A Litany of Hope for Russia

The following responsive reading may be used in a variety of worship settings.  

Leader: For there is hope for a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its shoots will not cease (Job 14: 7).

People: Is there hope for Russia, the largest country in the world, with one-eighth of the earth’s land mass, spanning eleven time zones? Is there hope for a country whose workers make less than $50 per month?

Leader:  “There will be a future,” the Scriptures tell us, “and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 24: 14).

People: Who will take the initiative to bring hope to Russia? Is not the task too large? Where would one begin?

Leader: The Russia Initiative of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries is making a difference through the establishment of orphanages, feeding programs, facilities for persons with disabilities, and ministries to and with senior adults.

People: But what about the establishment of faith? Where is the hope of Christ?

Leader: The United Methodist Church in Russia numbers nearly 100 congregations, and Virginia United Methodists are helping to build permanent church facilities for congregations in Stavropol and Pyatigorsk of southern Russia.

People: Then we, too, can participate in the offering of hope to the people of Russia. Leader: There will be a future; your hope will not be cut off.

All: O God, you loved the world enough to give your life for us. Help us to follow your example. As we reach out to the people of Russia transform our Initiative of Hope into a life-changing avenue for the offering of your grace. In the name of Christ, the source of our hope, we pray. Amen.