Frequently Asked Questions
How many Russian orphans are there?
The statistics according to the Russian Ministry of Education are as follows: Number of Orphans: 1998: 620,000, 1999: 636,900, 2000: 700,000. Number of Orphanages: 1992: 577, 2000: 1273. Origins of Orphans: 30-40% from alcoholic families. After leaving the orphanages (which occurs at age 16 or 17), 50% fall into a high-risk category *40% become drug users *40% commit crimes *10% commit suicide. Only 4% are admitted to universities.
It is true that there are various organizations who have a mission of helping russian orphans. However, on a practical level, we understand that the needs facing Russian orphans and their caregivers are very large. No single organization can hope to meet them all. We know we can't help all the orphans who need help in Russia, but we can help some. We can't build relationships with all the orphanages, but we can with some. FORO’s work is being conducted in a way and location where we beleive God has called us to serve.
Would our time and resources be better utilized by assisting established organizations and/or urging those organizations to assist the orphanages in the Arkhangelsk region? Doesn't FORO compete for dollars with these organizations?
In one sense, it is true that FORO’s work is similar to that which is undertaken by other organizations. We will be happy if FORO's effort causes anyone to support any organization aimed at assisting children and spreading the Gospel. This is an exercise in faith. We believe that God has called this organization to perform, and we trust that the funding will come and will not be at the expense of the other wonderful work being performed by others. Individuals count. That's what we believe as Christians, and that's what we believe as Americans. It is precisely because individuals count that we think that a smaler, focused organization like FORO is worthy of support. Who can place a value on that? Just as God calls us to build an individual relationship with Him, we believe our responsibility is to try to meet the need we have seen on an individual basis, to be faithful to this call, and to begin to build those relationships in this area. And,the reciprocal value of this approach to the people in the U.S. giving the assistance should not be ignored, either. When the focus is on building relationships, the benefits flow two ways.
Why are there so many Russian orphans?
From our observation the Russian people have a great love for children. However, the years of repression and past and present economic distress have taken their toll. Generations were taught that God is a myth. The moral compass that comes with a belief in God is, for many people, non-existent. As in our own country, alcoholism, drug abuse, crime, youth pregnancy and abortion are extensive. Unlike our country, however, Russia does not have a well developed foster care system, and the practice of releasing children to the state is a common practice. In many cases, children are released to the state by parents who believe their children will receive better care and opportunities than if they remain with their birth parents. Many of the children in the Russian orphanage system are not eligible for adoption because the parental rights of the birth parents are still in place.
What do you say when Russian people ask, "why are you doing this"?
We tell people in Russia that many American families in general and several on our FORO Board in particular we were given an incredible gift by the Russian people when they allowed children to be adopted. It is out of gratitude that we want to be able to help those children who are not likely to be adopted and to establish friendships with those people who are committed to those children on a daily basis.
What are the evangelistic goals of FORO?
We are committed to bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to those children and caregivers touched by FORO’s work. We believe that the best way to demonstrate that Christ loves each of us in a personal way is to love our neighbor, whether they live around the corner or around the world. We believe that it is important to demonstrate to our Russian friends that as Christians we are committed to service and friendship. The best way to demonstrate that faith is meaningful is to serve others. Only once we demonstrate tht our love and concern for the children is sincere and genuine, and that our help has not strings attached, will our gospel message be received. "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..." (James 1:27 NIV)