Leonid* was stacked against the odds. With an alcoholic mom and imprisoned dad, he was sent to a Russian orphanage at five years old—a common story among Russian children.
Over the next several years, East-West mission teams visited his orphanage with gifts of candy, clothes, school supplies, and two very special gifts—a Children’s Bible and the loving and forgiving message of Jesus Christ.
But, like many youth, Leonid heard the message and skimmed through his Bible, yet did not want to follow Jesus Christ. There were too many other fun enticements from the boys at the orphanage that led him to a growing list of bad decisions.
“I was tired of doing bad things, but I was on a bad wave with the wrong friends.”
At his lowest point, Leonid found himself addicted to drugs and alcohol. Then a friend told him about the rehabilitation center operated by a local church. Leonid didn’t need a second invitation. He needed help and immediately moved into the center.
Leonid was there for a year and, during that time, the childhood message about Jesus Christ was presented to him again. This time he didn’t reject the gospel … instead he trusted in Jesus as his Lord and Savior!
Leonid eventually became a counselor and Bible Study leader at the center, and God continues to direct his life. Today he is enrolled in the Missionary Training School at the church and wants to plant churches while continuing to help orphans and addicts find healing and hope in Jesus Christ.
*Name changed for security reasons.