About
Young Life Russia

About Russia

Russia is the largest country in the world, and the world's ninth most populous nation with 143 million people.

Worldwide, Russia ranks as one of the highest in suicides, alcoholism and abortions. More than 50% of Russian children are born into poverty, with more than 2.5 million homeless children and more than 800,000 orphans. The number of orphanages has increased by more. than 100% in the last decade.

Russia is a leading source of child trafficking for purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation. Recognizing the plight of youth in Russia, Young Life started ministry in Moscow in 1992 and has expanded to include 12 cities and rural areas. They focus on the orphaned and homeless street kids, and the more than 617,000 children of Russia with disabilities.

Now on the brink of a major socio-economic change due to the current political situation, Russian kids more than ever are looking for hope and a sense of stability. Young Life national staff and volunteers give tremendous support to these needy children. In contrast to this backdrop of so much negativity and darkness in these young people's lives, Young Life Russia offers hope and life to adolescents through mentoring, scholarships and ministry.

Clubs

Every week, nearly 1,500 teenagers show up at clubs all over Russia. They play games, participate in hilarious activities, develop friendships, laugh and have so much fun that they can't stop telling all their friends about Young Life.

And they also hear about Jesus, and that's who they need to know now more than ever before. ​

Camps

If you were invited to have the best week of your life, would you turn down the invitation?

This is exactly what kids who come to clubs, get to do during their summer and winter breaks. Camp is where they get to play but are also encouraged to think about their own life, and invited to make the most important decision in their lives: put their trust in Jesus.

It costs less than $100 to send a kid to have the best week of their life. You can do it HERE.​

Campaigners

This special time of learning and reflection takes place after school, where kids who want to learn more about Jesus can gather and study Scripture together.

Usually led by their Young Life leaders, these conversations lead to a deeper understanding of what a life spent with Jesus looks like. It also opens kids up to building stronger relationships with God, with their leaders, and with each other.

Capernaum

In Russia, kids with special needs receive minimal care. With accessibility being a rare find, these children and their parents are usually left to fend for themselves.

Our Capernaum leaders come alongside such families and show parents just how beautiful their children are in the eyes of God.

They assign a volunteer for each child, invite them to club, take them to camp, and provide space for parents to rest and learn about Jesus.

College

Young Life College leaders in Russia build relationships with college students, showing up in their lives daily and offering weekly events, small groups, trips, and service opportunities, ultimately inviting students to take their next steps in following Jesus.

WyldLife

In WyldLife Russia, kids between 10 and 14 years of age get to have a blast, build friendships, and hear about Jesus.

Our Young Life leaders come alongside them during a very challenging time in their lives: when they are experiencing profound emotional and physical changes.

So the leaders meet them where they are and model God's love to them by hearing their stories and honoring their God-given desire for a life of fun, adventure and purpose.