13 Field Focus – Opening Closed Doors and hearts in Siberia

By Rob Coburn | Fri, October 21 2011

media:

Our Guest: Katrina Yoder – Missionary to Orphans in Chita Siberia in Russia; with Reflections of Hope out of Dalton, OH.

Quote to Ponder –

“God had shifted my direction. But actually he brought me back…back to the same place I couldn’t get into.” – Katrina Yoder

Summary:

How far would you go to share the love of Christ? Siberia is a forgotten mission field and its orphans are the forgotten of Siberia. Only the providence of God can explain how a young social worker from Ohio has found her place among the generations of orphans in need of a heavenly father in the little known city of Chita. Katrina will be returning for her 3rd year with greater clarity and vision. Join us as we hear what God is doing in a land best known for its exile and labor camps that housed so many Christians during the reign of persecution in the former USSR.

Focus Notes:

The forgotten of the forgotten – the orphans of Siberia
A transition home for girls aging out of the orphanage
A bleak outlook for orphans entering adulthood
Doors at the government ran dormitory, initially closed
A new direction – visiting the orphanages – emotional hunger
The multi generational impact – Orphans become mothers trying to keep their children
The ill-favored boys – high alcoholism rate, low expectations
The Russian churches impact on addition – effective rehab centers bring wholeness
Connecting families in need to the local church
A circle of hope – Rehabilitation, church family, stable homes, spared children, no orphans

Prayer Requests and needs:

Russian mothers will be able to provide for their children.
Empowerment opportunities for women, micro loans, skills training, entrepreneurship
The love of Christ to bind up wounds and heal the broken hearts of the orphans young and old
Bus Fare ($1.50) to go to church with the children