Spanning eleven time zones, The Russian Federation is located east of Europe, and is bordered by two oceans and 14 European and Asian nations. Russia is home to the world’s largest forest reserves, Europe’s tallest peak (Mount El’brus) and Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest and highest capacity freshwater lake.

The capital, Moscow, is Europe’s most populous city and the world’s most expensive. Russia has large numbers of non-practicing believers and non-believers, the legacy of decades of Soviet rule. One source estimates less than 2% of Russians attend church weekly. Russian is the official language.

 

 

Children of Promise officially opened in December 2007 with applications from 10 children. These children, like their country, are caught between the Cold War and the struggle of the emerging democratic society.  The Children of Promise program in Russia is called Nadezhdah Detyam, which means "Hope for the Children".

Compared to other developing countries, the monthly household incomes of $100—$800 appear to be healthy. However, the cost of living mirrors the United States. Many families struggle to keep food on the table, gas in the car, and a job to support themselves. 

Many fathers have abandoned their families. Women are routinely turned away from jobs because employers fear their children will need them at home. Mutli-generations live together in apartments with no running water, and the heat is controlled by the government. 

Many illnesses plague the children: problems involving heart, respiratory, eye sight, and others. Malnutrition (dystrophy) is a constant problem. If not for Children of Promise, these children would not receive the medical care they need.

The Church of God was established in 1994 with four congregations. Chelyabinsk is the base of operations for Olga Kiseleva, Children of Promise Director, in Russia.