I am not an economist. But from what we are seeing and from what we are reading a crisis is upon us. Russia was affected lightly from the global crisis of 2008. This time things appear to be a truly homebrewed stew of economic hardships. The value of the ruble has sunk down around 50% against the dollar. Just this week we read the news of a local GM plant that is closing its doors and laying off 1,000 people. Prices have begun to dramatically increase for the regular Russian for even the very basic goods and foodstuffs. The central bank has increased interest rates quite dramatically in order to incentivize Russians to hold on to their Rubles. The ultimate fear, which does not seem likely right now, would be hyperinflation and complete currency collapse. Some are predicting the economy to shrink by 5% in 2015.
CHOICES
These are gloomy realities that affect the whole of the Russian population. We are all faced with intense and sharp choices in the face of crisis. Americans have faced their own economic downturn and can certainly relate. The most obvious choice that folks have to make when prices rise and salaries shrink are simple budgeting choices. While these choices seem simple, we should all use these choice-moments as a chance to take a deeper look. The way that we budget is a great way to measure those things that we count most dear and what truly matters to us. When times are tough, what expenses are cut first? Do we drop our giving to charity and to church right away? I know that I am guilty on this point. I think that I have often times allowed worry and fear to keep me from being a generous person. I doubt too often the truism that "only an open hand is ready to receive." Christ commands us to stop our worries, but I am often plagued and burdened by doubt.
From a macro-perspective, we can see that an economic crisis challenges the myth that we are somehow "in control". Many a Russian will continue to work just as hard as before only to find that their salaries are shrinking in significance as a result of systems and powers beyond their control. We are ALL dependent and interdependent on the choices of others and on the generosity of others.
So, perhaps the most interesting choice we face in the midst of hard times is not only, "Will I continue to give?", but, will my giving come from a place of pride or from a humble realization that we can only give because we have been blessed by others. When I give, I am not really giving away my resources, but I am following Christ's commands using the resources that he himself has given me. His gifts, being given for his work through his most precious of gifts, faith. What is my role in the midst of this process? It is quite simply, to be thankful.
Let us all pray that even in the midst of a crisis, the Russian populace will continue to support the growing world of non-profits and charities in the post-Soviet world. Pray that the changing economic situation would be seen as an opportunity for societal change and reform. Pray that the curse of an orphan crisis would be erased from the Russian Federation forever. Pray that God's will would be done here.
CHOICES
These are gloomy realities that affect the whole of the Russian population. We are all faced with intense and sharp choices in the face of crisis. Americans have faced their own economic downturn and can certainly relate. The most obvious choice that folks have to make when prices rise and salaries shrink are simple budgeting choices. While these choices seem simple, we should all use these choice-moments as a chance to take a deeper look. The way that we budget is a great way to measure those things that we count most dear and what truly matters to us. When times are tough, what expenses are cut first? Do we drop our giving to charity and to church right away? I know that I am guilty on this point. I think that I have often times allowed worry and fear to keep me from being a generous person. I doubt too often the truism that "only an open hand is ready to receive." Christ commands us to stop our worries, but I am often plagued and burdened by doubt.
From a macro-perspective, we can see that an economic crisis challenges the myth that we are somehow "in control". Many a Russian will continue to work just as hard as before only to find that their salaries are shrinking in significance as a result of systems and powers beyond their control. We are ALL dependent and interdependent on the choices of others and on the generosity of others.
So, perhaps the most interesting choice we face in the midst of hard times is not only, "Will I continue to give?", but, will my giving come from a place of pride or from a humble realization that we can only give because we have been blessed by others. When I give, I am not really giving away my resources, but I am following Christ's commands using the resources that he himself has given me. His gifts, being given for his work through his most precious of gifts, faith. What is my role in the midst of this process? It is quite simply, to be thankful.
Let us all pray that even in the midst of a crisis, the Russian populace will continue to support the growing world of non-profits and charities in the post-Soviet world. Pray that the changing economic situation would be seen as an opportunity for societal change and reform. Pray that the curse of an orphan crisis would be erased from the Russian Federation forever. Pray that God's will would be done here.
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