The Adventist community in Volzhsky, Russia has been collaborating with the Fund for Assistance to Disabled Children for many years. On May 12, 2024, the church organized a charity program that was attended by over 30 people, including families with special needs children.

The history of this cooperation began with an unexpected meeting in December 2016. The Adventist community in Volzhsky has been working with the city's public charity organization "Give Good" for eight years. Lyudmila Zaishnikova, a member of the Volzhsky Adventist Church, noticed a Christmas tree in a store with photos of disabled children instead of decorations. Two women were standing next to the tree with a donation box, collecting funds to buy diapers and hygiene products for abandoned newborns.

Zaishnikova met these women, one of whom turned out to be the head of the "Give Good" foundation. Lyudmila shared this story with her community. There was a proposal to organize a Christmas concert, and the foundation representatives were invited to attend. After the concert, we had tea together and had the chance to chat and get to know each other better. This marked the beginning of a friendship that has lasted for eight years, and charity programs have become a cherished tradition in the community.

Up to 10 meetings are held a year—holiday concerts, cooking classes, and children's and family programs. Each event is attended by 15-16 families, for whom the community prepares food gifts, holds health pages, and offers clothes and shoes. The Word of God is heard at all meetings.

On May 12, the community hosted a large concert program called "Our Easter is Christ," which was aimed at families with special needs children and anyone interested in learning more about Christ. The entire holiday was portrayed as "the story of God’s love." The musical numbers took the audience through the days when Jesus Christ lived on earth, revealing the essence of His ministry to people. The climax of the program was His death and resurrection, symbolizing human salvation and victory over sin and death.

Every holiday program for members of the community is an opportunity to bring warmth to families facing difficulties. As one community member put it: "Everything we do is an expression of our love for Christ, which doesn't end with just one day, but gives us the chance to serve our neighbors." In response to this service, the community rejoices in the smiles and words of gratitude from those who have been helped.

The original article was published on the Euro-Asia Division website.