Christians throughout the former Soviet Union rejoiced together with the collapse of the communist government in 1991. During the following 10 years, evangelical congregations in Russia increased by more than 50 percent.
Yet in the years that followed, poverty, corruption and unemployment plagued the region. The transition from a centrally planned market economy meant the end of the system of guaranteed employment enjoyed throughout Central Asia.
Breakdowns in family structure became the norm as many turned to drugs and alcohol to escape their grim existence.
Christian Aid supports the most effective ministries in the former USSR—many with drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers—that offer hope and healing to those broadsided by life’s hardships.
The work of Father’s House began in 1996, when Roman Korniyko, a young doctor, started working with the homeless children of Kiev. The conditions in which these children lived troubled his heart. Many had made their homes in cellars, sewers and heating pipes throughout the city....