 Since 2003, Russian Prison Ministries together with the Association of Evangelical Churches in Russia has organized The Angel Tree, a compassionate project in various prisons in Russia.
Church representatives visit prisoners in a number of locations throughout Russia, and subsequently visit their children. The children receive a greeting from their parent and a Christmas present. In addition to a toy for the child, IBT’s beautiful Children’s Bible is part of the gift package. In this way many of the children have opportunity to read the Bible for the very first time in their lives.
Vera, a young Mother who is serving time in prison, writes: “I received information about this project and have questions. I find myself a long way from my son and from my home, therefore I have not seen him for three years. We talk on the telephone and write to each other. My son is seven years old and lives with his Grandmother. If you would visit my son I would be very glad! He would then receive tangible evidence that I have not forgotten him and know that I think about him. It is one thing to talk on the telephone and another to receive a gift. He will be very happy and I will feel satisfied. Thank you very much!”
Many Mothers have turned their lives around due to this Christmas endeavor. They have understood that their future depends upon what they do themselves. Often their child is their last remaining ecnouragement as they think about their future hoping to live a normal life. If a woman in prison knows that her child waits for her when she is released, she is not likely to go back to her criminal life style.
Now it is time to again print the Children’s Bibles. This year we need 11,000 copies. This the number of children who will receive Christmas presents through the Angel Tree in 2009.
The estimated cost for one copy of the book is $6.15. This includes shipping, storage and distribution. Your help is needed for us to accomplish this project. Please consider encouraging a needy family with a generous gift to the Russian Angel Tree project.
Your gift of $60.00 will bring the Word of God to 10 children and their families.
Click here for information on how to donate. |