Russia
Since 1999, Epworth’s Mission Outreach has extended into Russia. Acting with the Russian Initiative (a group of many United Methodist churches in the United States), the West Ohio Conference and on its own, Epworth has tirelessly supported the growth and development of the Samara United Methodist Church. Monetary contributions have provided salary support, building materials for a newly remodeled church building, musical instruments and other worship service essentials. The 2005 work team got to see first hand the growth of Methodism in Russia (only possible since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991) when they celebrated two worship services with the dynamic Pastor Olga Ganina at the beautiful and vibrant Samara church. Pastor Olga has made several trips to Epworth (most recently in 2006) and is well known to many in the Epworth family.
Epworth also supports Samara Orphanage #1. Russia has an estimated one million children growing up in orphanages. Most have living parents who are unable to care for their children because of economic strife or alcoholism. Epworth has traveled three times with the West Ohio Conference to build playgrounds, renovate living quarters, and provide other support for the 100-plus children of orphanage #1. Most recently Epworth’s 2005 work team taught a five day lab school at the orphanage for its staff and other guests from the Samara church and larger Volga district. Because of Epworth’s generous mission donations, the team was able to leave an entire suitcase of teaching materials for each group represented at the lab school.
Epworth’s most exciting new development in Russia is its one-on-one partnership with the budding United Methodist Church in Zhigulyovsk – a city seven hours from Samara within the Volga District. Pastor Dmitri Belinsky who visited Epworth in 2006 shared his vision for this church and offered thanks for Epworth’s recent support of his salary. His wife, Alla, was able to visit in July 2007 as a part of the third annual Russian Youth Initiative sponsored by the West Ohio Conference and Epworth. Missions hopes to send a team to Zhigulyovsk next summer to evaluate their needs with church development and social outreach – (Zhigulyovsk is home to yet another under-serviced orphanage).
