During the last forty-five years of traveling, most of my time has been spent with Russian believers in Jesus Christ. Beginning in 2017, much more time has been spent among unbelievers. The publication of a book about my father’s participation in the Antonov Uprising, the largest farmers’ uprising in Russian history (1920-1921), is the reason for such new opportunities. Facing execution by the Red Army, my father was forced to flee Russia. This resulted in the family exile in the West.

The book has brought contact with writers, businessmen, lawyers and other prominent people in the Tambov Region of Russia, who are interested in this tragic event. All of these new friends are clearly disappointed with Russian Orthodoxy. Three years ago, I gave Bibles to many of these people. The men admit that they do not read it, but their wives do.

During this most recent visit, invitations to homes were accepted on three different occasions. To my great surprise, the hosts initiated very honest and open conversations about the Bible and the Christian life. A myriad of questions were answered and an opportunity to share the story of my own spiritual journey was presented. (I still cannot believe that it really happened!)

Some even came to a Sunday evening service at the Central Baptist Church in Tambov, which celebrated the lives and ministries of Russian Baptist martyrs. For most of them it was their very first visit to a Baptist church. They were impressed by the simplicity of worship, the joyous spirit and the warm atmosphere.

Invitations were also accepted to three historical museums in the Tambov Region. In two of the museums, the entire story of my family was shared, beginning with the exodus from Russia to the arrival in America. This was an amazing opportunity to share the Joyous News with people who have never darkened the doors of a church. There were also opportunities to minister in a small village church and to visit the Transfiguration Christian Center in Yarlukovo.

In Moscow time was spent with the students and staff of the Baptist Theological Seminary. The Russian government, suspicious of all religious organizations supported by Christians in the West, is trying to revoke the seminary’s license. This license gives the seminary the status of an institution of higher learning. Please pray for God’s intervention. The seminary has nearly 1700 students, who are already involved in various ministries.  

Also in Moscow an unexpected meeting with several graduate students researching Russian history transpired. The story of the Botlniew family fascinated them and opened a door to witness about salvation. The last service, where an invitation to preach was offered, was in the Central Baptist Church of Moscow. My first preaching opportunity was experienced in this church in 1974.

Thank you for your continued support for this ministry. Your partnership in sharing the Joyous News both in the United States and abroad is greatly appreciated. Have a joyous and meaningful Christmas Season!