wfn.org | Russian Methodists assist during crisis

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Nov. 23, 1998 Contact: Linda Bloom·(212) 870-3803·New York     {684}

By United Methodist News Service

United Methodist church members in Russia, though small in numbers,  are
doing what they can to help each other during that country's economic
crisis, according to the bishop there.

And they also are assisting others, Bishop Rudiger Minor of Moscow
reported to United Methodist News Service in a Nov. 21 e-mail message.

In the Russian Far East, for example, a small church in Khabarovsk puts
out two baskets each Sunday.  

"One has a label,  'For our church,' the other one,  'For bread,'" Minor
said. "With the money from the special offering, the church buys bread
and distributes it in a neighboring village. There, almost everybody has
been without work already for a long time."

A free-falling ruble and the worst harvest in 45 years prompted the
Russian government to appeal for help in October from the European
Union, the United States and Canada.

The bishop reported that although shops have food again, prices have
skyrocketed while salaries and pensions remain low. "We get reports that
children in orphanages turn to stealing to get at least something to
eat," he said.
Russian Methodists assist during crisis
To alleviate the suffering, the Russia United Methodist Church has
initiated a congregational program, "Winter 1998." The program will
allow churches to assist its most needy members. "Most churches buy
groceries and distribute them, others help with medicines and vitamins,"
Minor added. "People know better locally what the real need is and how
aid can be most efficient."
The churches also will receive matching amounts of money to assist
nonmembers in their community. "God's love is not confined to the
institutional church," the bishop said. "Christians care for their
neighbors."

But the help of Christian friends in the West is needed to make the
program a success, according to Minor. Some donations already have come
from churches and individuals in Germany and the United States.
 
Contributions should be made payable to the General Board of Global
Ministries, earmarked for Advance No. 011510-RA, Russia Emergency Aid.
Checks can be dropped in church collection plates or mailed to the Board
of Global Ministries, Advance GCFA, P.O. Box 9068, GPO, New York, NY
10087-9068.

United Methodists also can assist their Russian counterparts through the
Supportive Congregations program of the board's Russia Initiative. Those
funds provide salary and program funds for Russian pastors and churches.
For more information, contact the Rev. Bruce Weaver at (214) 826-3797.

United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
Releases and photos also available at
http://www.umc.org/umns/