Alexander “Sasha” Cherednichenko is a dedicated Christian worker that has a true servant’s heart. He lives with his wife Luba and four children in the small village of Urozhainoe in Southern Russia and ministers in prisons throughout that region.

Like most of the EEO Chaplains, Sasha (born April 5, 1954) came out of a life of crime. He first went to prison for assault and robbery in 1968. Upon release he became a career criminal and ended up in prison several times after that. In 1976 he was sentenced to death for murder, but six years later the sentence was reduced to 15 years in a maximum security facility. Nevertheless, the remission of his death sentence did not change Sasha’s attitude. He had 3 years added to his sentence for attacking guards.

While a prisoner in 1988, Sasha heard about the Lord for the first time. It wasn’t until 1991, however, that he repented of his sins and asked the Lord to change him. The Lord did change him in a remarkable way.

Upon release in 1997, Sasha immediately began ministering to prisoners, sharing the Lord with former cellmates and others. He had a reputation for being a hardened criminal who rejected authority, so when he preached about the love and grace of Jesus Christ, and demonstrated a changed life, it had an enormous impact on prisoners.

Today, Sasha has a very tender heart. He and his wife minister in prisons, their local church, and they help at-risk children in their community. Their home is always open to those in need, including prisoners who have come to Christ, been released, but have nowhere to go. Sasha and Luba have also adopted an orphan child themselves and would like to care for more at-risk children.