Encouragement from Heaven
Although he had never been there before, Private Ivan “Vanya” Moiseyev knew what awaited him at the Major’s office. The Communists were endlessly calling him to headquarters for talks, trying to “re-educate” him, to talk him out of his faith in God.
It was lunchtime. The sun was shining brightly in the blue sky and the snow was glistening. As Moiseyev walked along the snowy sidewalk, he praised God for this time alone, time to sing and pray.
The morning was so bright, at first Moiseyev didn’t notice; suddenly, it caught his eye. A bright star began to fall from heaven. Like a comet, it came closer and became bigger and bigger.
He looked up to see an angel above him, bright and powerful. Moiseyev’s heart was filled with joy and fear.
The angel did not descend all the way to earth, but hovered about two hundred yards above the ground. He walked in the air above Moiseyev as though walking along the same road. Then the angel spoke:
“Ivan, go. Don’t be afraid. I am with you.”
Ivan couldn’t speak, but his joy was like fire within him. Somehow he made it to Major Gidenko’s office and knocked quietly at the door.
Faith in the Face of Interrogation
Major Gidenko, head of the Political Directive Committee, looked up as the young soldier entered.
Ivan Moiseyev had been interrogated again and again by many others and had never backed away from his faith. Still, Gidenko was certain he could solve this problem.
“Moiseyev, you don’t look like a poor pupil to me. Why are you not learning the correct answers?” he asked.
“Sometimes there is a difference between the correct answers and the true ones,” Ivan answered.
“Sometimes God does not permit me to give ‘correct’ answers.”
“So, God talks to you? Who is this God of yours?” As soon as he had asked the question, Gidenko regretted it. Ivan leaned forward in his chair, his face glowing with joy at the opportunity to share his faith. “Sir, He is the One who created all the universe. He greatly loves man, and sent His Son….”
Gidenko interrupted. “Yes, yes, I know the Christian teaching. But what has that got to do with being a soldier? Do you disagree with the teaching of the glorious Red army?”
“No, sir.”
“But you do not accept the principles of scientific atheism upon which is based our entire Soviet state and the military power of the army?”
“I cannot accept what I know to be untrue. Everything else I can gladly accept.”
“Moiseyev, no one can prove the existence of God. Even priests and pastors agree on that.”
“Sir, they may speak about not being able to prove God, but there is no question about knowing Him. He is with me now, in this room. Before I came here, He sent an angel to encourage me.”
Obedience Despite Danger
Gidenko stared intently at Ivan. At last he spoke wearily, “I am sorry, Moiseyev, that you will not be reasonable. Your persistence will do nothing for you except bring discomfort. However, through the years I have found that men like you often come to their senses with a little discipline.
“I am ordering you to stand in the street tonight after taps are played. You will stand there until you are willing to reconsider this nonsense about talking Gods and angels.
“Since the temperature is likely to be thirteen degrees below zero, for your sake, I hope you quickly agree to behave sensibly. Tomorrow we shall make a plan together for your political re-education. You are dismissed.”
Gidenko expected Moiseyev to hesitate, to reconsider. Instead, he squared his shoulders and walked quietly to the door.
“Private Moiseyev!”
When the soldier turned around, Gidenko noticed he was a little pale. Then he had understood the order!
“You will obey my instructions in summer uniform. That is all.”
That night, as the bugle sounded, Ivan made his way down the stairs of the barracks and into the snowy street. He recoiled from the icy blast of wind that burned his ears and made his eyes water. His thin, summer uniform was no help in the bitter cold. He glanced at his watch. It was one minute after ten o’clock.
Tonight, he would have a long time to pray! But for the first time since he had been in the Soviet army, prayer did not come easily. He was worried. Could he stand out here all night? What if he froze to death? Would they let him freeze to death? What if he got so cold he gave in to their demands?
To Be Continued…
Date: 27th May 2023
Martyr: Ivan Moiseyev, 18 years old
Location: U.S.S.R. 1970
Source: Jesus Freaks
Author: DC Talks, Voice of Matyrs
Suffering Saturday 042
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