Story - Healing from the Horrors of War

The North Caucasus region does not hit our headlines very often. It is a volatile area with a smattering of al-Qaeda sympathisers, and on-going tensions between its mainly Muslim ethnic groups and 'Motherland' Russia. The most infamous of infractions being Russian's two devastating wars with Chechen rebel forces. The BBC website describes it as: 'Home to dozens of nationalitites and languages, many of which have troubled relationships with their neighbours or with central governments in Moscow or Tbilisi.'

It is certainly not the easiest place in the world to live, especially for a generation of children who have grown up with the trauma of war affecting every aspect of their lives.

How do we as Christians respond and bring the love of Christ to these people through our words and actions?

One of our workers felt prompted by God to providea refuge for some of the children in this region most directly affected by war. In a war where up to a hundred thousand people were killed and hundreds of thousands lost their homes and livelihoods, Chechen children have perhaps suffered the most - traumatised by what they've seen, often losing their fathers and brothers and other significant family members, many present serious physical and psychological problems as a direct result of war.

The refuge comes in the form of camps held in beautiful countryside in Southern Russia, and run through the summer months. The aim is to immerse the children in a safe environment and give them the opportunity to receive specialised counselling from fully trained multicultural staffworkers, while being occupied in drawing, craft, music and sport, as well as Bible Stories, prayer and worship.

This year 61 children attended, almost all of them for the first time. The leader of the project writes: 'Our team has personally witnessed many children transformed before our very eyes when we were able to show them the love they need. Many kids reported healings and that they just felt so much better than when they came. Many made decisions to put their trust is Isa (Jesus) and to follow Him and His ways. We believe that these children are the hope for the future of their people.'

There are many testimonies of these same children taking their new Bibles back to their families and villages and continuing in the faith by sharing Bible stories and praying with relatives and friends. The opportunities for seeds of the Kingdom to be planted in Chechen Muslims' lives are being multiplied. Let's pray that these small seeds will grow and many will come to faith in this largely forgotten region of the world!

Click here to contact us if you'd like to be involved in this project!