2012 Ufa Russia Trip

Friends,

I have been presented with an incredible opportunity to help others.  I am excited to be apart of this initiative.  

First of all, my wife and I have always had a passion for teaching and helping children.  This is a calling we both have felt.  Over the years we have been placed in situations that have positioned us to not only work with children, but also children with special needs.  During this time Bob Hartman International Ministries (BHIM) has also begun focusing some of their ministry opportunities in the area of special needs.  

BHIM is developing an initiative among churches in America known as MasterHope. This four-year initiative was launched in Nashville, TN in October 2011, when 21 national church leaders from the former Soviet Union gathered to discuss the development of special needs ministries in their countries. These 21 leaders, a few who have their own children with special needs, are committed to not only developing special needs ministries in their own churches but to also helping other churches do the same.

In 2012, the emphasis of MasterHope is on helping churches in Belarus, Moldova, Ufa, Russia and other key places develop special needs ministries. Many key events are taking place in these strategic locations. One of these events is occurring in Ufa, Russia.  A church in Ufa is asking for help in developing a special needs ministry including holding their first summer special needs camp.

The mentality about special needs in the Eastern European countries and former Soviet Union is one of "hide em or abandon em".  Many of these families face the choice of either having to abandon their children or live in seclusion from society. Many of the life altering special needs in Russia would not even be considered special needs in America do to the advancement of medication and corrective surgery here in the US. 

The Ufa, Russia summer camps is where we will have the opportunity to make a big difference.  We will be working with 2 local women, who have been working with an International Mission Board missionary to develop an outreach to the street kids of Ufa (primarily ages 10-19).  To say these children have a hard life would be an understatement.  Many of these children have varying special needs primarily Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. We will be helping to coordinate a VBS style bible study for these children and providing for them a safe and loving environment where they will be able to hear of how God loves them and cares for their needs.  Some of these children may bring family members with them. These children and their family, many who are atheist, would never be receptive to hearing this message of Gods love outside of this camp environment.  This message of love can provide hope to these children and their families who have never known hope before. This could lay the foundation for tremendous changes in these children's lives and the mentality towards special needs in these regions.  

In addition to solidifying our team, we have a need of “Stateside” volunteers.  Your prayer support and financial support can be a tremendous blessing.  If you would like to assist with prayer or financial support please send me an email atMichael.foster.1@gmail.com.   I will let you know how you can become a financial and/or prayer partner.  Please feel free to repost, email or in any way spread this message to anyone that you think would be interested.