Pastors' testimonies

Pastor Nicolai Popov

Nicolai Popov's grandfather was a Baptist pastor who died in prison in Kazakhstan because of his faith. Nicolai's father was also a Baptist, but Nicolai didn't become a Christian until he was thirty.

"After I became a Christian, the Navy expelled me as they didn't want Christians in the Navy. I was kicked out in October 1956, just before I became eligible for my pension.

"During the sixties, persecution of Christians started to become severe in Russia. I was imprisoned in 1966 and sentenced to 3 years detention. Shortly after my release I was re-arrested and imprisoned again. This happened three times, so in total I have spent ten years of my life in detention."

"As inmates we were always starving for news because all our letters were censored. During pre-trial detention, my wife used to sew notes into the collars of my shirt and the guards never noticed! After I was sent to a labour camp, I had to wear prison clothes, so we would write the most important information on a small stamp that we would stick under the real stamp. The guards found out though so we had to stop doing that.

"When Perestroika [restructuring] began, I was released and twice received permission to visit the labour camps in Siberia where I had spent time and also where my sons were missionaries. Many comrades still remembered me.

"I visit the prisons in our area every Sunday. One young inmate, Victoria, became a Christian and went to Bible seminary after she was released. Now she visits all the prisons in Moldavia. Four death row prisoners that she has visited have come to faith and been baptised.

"I want to encourage you. When Jesus went to heaven, He said, 'I will be with you until the end of the world. Therefore, go into all the world and make disciples.' We often forget that Jesus is with us. We put our trust in ourselves and forget about His promise. Do not be afraid of being put into prison because of your faith. Do not be afraid of the sacrifices you may have to make for Jesus. He says that He is with us. He will strengthen us and will even use prison to strengthen and affirm us.

"Where there is persecution and pressure on Christians, God's name is more glorified than where there is religious freedom. You notice that in Daniel's life. He was thrown into the lions' den, but God protected him. When he was released, the king issued a decree that 'in every part of my kingdom, people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth' (Daniel 6:26,27).

"The result of prayer, certainly in Russia, always ends with a victory for Jesus Christ. Perhaps some of you will be put in prison because of your faith. Are we ready to bring sacrifices for the work of the Lord? Are we ready for God's call?"