of bread when she arrived cost 9 rubles; now it costs 24 rubles! Rent for the apartment which serves as their sanctuary and shelter increased 20% last month. The cost of living in Khabarovsk is greater than in Moscow.

“We try to spend money very carefully,” she added. “To feed children well and economically three times a week requires $250 every month.”

She buys the children boots and heavy coats for the harsh Siberian winters.

Christ Church continues to receive a Communion Offering for this ministry, and we wire at least $1,000 per quarter to Svetlaya Methodist Church for this cause. In addition, one of our generous supporters sends $1,500 per quarter to the Board of Global Ministries for Pastor Elena’s salary and benefits.

“Our task is not to allow our children to perish; and bring the peace, joy and love of God.”

Pastor Elena closed by saying, “Every Sunday service we pray for your church and for every person who supports our ministry. We ask God to heal those who have health problems. We pray that your church will be blessed greatly and your family’s needs be met.

May God always richly bless you and your ministry. 
     
With much love, church "Svetlaya" and pastor Elena Sokolova”

If you would like to help Pastor Elena in the amazing work she does, your generous donations will be most appreciated. 100% of donations made through Christ Ministry Center go to this ministry.

Bless you, one and all, Brother Bill

From the Quote Garden
“Sometime in your life, hope that you might see one starved man, the look on his face when the bread finally arrives. Hope that you might have baked it or bought or even kneaded it yourself. For that look on his face, for your meeting his eyes across a piece of bread, you might be willing to lose a lot, or suffer a lot, or die a little, even.”
~ Daniel Berrigan

Christ United Methodist Ministry Center
“Christ in the Heart of San Diego”
3295 Meade Avenue - San Diego, CA 92116 - (619) 284-9205

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