260 million people worldwide speak Russian as their native language – not only in Russia. Many ethnic groups value their national languages, but Russian is the language of their hearts. It's a superhighway for the Gospel to be understood throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

In Russia and other countries, many peoples and ethnic groups speak Russian. Therefore, Bible stories in Russian are an important tool for bringing God's Word to families.

What an opportunity to reach these peoples with God’s Word!

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Here's an incredible testimony from one of our partners in Azerbaijan:

With a team from the small community in Mardakan, Azerbaijan, we traveled to families in desperate need of help. Ruslan's family is among the poorest in the Muslim town. It seemed almost unreal that someone lives in the dilapidated house we saw. Neglected children came running toward us, Ruslan's younger siblings. They're all left to their own devices. Their mother and her partner are rarely home. They say they work and barely get paid for it, and I wondered how this family even survives.

Ruslan is burdened with more responsibility than he can bear at 15. As the older brother, he cares for his siblings. He wants to protect them, as the family is plagued not only by poverty but also violence. He once tried to protect his mother when her boyfriend was beating her. He was punished with beatings for this. Bleeding, he ran to the church and told the believers about his family and his life. They cared for him, prayed with him, and for the first time, Ruslan turned to God in prayer.

Only then could the anger and hatred within him be calmed, and he returned home, where his brothers and little sister needed him. Since then, the Christians have been visiting Ruslan's family regularly, bringing help and, above all, something Ruslan and his siblings have never experienced: love and care. Fellowship with the Christians helps the boy persevere despite poverty and violence. That's why Ruslan was already waiting for us that day, and he was sohappy that we've brought him God's Word: the "Bible Stories for Children and Families."

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I was amazed at how excited a 15-year-old teenager was about this book! He was immediately engrossed in one of the stories, his siblings crowd around him because they trust their big brother. And something else amazed me. Although Ruslan lives in Azerbaijan, Russian is the language he grew up with, the one he understands better. It's the language of his heart

A sister from the Mardakan community, who had cared for Ruslan and his family from the beginning, is a Russian teacher in the village. "Many Azerbaijani parents turn to me because they want their children to learn Russian."

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The Bible stories are a true gift from God for me! They help me bring His Word to every family – in Azerbaijani and Russian."

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The Bible Stories for Children and Families book needs printing, and we need your help! Please pray with us and consider partnering with us to share the stories of God's work to families in Russian.

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