Russia Report #3.

I do love to help the Russian people. Since I started traveling to Russia in 1991 as an active counselor and counselor trainer I have seen the people grow in grace, economic security, openness to others and healthy interpersonal relationships. The church leaders are stronger and the local expression of Christian charity is growing---slowly, but surely. However, the works of mercy and charity are facing two major challenges:

1. The ability to actually help widows, orphans and needy people is still largely dependent upon people from other countries.

A. During the Communist Era 80% of the GNP was spent upon military and space development. This left very little for schools, health care, mental health, family life, etc. Secondly, the Socialists were and are callous toward the poor, downtrodden, sick and needy.

B. The economic infrastructure was not developed along efficient and effective lines and this left Russia without a viable source of income. The Socialists refused to build factories, stores or other places that operated on supply and demand principles. Now that they are competing with the rest of the world the old unwieldy system is woefully ineffective and most of them have closed down completely leaving the common people in abject poverty similar to that which we in the USA experienced during the Great Depression.

2. The needs are overwhelmingly large and intractable. Alcoholism, smoking, extremely poor diets and ruinous risk lead to many early deaths. The Communists did not allow their schools to train therapists or doctors that actually counseled people. This left the people with a national death wish and a nationalized but horrible health care.

There is also a strong resistance by the government to any charitable works. The officials demand bribes, high taxes and tough rules that kill or severely hinder the church and charitable groups from doing good works.

Pray for God to change that mind set.