by Vladimir Dubchak

As a preacher?s son I had to travel with my dad to different parts of USSR were dad was preaching and encouraging local churches.

It was such pleasure to travel with my dad, see him preaching and people to be saved. Sometimes trips were marked with my worries about my dad. Several times, coming through airport security, special agents would check our baggage. They would take dad aside explaining that his Bible and other religious literature were printed in Finland and is not authorized in USSR, and should be confiscated. Dad knew he had just one option how to get his Bible and other books back. He would start talk loudly about USSR constitution that guarantees freedom of religion. Finally, the crowd waiting in line would get angry at the officers and security agents would have to back away.

It was a Christmas Eve in Kiev in 1983. In spite of Soviet laws and regulations, prohibiting religious holidays, local churches were celebrating and caroling. It was the time when Good News could be reached to nonbelievers only at the state regulated churches.

After the church program, collecting full pockets of candies and cookies we were invited to stay at the pastor?s place overnight. When we arrived we noted how quiet and peaceful it was in their apartment. I asked if pastor has kids, and pastor?s wife recited list of kids and their ages. I was more surprised so many kids and there is no one in here.

After tea and good Ukrainian dinner, pastor?s wife took us to a separate room where tree boys ages 12, 14, 16 were staying in wheelchairs. My brother and I were astonished to see someone of your age and to be separate from the rest of the world. After brief introduction we found that one boy has the same name I do. We had a chance to chat about their school and their success in study, teachers who come and teach.

Long after midnight pastor and my dad were talking and praying. There were no signs of worry or desperation, love and peace were present at that night.?

On the way back home my dad told me story that I would never forget. Apparently, boys were given shots at school as preventive treatment. Soon one after another one all could not walk. I think no one understood nature of this shoots and it was clear that authorities were punishing pastor for his activism.

Pastor and his wife are still in my memory; their faces are radiant with joy and thanks. There were nothing to disturb their paradise; the world they lived has Jesus Christ in its center. Authorities, Soviet propaganda or militia were minor insignificant factors.

They lived above the corrupt and stricken Soviet regulations, above communist leaders and their propaganda. This example always inspires my love and faith in my Savior. It is not what I see in my life, it is what God sees in my life, it is not that what I have, it is what I give to others, it is not who I am it is who He is. It is life above earthly circumstances, life full of faith in Jesus Christ and His guidance.

Vladimir Dubchak.

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