1929. Blagoveshensk, USSR.
Peter Vins could feel the tension rising as he walked into the GPU (a precursor of the KGB) office in response to a summons. In the two and a half years he had lived in the USSR, this was the first time he had been called to appear here. Born to Russian parents who had emigrated to Canada, he himself was not a Soviet citizen, but an American. He had returned to the USSR in response to God’s call to preach the Gospel and shepherd a Russian church.
What could the GPU want with him now?
The agent who met with him was not unfriendly. His name was Smirnov. His mission was simply to pass on to Peter an order that had been received from Moscow:
All foreigners who are involved in religious activities must either become Soviet citizens or leave the country.
The implications of this demand slowly began to sink into Peter’s mind.
“My wife and child are Soviet citizens. Will they be allowed to leave with me?”
“Yes, they may leave with you.” Smirnov replied.
As an American citizen, Peter was being given the opportunity to leave the USSR for a safe place. He could easily rescue himself and his family from the wave of persecution that was only beginning to sweep across Russia.
Peter inquired about how much time he had before a final decision would be required. Smirnov informed him he had two weeks.
Peter returned home and discussed the matter with his wife, Lydia. She reminded him of his church, and told him that the needs of their family were not the only thing to be considered. However, she left the decision to Peter. The final decision would be between him and God.
Peter spent whole days in fasting and prayer. Other believers came and prayed with him, seeking an answer from the Lord about this incredibly important decision. Peter agonized, “How many young workers we have! How can I leave them to persecution and suffering, while I myself leave for a safe place? How many new souls we have in the church, how can I leave them?”
One night a dear brother in Christ came to him and read these verses:
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. (John 10: 11-13)
Peter embraced his friend and thanked him. From that point, he knew what his decision would be.
Finally, the day came when he must return to the GPU office with his decision. Smirnov invited him into his office and closed the door. As Peter tried to hand him his American passport, Smirnov passionately urged Peter to reconsider his decision.
“Peter Yakovlevich, I feel so sorry for you! Get out of here as quickly as you can and don’t give up your American passport. You are making a mistake. If you become a Soviet citizen, you can expect tremendous suffering and possibly even prison. I am really not supposed to tell you all this, but I respect you as a principled person of sincere faith. Please reconsider your decision and come back to me tomorrow.”
But Peter could not be moved. He replied, “Thank you for your advice, but I have made my decision before God: I intend to stay in Russia and continue my Christian service regardless of any circumstance.”
For over an hour, Smirnov tried to persuade Peter to flee to safety in America. Finally, seeing Peter could not be moved, he regretfully pulled out an application for Soviet citizenship.
Peter stayed in Russia. He preached. He shepherded the believers. Everything that Smirnov predicted happened, and much worse, but Peter remained faithful.
In 1937, Peter Yakovlevich Vins was executed for preaching the Gospel.
. . . be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
(Rev. 2:10)
Sources:
Along the Path of Faithfulness by Georgi Vins
Testament From Prison
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June 27th, 2010 - 7:38 am
I had not heard that story. I sometimes wonder what I would do if the situation changed in Russia and I needed to “get out.” It is hard to think about while going about everyday life. I am sure that the Lord would guide me in my particular situation, as He guided Peter Vins.
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Vanessa Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 7:43 am
This story impressed me deeply, probably because it goes against the grain so much. It’s always easy to wonder what I would do in a similar situation, but I think when we are walking close to the Lord He gives us clear guidance. It’s not always God’s will to walk into a death-trap, like Peter Vins, but sometimes it is. We can’t put God’s will in a box.
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