Pray for Sergey in Russia

Sergey Skameikin, 17, graduated from Nikolsky orphanage last summer and has the same dreams many children have - to go to college, graduate, and obtain a good job.

Please commit to praying for Sergey, for the Lord to provide an education and a job that allows him to succeed as an adult without the obstacles and temptations that keep many orphan graduates from surviving on their own.

Many children in Russia are forced to leave the orphanages at age 16 with little or no formal schooling, limited life skills, and no one to turn to for assistance. Within the first year of leaving the orphanage, over 50% are involved in prostitution or crime, another 30% are addicted to drugs or alcohol, and another 10% commit suicide.

Orphan Outreach began its Orphan Graduate program in January 2009 with two orphanages and has hired a social worker who helps graduates learn how to live independently and transition out of the orphanage. Our goal is to hire more Christian social workers and get the local church involved in supporting these children to become successful, hopeful, and faith-filled individuals who can become productive members of society and support their own families. We hope to establish a model program that can be reproduced throughout Russia.

Please be praying for these orphan graduates as they face many challenges; pray that their trust would be in the Lord.