I believe that we are living in the days of a second outpouring of the Holy Spirit. And I can't see any reason why we shouldn't be living as the early disciples and apostles did. Yes, I must admit, I'm trying to live like Paul in many ways.

One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and said, “Don’t be afraid. Keep on speaking. Don’t be silent, for I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”

I was extremely conscious of that in my own ministry. I spent 30 years working in communist countries, and another 30 years afterwards – 60 years in all working throughout the former Soviet Union. And during those years, there were four attempts to assassinate me. Yet I was always conscious that God was protecting me.

Acts 18:10 says very clearly, “I am with you, and no one is going to attack you, because I have many people in this city.”

And what happened? Paul stayed there for another year and a half, teaching the Gentiles. He wasn't silenced by opposition or fear. He knew that God was with him, and he continued to preach.

Living Like the Apostle Paul: Divine Protection and Ministry in the Former Soviet Union

Core Insight

A modern ministry reflecting the apostolic era relies on the active presence of the Holy Spirit, radical obedience, and faith in divine protection despite extreme persecution.

Scriptural Foundation: Acts 18:9–10

During Paul’s ministry in Corinth, God gave him a direct promise of safety and purpose:

“Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:9–10)

Following this vision, Paul remained in Corinth for 18 months, preaching boldly despite surrounding opposition.

60-Year Apostolic Ministry in Eastern Europe

Context & Duration: 60 total years of Christian mission work, including 30 years under active communist regimes and 30 years in the post-Soviet era.
Perils Faced: Survived 4 documented assassination attempts while continuing missionary operations.
Guiding Conviction: Assurance of God's sovereign protection mirrored the promise given to Paul in Acts 18:10, enabling persistent public proclamation rather than silence driven by fear.