The Vanishing Russians

Sitting in a cafe that offers free WiFi in downtown Novosibirsk, I fought hard to hold back the tears while reading the following articles by Kim Murphy of the Los Angeles Times in her excellent series, The Vanishing Russians.

A Dying Population

For the Sick, No Place to Turn

(Unfortunately, these articles are no longer freely available on the Los Angeles Times server.)

I am reminded of the words of Jesus, speaking from the top of a mountain to his followers:

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

How desperately Russia needs the salt and light (i.e. good works) of the people of God at this time, and most importantly, the eternal hope that is found in a living relationship with Jesus. Only with this steadfast hope can the human spirit endure such difficult and changing times.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

What a day that will be!

(P.S. This site is still primarily a Photo Blog but I couldn't help but plug these L.A. Times articles as they are so powerful. The photographs that accompany the articles are also excellent and can be found here.)