Over the last 7 years I have been popping back and forth to Russia to work with Christian Drug Rehabilitation Centres, sometimes in temperatures of -48 degrees! Partnering with ISAAC & Tearfund, Elim Coventry, where I am pastoring, allow me up to a month each year to further the work in Siberia.

The work in Siberia brings Christian Rehab Centres together from all denominations to a yearly 3 day conference which encourages networking, exchange of experience, teaches them about HIV/AIDS and leadership skills. The leaders have little bible knowledge, are often untrained, recovering addicts themselves, and many have the HIV virus and/or Hep C.

Russia doesn’t really do much at all for addicts, and the government largely ignores the huge problem of HIV that it has throughout the country. In Irkutsk for example, it is estimated that 98% of all drug users are HIV positive – the other 2% haven’t taken the test yet! There is little education and no anti-AIDS medication available. The Russian people therefore know very little about the virus, how it is passed on, how to promote a healthy lifestyle and how to accept and effectively care for those living with HIV, who are coming to Christ through their ministries.

My heart and mission is to find, encourage and equip the Christian church and its centres throughout Siberia.

Helen Smallwood