Rainbow of Hope 

We catch up with Michelle Taylor to hear how people are bringing hope to Russian orphans...

Rainbow of Hope (ROH) began in 2004 and exists to show love, compassion, and mercy to orphans. This is done through practical hands-on ministry -- visiting orphanages regularly and building relationships with the children.  Most children in Russian orphanages are released at 16 years of age (a new law passed in 2010 may well see them released at the age of 14).

The statistics are grim once these children are released.

80% of girls go into prostitution or trafficking, 85% boys are involved in crime, narcotics and eventually jail, and 30% of orphans released across Russia commit suicide. 

We are losing a generation of children through neglect.

The Blagovest Church in Rybinsk, Russia, has a great desire to reach their community for Christ, to make a difference one life at a time, to make Him known throughout the city, and to touch orphans' lives in a profound and effective way.  A group of very faithful workers from the Blagovest Church journey regularly to the Orphanage and because of their love, commitment, and consistency they have the privilege of coming alongside these children and building strong, deep relationships with them. They conduct craft classes and life-skill classes to help prepare these children for their release and life into society. The children are also learning about a Heavenly Father who will never leave nor forsake them.

As the relationship grows between the Orphanages and the Blagovest Church, more opportunities are becoming available to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ.  A post-orphanage programme has been put into place and we are seeing our first orphan graduates being released, and we are following up with them once they are back in society.

For any cross-cultural worker it is a great joy to see a ministry begun, transitioned to Russian leadership and continuing to flourish under the Nationals leading.  Due to health and visa issues, I cannot live in Russia long-term at this time but live between Australia and Russia.

My heart's desire is to see orphans come to Christ...

My heart's desire is to see orphans come to Christ and for them to know they have a Heavenly Father who loves and adores them. I long to return to Russia long-term, but for a season of time God has me here in Australia travelling around and sharing about the plight of orphans. I journey to Russia as often as I can, medical clearances permitting. I leave for Russia on 5 November to launch Rainbow of Hope into three new countries - Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Ukraine. I will be taking two of my ROH ladies from Russia with me as we present this ministry to our local churches in these countries.  

Obedience is saying to God: Whatever, Where ever, Whenever and However. 

There is nothing special about me.  I just said 'yes' when God called me to another land.  My heart still beats and aches for Russia but I also realise that God can use me where I am at, when I yield my life and plans to Him.

Every one of us has the responsibility of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, of being His hands and feet in a suffering world, and showing love, compassion and mercy. These children need hope. They need love and care. Rainbow of Hope is an OMS ministry bringing His hope, His love, His compassion and His promises to these precious children.