Pensions, Retirement and Old Age

Luther balalaika ensemble raises $4,250 for Moscow soup kitchen ministry

Date 4/6/2000 12:00 AM | Topic: News

Last month, the Luther College balalaika ensemble performed a total four benefit concerts in Decorah, St. Olaf, and the Twin Cities, raising $4,250 for the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy Soup Kitchen Ministry (MPCSKM).



The soup kitchen ministry, which is supported by five Protestant denominations, consists of five soup kitchens in the Moscow area that serve roughly 3,000 clients per day, five days a week.



The funds raised by the ensemble will purchase approximately 6,300 meals for the ministry.



"My original goal was to raise about $2,500," said Laurie Iudin-Nelson, director of the ensemble and associate professor of Russian studies. "Reaching the $4,000 mark was beyond all of my expectations."



The ELCA division for Global Mission, which is currently staffing the ministry, will handle distribution of the funds.



The soup kitchen ministry is a vital part of life for many Russians.



Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the ensuing economic turbulence rendered the ruble, Russia's currency, virtually worthless. Russians dependent on state pensions were forced on to the streets when their pensions no longer kept pace with this hyper-inflation.



The ministry reaches out to these pensioners, many of whom are former professors, artists, and government employees.



Most of these clients would starve without the ministry.



Luther alumni played an important roll in facilitating and contributing to the concerts. Dr. Mary Preus, alumnus and former Regent, and Jonathan Preus, another Luther alum, helped organize the ensemble's performance at Calvary Lutheran of Golden Valley, Minn; and Rev. Bill Nordmark, Luther alumnus, helped organize the concert at St. James of Burnsville, Minn.



One alumnus, who wished to remain anonymous, sent a $1,000 contribution.



This is not the first time the balalaika ensemble has raised money for a charity in Russia.



Last year the ensemble performed a series of benefit concerts raising $2,000 to purchase supplies for a hospital in the city of Petrozavodsk.



The 15 member ensemble was formed in 1992 and includes Luther students, alumni, faculty, and members of the Decorah community.



The group performs various Russian and Eastern European musical selections on authentic instruments for audiences throughout the Midwest.



According to Iudin-Nelson, the ensemble is a unique educational situation for both members of the audience and the ensemble.



"I see it as a two-fold experience," said Iudin-Nelson, "helping students to realize the value of service while also helping those who are suffering in Russia."



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Nathan Gerth
Chips News Co-Editor

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