A Lesson from Old Soviet Republic

In 1991 the seemingly impossible happened. The feared, powerful Soviet Empire collapsed in a nearly less revolution. Only after the seemingly impossible took place, the facts began to emerge for the general public. The Soviet System was dysfunctional and had been crumbling for decades. The collapse created a panic throughout the Soviet state.

But for Christians, the collapse of the evil empire created an opportunity like never before. Previously, Christians had to smuggle bibles into the country. Followed by KGB, once captured, a Christian could be imprisoned, or at least deported. But when the empire collapsed, the Russian people began to seek Christ, not in hiding, but out in the open, even aggressively. The Christians who visited the Red Square during those years would testify how Russians would clamor around anyone seemingly Christian and ask them to tell them how to be saved. Once Christians had to risk all to preach the gospel, but now the iron curtain of darkness was lifted, and people sought the gospel. Many became saved, and churches were born.

The open window however did not last for long. Within 10 years, the nation began to clamp down on missionaries. More important, the inundation of the western materialism possessed people's hearts, and the once spiritual hunger lost its sharpness. The window of opportunity lasted only a short while.

In America today, we face perhaps the most spiritual open season in our life time. The collapse of the financial system has brought desperation in people's hearts. Christians, this is the time to share the gospel. It is no time to share in the same fear, but show our reasons for hope and bring others to this hope.

I wonder what steps you are taking to throw a lifeline to your friends or co-workers? Do you ask them how they are doing, and share how you are doing--that you are confident because of Christ? Do you share your testimonies of how God miraculously met your needs? Do you invite them to church? Do you initiate prayer meetings at work? (I tend to think it is the best to start a company prayer meeting. Who would object to "Let's start praying for our company and one another?)

Like Russia, the window will not remain open forever. In life, there always is a season of opportunity and it closes. We must step into it. There is no time for fear or hesitation.

In the same vein, I believe this is the right time to start our new worship site in NYC. We have 15-20 people interested but are looking for more. If interested, please send me an email (dannyhan@joychurch.com).