Russia: 500 for 500
Young Reformers
LWF member church we represent: The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia
Ms Veronika Shutova
Age: 31
My occupation: charitable foundation “Kazhdy” (“Every”)
My name on Facebook: Veronika Shutova
My Instagram handle: nikash1984 and kazhdyonline
Rev Konstantin Subbotin
Age: 29
My occupation: Deacon of Youth Ministry Department, of Ingria Lutheran Church in Russia
My name on Facebook: Konstantin Subbotin
Our motivation
Which Bible verse motivates you in your work and vocation as a young reformer?
"When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." (Mark 10:14)
What are the main values of the project?
The project 500for500 is Lutheran and charitable, founded on the Word of God in Lutheran theology. The main values are:
*Faith and its manifestation in deeds through care for the sick.
*The dignity of life, given by God, through access to a high quality of life for youth who are wheelchair-bound.
*The dignity of the individual person and of the Christian through social, gender and other equality in life and service.
What is an example of ongoing reformation in your local context?
Currently, help has been given to 47 children, which is a big result for us and a practical reflection of the importance of the website. But of course, this is not enough in order to achieve our goal of helping 500 children by the anniversary of the Reformation. We are considering how to improve our idea, and we will be glad to hear ideas.
Living Reformation project
500for500 was conceived and founded during the time of the anniversary of the Reformation and is one of the main projects of the charitable foundation “Kazhdy” (“Every”). The project has, as its mission, the aim of helping 500 seriously ill children for the year of the anniversary of the Reformation. With this goal, and with the support of the Lutheran World Federation, the website www.500for500.ru was created. It includes histories of children in need of support. Through practically helping others, the project witnesses about Christ, Lutheranism and the worldwide celebration of the anniversary of the Reformation.
The project was intended to be socially significant, at the time of this celebration of the anniversary of the reformation. We will post stories of the children, who are seriously ill or suffer difficult life situations. We call everyone to whom the idea of the Reformation is close, to join our project. We set ourselves the goal of changing the lives of 500 children by 2017, the year of the celebration of the Reformation. We believe that only by joining our efforts we will manage to reach this goal.
The charitable foundation “Kazhdy,” of which 500for500 is a part, has the official support of the Finnish Missionary Society (an agreement on collaboration), as well as the two Russian churches, Federation of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Russia and Other States, and The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia. The project and foundation are open to cooperation with official churches and missions, for whom our ideas are closely compatible.
You can find more information about our project on the Summer Camp, the 500for500 Website and on Facebook.