A
REVIEW OF 2006
RUSSIAN
SOCIAL
Our ’06 objectives were seven
in number; five were accomplished, one partially, and one missed.
Of the five, 1) we have been able to solidify the financial needs of the
homes, 2) a parenting seminar was held for all the parents in both the foster
homes as well as the homes for the young mothers, 3) relationships continue to
improve with those responsible for the welfare of children in Syktyvkar, 4)Bible
studies continue with a new class being added during the year due to the
increased number of young women and their children, and 5) a fair schedule was
kept for the Newsletters and financial reports.
The one I list as partially
done was the raising of funds for another apartment.
A good portion was accomplished but prices have escalated from $45K in
June to $80K now. We will have to
wait for a while longer before committing to such prices.
The one objective we missed was the video of the Homes to be submitted to
a Board of Review in
The total number of homes
remains at 13 with 9 of those being foster homes and 4 homes for the ladies.
Some adjustments are made from time to time to accommodate personalities
and needs but so far, space seems to be working out about right.
We added five new foster children to families that already were involved
and that brings the total to 50 now living in the foster homes.
(16 adults plus 34 children)
The
homes for the ladies houses 18; four mothers with 6 children plus eight young
women. In addition to the current
residents, another 22 women and children have lived with us but for various
reasons have moved on to other situations. That
leaves 72 current residents in all the homes.
As
you can see, the numbers continue to increase each year.
You have been involved in the lives of 94 individuals thus far; an
increase of 13 for this year. Twenty
have become Christians (2 this year).
Numbers
are not always indicative of the growth we have experienced.
I find it impossible to list the many wonderful things you have helped
accomplish in their lives. They are
warm and fed. They live among
Christian friends. They are gaining
some stability in their lives both physically and more importantly, spiritually.
The children are safe and cared for by parents and care-takers who love
them. In direct contrast, they could
be in orphanages and/or living on the streets. How
can that difference be measured?