Mission to Magadan - June 2009 Update

Ever since I 1st heard about the Archdiocese of Anchorage sponsored Mission to Magadan on Fr. Groeschell's show on Eternal Word Television Network I have been promoting it as an excellent way to spread the Gospel as well as a prime example of the fact that Pro-life is much more than merely stopping abortion.

I got my May/June newsletter a few days ago. In it was a letter from someone who has been helped by the Mission at Nativity Catholic Church. I think it perfectly says everything I have been trying to say over the past couple of years.

My name is Olga Nikalaevna Lektagigina. I came to Magadan to study at the university but never finished. Now I live with my Mama in a family dormitory. We don't plan on returning to our native village, as there is no electricity, plumbing or utilities there. There is not even a grocery store. People live on only fish and bread. here in Magadan, Mama found work.

I became pregnant and the father rejected us and returned to his country. He will not help us. My Mama helps as much as she can. I tried to find work, but no one would hire me and I receive no government aid. I tried to get help for rent and electricity.

I was in a very bad position when I found out about the Catholic Church. I came and they talked with me, promised help and support. I was in the final months of my pregnancy and began to receive groceries, including all neccesary food and dairy products. They also helped with the medicine, birthing supplies, and newborn formula, They gave me baby clothes, too.

After I gave birth, they provided diapers for newborns, and a mattress for my baby bed. Every month we meet at church, at which they give us a nice lunch, distribute clothes, and we share advice and suggestions for our common problems of raising children.

I am very thankful for the church and all the generous people there who have helped me so much and given me so much support.

Olga Nikalaevna Lektagigina

I think that about says it all. But it isn't all. Another article talks about how the Mission helped a young mother named Natasha. She has a daughter, Katia, who has epilepsy. the city of Magadan had promised to pay for a ticket so they could go to Moscow where there is a special clinic that could treat Katia. But the city recanted their promise. Nativity parish took up a collection & raised over $800 to send them to Moscow & pay for the expenses while there.

Remember, the people at Magadan are not rich. As the article points out the grandmas there get a monthly pension of 3000 rubles ($80) & are willing to give 500 rubles to help someone in need. This is on an income where they struggle to pay for heat electricity & food. As I read this I was reminded of the story of the Widow's Mite in the Gospels.

They do it because they are inspired by the generosity of the donors to the mission. "Praise be Jesus Christ for His Mercy lasts forever!!"

Donations should be sent to:

Mission to Magadan
225 Cordova Street
Anchorage AK 99501-2409

Make out the check to Mission to Magadan.

There is more information on their donation page about how to contact them at the mission as well as a link to the Anchorage website with more about ways to donate. Please note the restrictions bout shipping packages. & any checks MUST be sent to the above address in Anchorage as they cannot cash the checks in Russia.

There is also a group in St. Louis MO, Friends of Nativity Inn that you can contact via their website. They have a link that allows you to donate via credit card or PayPal.