What Does This Mean?

June 18, 2020

Spiritually Orphaned

Most of us recognize that an orphan is someone without a father or a mother and without the connection of an extended family. Orphans often suffer from feelings of anxiety, isolation, and hopelessness. 

Central and East European countries endured more than 70 years of imposed scientific atheism under Soviet communist rule. In the wake of the fall communism multiple generations – hundreds of millions of souls – have been left as Spiritual Orphans. 

For most, there is no older generation of believers — no grandmas and grandpas, no fathers or mothers — to lead, teach, and guide younger generations along the path of faith. The concepts of knowing a Father in heaven who loves you, belonging to the extended family of brothers and sisters in Christ, extending forgiveness to others, and having the sure and certain hope of life in Jesus Christ have been lost. 

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:18, ESV

Spiritual Orphans also describes believers who are separated from other believers, due to extenuating circumstances. 

You and I have certainly had some experience with that in the last few months, with our COVID isolation. Now imagine that being the the case for over three generations – 74-years – of imposed scientific atheism, under Soviet communist rule. Without the advent of technology. No video feeds or social media. Complete isolation. Worshiping in secret in your own home. This still continues today – believers feeling isolated from the rest of the Body of Christ. 

As a result, we partner with other believers, throughout former communist nations, in order to lift them up and come alongside them to help build their ministries. You can be a part of this, too! 

Almost 3 decades after the fall of the Soviet Union, there is still only a small remnant of believers who are desperately trying to fan the embers of faith in a society that still functions largely in the long shadow of its atheistic communist past. 

What this means is, there is no older generation to come alongside the Spiritual Orphans in former communist nations. YOU are that Generation of Believers that can share your faith! 

We are a relational ministry that engages people in the Gospel through our long-term cooperation with indigenous ministries and church leaders. Together, we serve in a part of the world that already provides for basic human needs and infrastructure. What is lacking is a connection to God. YOU can be that connection!

“…but you have received the Spirit of adoption, as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!'”

Romans 8:15, ESV