by  Kevin Tyler, GTC Regional Representative for Eurasia

Kevin Tyler

 

The Eurasia region consists of 37 countries stretching from Russia in the north to Sri Lanka in the south is eleven time zones across. This region contains the country with the largest area (Russia) and the country with the second highest population in the world (India).

 

The immensity of the area and population of Eurasia is also reflected in the existence of over 4000 unreached people groups in Eurasia. Many of these people groups live in countries where access to the Gospel is limited. Teen Challenge is opening doors to these restricted areas by meeting the needs of addicted youth.

 

Teen Challenge is currently at work in 16 countries of Eurasia with plans of opening ministries in three more countries in the coming year. The vast geographical and cultural differences of Eurasia call for different approaches. Although the methods vary the purpose remains the same-life transformation. Along with numerous outreaches such as coffeehouses, after-school programs, prevention ministries, rehabilitation centers in Eurasia have a capacity of 1700; however, it's still not enough!

 

In some Central Asian countries, the proportion of the population who inject drugs is estimated to be up to 10 times higher than that in many Western European countries. In Central Asia and Eastern Europe, up to 25 per cent of those who inject drugs are estimated to be less than 20 years of age.

 

One in 10 adult males in Iran is addicted to heroin or opium, and thirty percent of the nation's 1.5 million injection users are HIV positive.

 

According to a UN report, One million heroin addicts are registered in India, and unofficially there are as many as five million. What started off as casual use among a minuscule population of high- income group youth in the metro has permeated to all sections of society. Inhalation of heroin alone has given way to intravenous drug use, that too in combination with other sedatives and painkillers. In addition India has become "ground zero" for contemporary slavery with an estimated 100 million people in India involved in trafficking-related activities.

 

In answer to the need for Teen Challenge in more countries in Eurasia we are (1) mobilizing prayer support, (2) utilizing training programs to identify and equip emerging leaders, and (3) translating evangelism and discipleship curriculum.

  

 

A little over two years ago, Lalu Varghese and his team launched the Teen Challenge Community Transformation Initiative in the Kali Basti (a West Delhi slum community). This slum is notorious for  its violence, extreme poverty and substance abuse. After prayer walking and canvassing the area, they decided their approach would be a community-based model, which would create avenues of opportunity while meeting the pressing needs of the local community. 

 

 

 

Please continue to pray for the Delhi team as they reach the unreached in this volatile, urban context. If you are interested in investing in this initiative please contact Brice Maddock at bgmaddock@gmail.com.

  

Syam grew up in a small village in Nepal. He started using drugs at a young age and  became addicted. His life began to spiral out of control and he lost his way. Through a series of events, Syam was introduced to the Gospel at Teen Challenge . Now, he is a vibrant young man who desires to help other young Nepalese struggling with the same challenges he once faced. Syam recently married a beautiful Nepali girl and together they want to start a Teen Challenge in the city of Kathmandu.

Recently, I had the chance to visit Kathmandu and was deeply concerned as I saw many young people who were in desperate need of change. We have identified an area in Kathmandu where we plan to begin outreach soon. The next step is to secure a safe place where youth and children can come and experience the love and healing they deserve. Together we have an amazing opportunity to help an aspiring young couple's dream come true!

By Shane VanMeter, Eurasia Northwest/Russia area representative    

 

Teen Challenge Belarus (TCB) has ministered to people with life-controlling problems for over ten years.  Under the leadership of national director Michael Balakirev, TCB has grown to four men's centers and one women's center and a recently opened outreach for homeless people in Baranovichi. In addition, they are sharpening their focus on prevention to reach young people before they make poor choices.

 

Michael and three other center directors recently traveled to Kiev, Ukraine, to train leaders from other countries. They are committed to growing and strengthening Teen Challenge ministries, not only in Belarus, but all over Eurasia.

 

 

Staff and students from Teen Challenge Tallahassee, Florida, recently partnered with Teen Challenge in Central Eurasia for an amazing trip to two major cities. Business leaders who are movers and shakers attended our meetings. These leaders are educated and searching for answers and direction. We taught values and principles that can produce very predictable outcomes in their business and community. These values, when properly implemented can change the culture, even to the point of influencing the way the nation thinks and perceives it's future and potential. The training was received with hope and excitement. We were able to provide a simple plan to carry it out and influence the nation for great change.