Praying for Women in Russia and Ukraine
April 2014
Women in Russia and Ukraine have witnessed the devastating effects of poverty and social decline on families. The absence of a relationship with a loving God has left a dark void in their lives. Sadly, domestic violence, divorce, and unemployment have become the norm in many homes, leading people to turn to alcohol and drugs to free themselves from their pain and despair.
Many Russian and Ukrainian women leave their countries to escape abuse and poverty, only to be forced into prostitution. International criminal organizations export young Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Latvian girls and women to Europe, Thailand, the United States, and other countries.
Women in Russia and Ukraine have equal rights with men, yet very often they shoulder all the family financial responsibilities, raising the children, and doing the housework. Most girls receive a high school education, and many attend college. In big cities, they often enjoy their freedom, find a job, receive financial independence, and then begin their families. Many couples do not get married, even when children are involved.
The fear of loneliness causes many Russian women to accept disrespect, infidelity, drunkenness, and abuse by their boyfriends or husbands. Habitual drunkenness among men and women is common. Women in Russia live about 72 years and men only 59 years. As a result, most women spend their later years alone. Russian women fear losing their health, because their families depend on them. They desire medical information about common illnesses, preventive measures, and basic principles for a healthy way of life.
Please join us in praying for Project Women's Health staff in Russia and Ukraine as they passionately desire to help women understand how much they are loved and valued by their Creator.