Purpose, Mission & Vision
SOAR exists to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to the people of Russia & Abkhazia by coming alongside of, encouraging, and equipping Russian believers to reach their own people for Christ. SOAR envisions a Christ-like transformation of the Russian people and a vibrant, growing, and maturing Christian church.
Who We Are
SOAR International Ministries (Service & Outreach Alaska to Russia) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Kenai, Alaska and is a Christian mission dedicated to service and outreach to the people of Russia. SOAR seeks opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in partnership with local Russian evangelical churches by providing Christian ministry teams, humanitarian aid, and other projects to advance the Gospel.
SOAR projects include Stuff a Stocking at Christmas, Baskets of Hope at Easter, Discipleship programs, Bible camps for children, English as a Second Language, and other projects assisting the churches in Russia and Abkhazia. These projects focus on orphans, disabled and other needy children.
SOAR’s ministry began in the Chukotka region of the Russian Far East located where the Bering Sea meets the Arctic Ocean across from Nome, Alaska. SOAR continues to support the ongoing ministry of the church there. SOAR’s work has expanded across into western Russia as well as into Abkhazia on the Black Sea.
SOAR strives to be culturally sensitive, seeking to understand the “Russian mind”. Getting the Russian perspective has successfully built relationships, enhanced the accomplishment of basic ministry objectives and furthered the testimony of Jesus Christ. SOAR also seeks to gain the input, support and full cooperation of government officials and church leaders.
With difficulties such as the incredibly harsh climate of the Far East, political uncertainty, and the bureaucracy of working in Russia, it would be easy to become weary in this ministry. But God has given us the promise of Isaiah 40:31: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will SOAR on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
What We Believe
We believe in one true God, existing in a trinity of Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (John 15:26), who are eternal and of equal dignity and power (Matthew 3:16, 17).
We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, verbally inspired and without error as originally written, and that it is the only infallible rule of faith and practice for the Christian (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).
We believe in Jesus Christ, conceived of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20), born of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:35), and who lived among us without sin as perfect man and perfect God. His death on the cross for the redemption of sinners provided a sufficient and complete propitiation for their guilt (Ephesians 1:7). He rose again for our justification (Romans 4:25), ascended into heaven, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for all those who come unto God by Him (Hebrews 7:25). We believe man is saved and justified by grace upon the sole condition of faith in the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8-9).
We wait for the “blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13), and we believe that all things shall finally be subjected to God through Him (I Corinthians 15:25-28). With the expectancy of the imminent return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we believe the Christian should walk in love, holiness and obedience to God’s Word.
We believe that the true church, which is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:23), is formed by the work of the Holy Spirit in all those who trust Christ as their Savior (Ephesians 2:22; I Corinthians 15:25-28).
In view of the Great Commission and recognizing the unbeliever’s lost condition (John 3:18, 36), we believe it is urgent for every Christian to respond to this command of Christ to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19-20).