Statement on Russia Airport Bombing

Many of you now know that a suicide bomber killed 35 people and injured hundreds at the Domodedovo airport in Moscow. Thankfully, no Children’s HopeChest staff members or travelers were affected by the attack.

Events such as these always cause us to step back and re-evaluate safety procedures and recommendations. HopeChest will continue with all regularly scheduled ministry trips to Russia in 2011.

It is common for people to ask questions about safety, and many times these come from the family members of those going on a trip instead of the traveler. Each of us have been visiting Russia for over a decade, and there are a few things we want to share with you to pass on to your travelers.

First, this is not the first attack of this kind. Russia has several unstable regions such as Dagestan and Chechnya. Individuals from these areas have attempted terror attacks in the past. Sadly, some were successful. After each attack, Russia’s security procedures become tighter and and their law enforcement more vigilant. We fully expect that Russia will roll-out even tighter airport security guidelines in the coming weeks as a response to this attack.

Second, just as you do in the U.S. tell your group to always stay close together, be aware of their surroundings, and report any suspicious activity or unattended bags to the appropriate security personnel in the airport. Russia, on the whole, is a very safe travel destination, and the country focuses on security almost to a fault.

Third, in the past, we have had groups request to not travel on the Moscow Metro during rush hour or at all. In the past, this has been a target of similar attacks. While this can add to your driving and walking time while in Moscow, it is an appropriate request that HopeChest is glad to honor for your group, should this make you feel safer.

And lastly, we encourage you to quash the spirit of fear that these attacks were designed to create. That kind of fear does not come from God. As followers of Christ, we must recognize that the world is set upon our destruction. Let us not give into fear, but instead embrace the spirit of Christ’s gospel command to preach the good news to the poor and to visit the ends of the earth to make new disciples.

If you have any specific questions, we are here to answer questions, to pray, and to offer our advice and experience.

Sincerely,

Tom Davis, CEO, HopeChest

Dave Wayman, Impact Ministries Pastor, Woodmen Valley Chapel. WVC sponsors the Mstyora Orphanage, Ministry Center, Young Mothers Program, and Independent Living Programs of Vladimir, Russia.

Craig Whittaker, Lead Pastor, Capo Beach Calvary & CHC Board Member. CBC sponsors the Volzhky, Sudai, & Soligalich Orphanages in the Kostroma Region

Craig Wood, Leadership Team Member of Mission 1:27. M127 sponsors the Slobodskoy Orphanage and Ministry Center efforts in the Kirov Region