As the train took us further & further north, the trees of the dense Komi forest became sparse and skinny. By the time we were within the Arctic Circle, all the vegetation had disappeared – swallowed up by the permafrost tundra.

We were headed for Vorkuta, a coal mining city only miles from the Barents Sea/Arctic Ocean and one of the top gulags (slave labor camps for political prisoners) in the former USSR.
It is reported that a few of the political prison camps operated into the 1980’s and the city was exalted as an ideal of Soviet life because of the willingness of the proletariat to live in such harsh conditions for the good of the State. Even other northern Russians say that in order to live in Vorkuta, you have to be a superhero.

Before we had even reached the city of Vorkuta, our interpreter, Elijah, received a call from the host church that an “immigration official” had heard of the meeting and wanted to see our visas and interview (read as interrogate) us in the interest of national security. He also wanted to attend the church meeting to monitor us for any unwanted foreign influence that might be subversive to the government.

If I said this was not intimidating I would be lying. We were right in the middle of a place that historically dealt harshly with anyone they perceived as dissident in any way. KC, Cheryl, Elijah & I could feel the pressure of the threats so we did the only thing we knew to do: prayed and continued with the plans that were made for that city.

That night I was to do the main preaching with KC & Cheryl sharing for a few minutes before me. During the praise & worship, the head usher notified us that the immigration official had arrived and was seated near the back of the sanctuary. He heard the introductions and KC & Cheryl talk about their time in Russia and encourage the gathered church. As I approached the podium, I had decided I would preach uninhibited and trust God with the results. Who knows maybe this informant would even receive the good news of Jesus & come to salvation?

Less than 3 minutes into my sermon, the head usher signaled to Elijah & I on stage that the official had abruptly left the meeting and we never heard anything from him again. Did he get bored? Was he convicted in his heart? Maybe he remembered he had a hot date? I don’t know- but I do believe God had a plan for that meeting and if the official was going to be a hindrance to that, God intervened.

We went on to have a 3 1/2 hour service and prayed for over 150 people. Four people came to faith in Jesus, many were healed, and God touched everyone in a special way.

Acts 4.24-31 was an inspiration to us during this time. Thanks to everyone who prayed for our team during the trip and especially at the hour we faced the intense pressure & threats of persecution. I find that is often the time when we pray most sincerely, surrender most completely, & God does His best work.