Our story with East-West began in 1995, when Robert traveled to Russia to shoot some video for the mission. Part of that trip included the first gathering of the field ministry team outside Moscow, where he quickly got to know the East-West family, and began to see it as perhaps the next chapter God was preparing for him. Within months, Robert joined East-West as Director of Communication, and Ann took her first trip to Russia to employ her gifts and training with children, eventually becoming Director of Children’s ministry for the organization.

Ann immediately found herself in her element ministering in Russian orphanages, and before long, Robert and Ann were leading ministry teams to Russia. In 2005, they moved there for the launch of Hope House, part of a post-orphanage ministry to orphanage graduates that includes the “You Are Not Alone Club”, which launched in 2004. These ministries God began in the late 90’s and early 2000’s are still continuing today, but as it should be, under Russian leadership.

And, the story continues, as God continues to use Robert and Ann to open windows of hope, not only in Russia, but in Europe as tens of thousands of refugees escape the horrors of terrorism and war, seeking asylum but finding Jesus. As John Maisel likes to say, “Ninety percent of ministry is just showing up.” That’s 90% of our role anyway, because as we all know, 100% of ministry is really up to Him. He just gives us our bit parts to play, as John also likes to say.