Joy’s vision is to provide a future and a hope for the underprivileged people of Russia.
Homeless girl
For over 18 years her heart has been for the marginalised, the poor, the orphan, street kids, the addicted and the homeless. Working with a team of Russian Christians, Joy ‘s ministry involves three humanitarian projects – A Children’s Centre, Training Workshop and Rehabilitation Centre.
The Children’s Centre provides after school activities, school assistance and a meal. For orphans and children from deprived families these activities are life saving; teaching them how to manage money, relate normally to adults, manage conflict situations and simply develop Christian moral principles of behavior and work ethic. Many receive clothing assistance especially during winter when temperatures can go down to -35ºC. In the summer as many as possible are enabled to attend a summer camp where they are taken care of in a nurturing Christian atmosphere instead of spending 3 months on the streets getting into trouble.
Workers spend much time dealing with issues of substance and alcohol abuse, encouraging kids to make better choices for their future lives and helping those who are already addicted to break these habit patterns and learn suitable alternative activities such as sport and useful hobbies. Many work in the garden in summer to grow food for the centre learning useful skills.
Love Is All We Need!
Russian boys
For many children without parents or with broken and abusive families, Joy’s workers provide a loving alternative where some trust can be restored in a happy and secure environment. Dramatic changes take place in many lives as they learn to trust and find that they have worthwhile skills they can develop. Several of the children have even gone on to tertiary education and are developing future careers that will enable them to live normal lives contributing to their society and eventually leading to good marriages and stable families for their own children.
The Workshop provides training and work experience for older children. These children are trained in woodwork, sewing and in the future metalwork. With these skills they will be able to earn a living.
The Rehabilitation Centre for men provides a home for up to 15 men who are recovering alcoholics, drug addicts or ex prisoners. Through workplace training and counselling, the men are able to return to useful and productive lives.
Bringing Christ’s love to the marginalised and with it, a hope and a future, is what this ministry is all about – a life-changing ministry worth supporting!
Robert & Gillian