Russian Ministries appreciated the School Without Walls students who were involved with Project Hope: The Great Gift Exchange this year, working with their local churches to bring the good news of Jesus’ birth to hurting children and families this Christmas.

We thank God that over 30,000 Christmas presents and children’s Bibles were given away this Christmas through Project Hope: The Great Gift Exchange.

To the Least of These
As soon as Svetlana* entered the house, she knew she wouldn’t hear joyful laughter or see a sparkling Christmas tree. Instead, on the sofa, a mother huddled under dirty rags in a drunken stupor. The elderly grandmother wasn’t in better shape either.

The only child home at the time was ten-year-old Tamara, who immediately hid behind her bedroom curtain when she saw Svetlana.

Svetlana and Tamara

Svetlana followed her into the room, where Tamara busied herself with her meager possessions, and then hung a few homemade ornaments on a small Christmas tree.

“Tamara, here is a Christmas present for you.” Svetlana held out one of the Project Hope presents that Russian believers had carefully and prayerfully filled and wrapped.

“But I have everything I need,” replied Tamara, without looking at Svetlana.
This compassionate young Christian leader was dumbfounded. All she saw was a cold wood stove, wet firewood and dirty pots.

Svetlana and the other Next Generation Christians with her did leave behind the Christmas presents as well as dry firewood, warm blankets, clothes and food, and as Svetlana left, she prayed, “Lord, only with You is it possible to have everything! Your light shines in darkness. Pour out your light on this house, in these hearts, so that they can understand that there is nothing more important than knowing Jesus, who gives us everything!”

*not her real name