Engage Russia Special Report-Moscow Metro Bombings from Marc Ira Hooks on Vimeo.

The three out of every four Russians who struggle with alcohol or drug addiction — or have a family member who does — need hope. Some are finding it in Jesus Christ.

Russian Baptists have opened 80 rehabilitation centers over the past 10 years to help addicts. The home- or apartment-based centers typically house eight to 10 people. They receive practical help and encouragement along with the hope of new life in Christ.

About half of the recent church growth in one part of Siberia “has come from people in recovery or related to recovery,” reports IMB missionary Andy Leininger. “We are seeing God at work in some powerful ways and want to reach the millions in Russia that are slaves to addiction.”

Darville, a Georgia native, served a two-year Journeyman term with the IMB. Before joining the Engage Russia team, she spent the majority of her term in a city north of Moscow in Russia’s “Golden Ring.” After moving to Moscow, Darville served as the researcher for Engage Russia and not only helped develop research on the many people groups and cities spotlighted by Engage Russia, but assisted in the development and maintenance of the Engage Russia website. Darville plans to move to the Houston, Texas area and work in education.

Wicker, a 10-year IMB veteran, spent the past five years helping to develop the Volunteer Strategy Coordinator program and has served as the director for that initiative. The Engage Russia emphasis is an extension of the VSC program which partners Stateside churches with Russian believers. Wicker was instrumental in the 2007 International Day of Prayer for the Udmurt people of Russia – a worldwide IMB event. Since that time, two couples have recently surrendered to a call to missions and will begin serving among the Udmurt this summer. The Wicker family also served as church planters in the far east of Russia in Vladivostok.