Eight years ago, NACFA Board member Phillip Wurster and his wife adopted their son, Peter, from the Arkhangelsk region of Russia. They soon realized that they had been given a tremendous gift by God and the Russian people and decided they wanted to somehow express their gratitude. So, they decided to try to help some of the hundreds of thousands of children who remain orphans in Russia. The mission was defined as "demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ through practical assistance and friendship programs." They began work at the same orphanage where their son had lived by providing basic material needs, such as kitchen equipment, appliances, medical equipment, room repairs, a new van and constructing a gymnasium.

Since that early work in 2002, "Friends of Russian Orphans" (FORO) began to expand to different orphanages and began to develop new and different programs. FORO now works at over 15 different orphanages in several different regions of Russia. It continues to provide material aid and support where that is a priority, but its work has evolved in other directions as well including the following:

1. "Arms of Hope". Science has demonstrated that children who are deprived of early human interaction are at risk for significant mental and emotional deficiencies. Infants in orphanages are particularly at risk because they do not have the consistent or frequent interaction of a mother. This program involves special training of orphanage caregivers on these issues, and recruitment of a team of trained volunteers to go into the orphanages to provide one-on-one stimulation and contact with infants. This program is one of the first of its kinds in Russia.

2. Vocational Training. Children who leave the orphanage system face huge challenges. In addition to the stigma attached to being an orphan in Russia, there are various societal pressures that these young people face. The future is grim. Statistics are that 50% will fall into a destructive life category of drugs, alcohol, prostitution or crime. 10% will commit suicide. One way to combat this risk is through a meaningful life skill or trade. FORO works with the orphanages to provide vocational training assistance through providing equipment, tools, and instructions in various trade areas that are useful. For example, at one location we provided training and equipment for a shoe and leather repair workshop. At another we provided woodworking shops and training.

3. Scholarships. A small group of orphans are able to go to some form of higher education. FORO provides a small monetary stipend to certain students as they pursue additional education after they leave the orphanage.

4. "Dima Fund". We have provided various kinds of medical support to specific children. While orphans are entitled to free medical care, the Russian bureaucracy creates numerous problems. For example, if one child requires substantial medication, these needs may consume the entire medical budget for the orphanage leaving them without basic medical essentials like cough syrup, aspirin etc.  FORO has filled this gap. We also have provided special medical equipment and funded the travel expenses for caregivers to travel with children to larger cities for surgeries.

5. "Roman Project". The best hope for these children is to embrace a life of faith. Through this program, we have provided Christian education materials and presentations to the children.



6. "What's Cooking". Orphans are often at a loss when they leave the orphanage because they don't understand the basics of family life and lack life management skills such as cooking. This is because regimented orphanage life does not prepare the children for independent living.

This program involves a cooking competition where the children are required to plan, budget purchase, prepare and clean up a meal. The team that wins is also then treated to a meal in a restaurant-another part of life that they are not exposed to in an orphanage. Last fall, Russian officials offered FORO the opportunity to conduct a summer visit program. Despite the huge investment in time and financial resources from FORO, the organization decided to proceed knowing the program could be life altering experience for the children who participate. FORO structured the program around a specific "Host Community". The community that we selected was McCord Road Christian Church in Sylvania, Ohio. From the host community, FORO sought not only hosts for the children and their chaperones, but also volunteers to help with translation, hospitality, transportation, photography and so forth. Ten families stepped forward to host thirteen orphans. The vision for the program was that the "host family" would provide friendship, care, activities and love during their stay. The children participated in Vacation Bible School and became part of our congregation during their stay. Importantly, when they agreed to participate, the "host family" made a commitment to continue to pray for, communicate with, and be concerned about the welfare of their guest child after the program ends. The goals of the program were to allow orphan children to experience family life, understand that someone cares for them individually, and realize that they are special and beloved children of God. FORO also wanted to create opportunities for families and others to meet adoption-ready children and thus create the potential for the life-changing gift of adoption and
a family. The program exceeded FORO's expectations. The children had a wonderful time, experiencing fun activities such as swimming, bowling, baseball games, picnics and the zoo. They also learned about God at Vacation Bible School and were able to interact with new American friends. Importantly, they learned what life in a functional family is like. But, just as significant is the fact that the lives of the host families were impacted in a dramatic way. And as a direct result, nine of the thirteen children are now being adopted by their host families! These adoptions are in the early process and we would greatly appreciate your prayers that the adoption process goes smoothly so that nine children can be united with the new families in the Toledo area in the next few months.