Murrieta, California - Jeff Thompson is founder and president of Eastern European Outreach, a faith based organization serving at-risk children in Russia, Ukraine and Eastern Europe.

Jeff and his wife Paula are from southern California where they lead the work of EEO from their Murrieta office. Their exciting story is detailed in the book "Leaving The American Sector" (available at www.eeo.org) Jeff is a passionate advocate for the cause of orphans and children-at-risk. EEO is committed to child development and runs the largest child sponsorship program today in the former Soviet Union.

Jeff and Paula started Eastern European Outreach in 1980 as a ministry to serve the persecuted church behind the Iron Curtain. After serving for one year in 1978 to communist "Iron Curtain" countries, Jeff returned home to southern California to marry his sweetheart and have her join him on the mission field. They returned to live in West Berlin for 2 ½ more years before Jeff was caught by the secret police. Jeff and his wife Paula have been married since 1980 and are parents of four children and three grandchildren.

"Our vision in the beginning was to share the Bible and Christian literature with people trapped behind the Iron Curtain. Along the way, however, God showed us the many needs of orphans and widows, prisoners and street children. From war refugees in Kosovo to children living in the radioactive shadow of Chernobyl, we have desired to minister God's love for each one."

Jeff's missionary career of 30 years has given him unique insight into the issues and needs of orphans and children at risk. "Our calling is to serve the poor and the fatherless in this part of the world." He said.

The EEO ministry is an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. As Jeff worked in 59 youth prisons across Russia, he developed a sponsorship program to intervene with families and keep children at home out of a orphanage or prison.Today, they have developed a unique child / family development approach to bring health and hope to thousands of needy children and families in these countries.