Russia
The sun will come up tomorrow.
MAY 2005 | MAY 2006 | MAY 2008
BESLAN
There is no town on earth that has captured us like Beslan, Russia. One cannot imagine the senselessness of the attack, the brutality of the siege or the anguish of their loss. We honor those who endured and we breathe thanks for those who survived, never to be the same again. As Beslan has its own place in our hearts, so we honor Beslan with its own section on our website. We ask that you join us is remembering those who have survived.
"The only thing I can promise you is that the sun will come up tomorrow. So get up, figure out how to live that day and then try to find a way to sleep that night. And when you get up the next day, the sun will come up. Live that day, and then try to find a way to sleep that night. The only thing I know to tell you is that every single day from now until I see you again - is there will never be a day that the sun does not come up. If you find this to be true, then you can find hope. The sun will come up tomorrow."
Judy Fox - Words to students and teachers at Beslan School #3 in May 2005
"The only thing I can promise you is that the sun will come up tomorrow. So get up, figure out how to live that day and then try to find a way to sleep that night. And when you get up the next day, the sun will come up. Live that day, and then try to find a way to sleep that night. The only thing I know to tell you is that every single day from now until I see you again - is there will never be a day that the sun does not come up. If you find this to be true, then you can find hope. The sun will come up tomorrow."
Judy Fox - Words to students and teachers at Beslan School #3 in May 2005
September 1-3, 2004
Beslan, Russia
Beslan, Russia
To learn about the Beslan Tragedy, click here.
Warning: graphic scenes.
Warning: graphic scenes.
Beslan School #1
September 1-3, 2004 brought tragedy to this quiet little town in the Caucus region of Southern Russia. An attack of unparalleled proportions.
""Healer" by Hillsong Worship
We do not own or claim rights to this song.
We do not own or claim rights to this song.
May 2005 | May 2005 | May 2008
MOSCOW | ST. PETERSBURG | SOCHI
What an incredible experience to stand in Red Square, tour the Kremlin and see the remaining structures that represent the overwhelming power and domination of the former Soviet empire. The opulence of the buildings constructed by its past leaders is quite a contrast relative to the economic strain that much of the rest of the country lived under. Ignite International traveled to Russia in 2005, 2006 and 2008 and has used sport to touch lives in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladikavkaz and Sochi.
MOSCOW
Through games such as basketball and a very weak attempt by our group at soccer, we were able to easily connect with the kids at two orphanages in Moscow. In doing so, we encouraged them to find hope in our "head coach" through His son. Incidentally, at one of the orphanages, for disabled (labeled as "invalids"), our team was the first adults to ever visit those boys and play with them – they are teenagers!! Our hope is that the seeds that Ignite planted will serve as a reminder that Someone cares.
ST. PETERSBURG
In 2006, we met a group of approximately 20 "street kids" in St. Petersburg – teenagers who, as the name suggests, live on the streets and have no home. Sniffing glue for the high and stealing food for survival are a normal part of the everyday experience for them. Our partner organization reaches out to these teens on a regular basis, and it was a privilege to spend a few hours with them. In the time we had, we built a rapport through competition which, in turn, opened the door to share a message of Hope. A 16-year old young man named Sergei received Salvation. His unique story has been shared with most Ignite teams since that day! At least one soul will be in Heaven because of Dodgeball.
Our team also spoke at seminars in St. Petersburg and Sochi to help train young adult leaders within a local congregation to utilize the universal language of sport as a tool for outreach. Many Russian Believers ascribe to the premise that it is wrong to combine sports and religious conversation. Yet global statistics reflect that more than 90% of people in the total world population participate in some kind of sport at some level. To connect with people at such a relevant place is critical in reaching the next generation.
SOCHI
Many of the families from Beslan escape to Sochi in the summer for rest and refreshment. Our mission was to equip the leaders who would work with the kids from the city devastated by the terrorist attack eight months prior. For two days, Ignite leaders taught the value of sport and provided tools to use sports in outreach, how to put together a program, how to effectively use games to open the door for sharing principles. At the conclusion, our class implemented what they had learned in a program at a local park. We were thrilled to see them apply the seminar material successfully. As a result, they were able to begin great relationships with about 30 kids at the park, and they made plans to return for more the following week. Mission accomplished.
MOSCOW
Through games such as basketball and a very weak attempt by our group at soccer, we were able to easily connect with the kids at two orphanages in Moscow. In doing so, we encouraged them to find hope in our "head coach" through His son. Incidentally, at one of the orphanages, for disabled (labeled as "invalids"), our team was the first adults to ever visit those boys and play with them – they are teenagers!! Our hope is that the seeds that Ignite planted will serve as a reminder that Someone cares.
ST. PETERSBURG
In 2006, we met a group of approximately 20 "street kids" in St. Petersburg – teenagers who, as the name suggests, live on the streets and have no home. Sniffing glue for the high and stealing food for survival are a normal part of the everyday experience for them. Our partner organization reaches out to these teens on a regular basis, and it was a privilege to spend a few hours with them. In the time we had, we built a rapport through competition which, in turn, opened the door to share a message of Hope. A 16-year old young man named Sergei received Salvation. His unique story has been shared with most Ignite teams since that day! At least one soul will be in Heaven because of Dodgeball.
Our team also spoke at seminars in St. Petersburg and Sochi to help train young adult leaders within a local congregation to utilize the universal language of sport as a tool for outreach. Many Russian Believers ascribe to the premise that it is wrong to combine sports and religious conversation. Yet global statistics reflect that more than 90% of people in the total world population participate in some kind of sport at some level. To connect with people at such a relevant place is critical in reaching the next generation.
SOCHI
Many of the families from Beslan escape to Sochi in the summer for rest and refreshment. Our mission was to equip the leaders who would work with the kids from the city devastated by the terrorist attack eight months prior. For two days, Ignite leaders taught the value of sport and provided tools to use sports in outreach, how to put together a program, how to effectively use games to open the door for sharing principles. At the conclusion, our class implemented what they had learned in a program at a local park. We were thrilled to see them apply the seminar material successfully. As a result, they were able to begin great relationships with about 30 kids at the park, and they made plans to return for more the following week. Mission accomplished.
Moscow, Russia
The eternal flame at Lenin's grave sits in plain view as Red Square boasts a palpable power, a magnificent presence felt by all who visit.