Mission Statement
SOAR exists to fulfill the great commission of Jesus Christ to the unreached people of the Russian Far East and throughout Russia and to strengthen, encourage, and equip those believers to carry out the work of the Lord.
Overview of Ministry Activity
STUFF A STOCKING PROJECT
The Stuff A Stocking Project is the result of more than two years of prayer and research into ways of overcoming the increasing expense and overwhelming red tape involved in shipping and especially importing gifts and other aid into Russia. Now, this exciting project not only thrills Russian believers, but also receives the praise of many Russian government officials.
SOAR\'s 2007 Stuff a Stocking project once again provided stockings full of gifts and Bibles to needy children in Russia during the Russian Christmas season. Our distribtuion teams of SOAR staff, American and Russian volunteers, along with local pastors, churches and other partners, delivered over 2400 of these stockings. They traveled by bus and train (and even by snow machine in eastern Russia!) to more than 25 different sites in central, northwest and eastern Russian. For the complete report on this year’s Stuff a Stocking trip, go to www.soarinternational.org.
The bright fabric stockings used in the project are made in Russia and all the contents are purchased there. As a result, many problems incurred when dealing with the Humanitarian Committee and Russian Customs are eliminated and there are no reports to file for the distributions. Another major benefit is seeing the Russian church take ownership since they view it as a truly Russian project and not humanitarian aid from another country.
Each stocking is stuffed with a hat, mittens, or socks; hygiene items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wash cloth, & shampoo; school supplies such as pencils, a pen, a writing tablet, etc.; fun gifts like games & toys; and hard candy and chocolate. On the front of each stocking is a clear pocket where a personalized gospel message is inserted. A letter from the sponsor of the stocking is included, as well as the sponsor\'s address and a photograph, if possible.
The stockings are stuffed and distributed during December, January, and February. Individuals and churches are invited to partcipate by sponsoring stockings or joining the US distribution team each January. Organizations are invited to find out more about this model of ministry and, as the project grows, there is a possibility even more organizations in Russia may participate in the distribution. For more information, you can contact SOAR in Kenai, Alaska.
MORE ABOUT SOAR
SOAR began in 1998 and is directed by Richard Page who has been ministering in Russia since 1991. This ministry has included flying teams into Russia to minister through Vacation Bible Schools, camp programs, Gospel clowning, evangelistic meetings, outreach to widows, orphans, and youth as well as through construction and repair projects (churches, children’s hospitals, and orphanages). SOAR has flown doctors, dentists and other medical professionals who minister to children and adults in remote areas who have desperate medical needs. SOAR has also coordinated the collecting, shipping, and distributing of thousands of pounds of food items, school supplies, medical supplies and equipment.
Origionally the primary focus of SOAR was the Chukotka region of the Russian Far East located where the Bering Sea meets the Arctic Ocean across from Nome, Alaska. During trips to build relationships with government officials in Moscow, God has also opened ministry opportunities with orphans and street children in other parts of Russia including Moscow, Tula, and Penza, as well as into Dagestan.
SOAR has formed a partnership with in-country organizations such as the Moscow-based Russian ministry, Russia Inland, to open up and expand ministry to children at risk all over Russia. Needs generated by these growing ministries include: children’s Bibles, warm clothing and boots, sleeping bags, Bible camp materials, school supplies, dental supplies and portable dental equipment, medical supplies, portable ultrasound equipment, computers and trade school equipment. We are currently looking to God for the provision of a DeHaviland Twin Otter aircraft to expand our outreach into the more inaccessible areas of Russia.
Plans and Goals
Plans are progressing to establish permanent ministry centers in Moscow and Chukotka. We are also developing Bible camps at several locations and we are organizing ministry teams to target specific orphanages and establish long-term relationships with them. Above all else we desire to bring the hope of the Gospel and the love of Christ to children in Russia as God opens the doors and leads the way.
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will "SOAR" on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
