On June 13, 2009 Russian National Overseer Vladimir Shestopalov and his family were traveling in the Moscow region when they were hit head-on by a SUV, causing their van to slide into a ditch and roll over several times. In the van with Bishop Shestopalov were his wife, Afrodita, and his three oldest children.
Unfortunately, the Shestopalov’s third daughter Sabrina died of her injuries shortly after the accident. The other two daughters in the vehicle were seriously injured and were medivaced to a hospital in Moscow. The oldest, Christine, is in critical condition with severe damage to her head. Another daughter, Diana, has broken both of her legs below the knees but is otherwise stable.
Bishop Shestopalov and his wife remain hospitalized near the accident site with numerous cuts, bruises, and internal injuries. They will be released to attend Sabrina’s funeral but still require further medical treatment.
Call for Immediate Assistance
This horrible tragedy affects the entire Church of God family in Russia and throughout the field of Eurasia.
Prayer: Please pray for the Shestopalov family. They need much love, comfort, and emotional/spiritual support in this time of loss. There will certainly be many painful and unanswered questions to arise in the weeks and months ahead.
Giving: The Russian medical system promises free health care for only the most basic of needs, but patients must pay for effective medicines and operations. Many Russian churches responded with offerings within 24 hours of the news, but we anticipate the family’s medical expenses to be well beyond these available means.
Since medical treatment in Russia is largely dependent upon the ability to pay in advance, the Shestopalovs will require immediate assistance for their hospital expenses.
Please help us respond to this critical need today by sending donations to:
Shestopalov/Medical Needs
Project Number 1324002
© 2009 Church of God World Missions