When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, its shaky orphan-care system also fell. Alcohol consumption increased to 10 times the U.S. level. The instances of divorce also climbed, along with the HIV-infection rate, which is now one of the highest in the world. And, according to a 2007 UNICEF report, the annual number of children without parental care in Russia “has more than doubled over the last 10 years, despite falling birth rates.” Currently, there are over 750,000 children in the orphanage system and hundreds of thousands more living in the streets. The goal of Orphan Outreach in Russia is to involve and empower local churches to do the work of orphan care. The ministry focus is on orphan graduates-those orphans who are leaving the orphanage system. Without essential living skills, education, or employment possibilities, many of these young people resort to addictions, prostitution, or suicide. To help prevent such outcomes, Orphan Outreach has begun to support local orphanages and ministries to bridge a child’s transition from orphan-care to independent living.

This Mission Backpack ministry team will distribute backpacks and school supplies to orphanages in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. The team will work together to present a bible story, craft, and time of fun for the children. The ministry team will be led by Orphan Outreach US and Russian staff. The team will have the opportunity to worship and serve with members of local Russian churches.

This trip also includes:
• Visits to several orphanages and a baby home
• Sightseeing in St. Petersburg including St. Isaac's Cathedral, The Hermitage, Katherine's Palace and a Russian folk performance
• Expert English-speaking Christian translators