News & Stories

By Bob Merrill, field director for The Alliance in Russia

Water levels reached more than 15 feet high when flash floods ripped through parts of southern Russia in the early hours of July 7.

In the flood-ravaged city of Krymsk, Alliance partners Pastor Alexander Saharov and his wife, Tanya, have been a light in the storm’s aftermath. During the early hours of that fateful summer morning, they spent several hours on the phone, checking on the well-being of their parishioners, family, and friends.

Holding the Line

One elderly couple that the Saharovs counseled was certain they would die. Pastor Alexander stayed on the line, praying with the couple and encouraging them with Scripture.

When Tanya called out to the Lord, claiming His promise that He never forsakes His children, she was immediately impressed with an idea. She told the two to place a table in the highest room in their home and stand on it. With heads touching the ceiling, the couple stood on a table for more than four hours as the water level rose to their chins (and no higher) before receding.

Words and Deeds

Several thousand people are believed to have died and more than 7,000 houses destroyed in the floods. Pastor Alexander is deeply grateful that no one in his flock perished; he and his parishioners are just as determined to be a light in the aftermath of the crisis.

With the support of CAMA (Compassion and Mercy Associates, the relief and development arm of The Alliance) and the Evangelical Christian Mission Union—the primary Alliance church partner in Russia—Pastor Alexander and his church have organized relief and recovery efforts.

As a result of believers ministering the good news in word and deed, more than 150 flood survivors have found new life in Christ.