Wondering aloud about our trip to Russia

Well, I received an email the other day from a teammate that she is about $700 below where she'd like to be on trip funding. That now makes our deficit about $7,000 for 14 people with only a week and a half left to raise support.

We continue to trust God that the money will come. We believe in this ministry to Russian orphans and we also are amazed that three years in a row that we have 14 trip participants. This isn't easy for a church of about 300 people.

So, while we are encouraged to keep finding people with a real heart for orphans, it is sad that the economy has hit people hard. Among my own traditional support partners, some have chosen to no longer support short term missions, some have businesses that are struggling, and some have lost jobs. For me, this means about $1,500 will come out of my pocket.

It means for other trip members, that they'll pay between $700 and $2,000 for the pleasure of working with kids who no one else wants. That's commitment. That's honorable.

Why is it that its so hard to raise money to work with Russian orphans? Because Children's HopeChest also works in Africa, I know how easy it is for many who travel to Africa to raise money. Is it the memories of the cold war? Is it some current fears about Russia?

These kids are precious. I'm so encouraged that I'm still connected with six of the kids who have left the orphanage. Three of the six are in the university. I'm so proud of them, fighting against the odds.

There are times that I wonder if I'm just stupid to pay so much money out of pocket and take the time away from my family to go visit kids who aren't wanted by their own families. But, when I see kids succeeding who may have ended up dead or on the streets. When I receive their email. When I feel the need to learn their language. I know that this is all worth it.

As I've said before, if you are reading this, you probably have some interest in the issue of Russia and its orphan population. If so, please consider a financial gift to support us. So many on our team are giving so much. Won't you help, if you can?

You may contact me at dheringcma@msn.com or send a donation to:

Covenant Presbyterian Church
c/o Russia Ministry
2845 Parliament Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80920

So, I sit wondering who will read this, and who will care. I don't know, perhaps I'm deceiving myself, but if I am, then, on behalf of the kids we visit, I'm glad I'm deceived.