Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: STAND UP FOR JESUS (don't write about the song) (04/09/15)
-
TITLE: Behind the Curtain | Previous Challenge Entry
By Loni Bowden-Horn
04/16/15 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Captain Vladimir Grinkov motioned for him to sit in one of two rickety chairs located beside a small warped wooden desk in the sparsely furnished room. “Please, have a seat.”
Captain Grinkov swung the door shut behind him. He proceeded to go over to the tape recorder and hit the play button. The clicking of the machine hummed in the background.
Lambert mustered up enough courage to ask the official, “Why are you holding me here? Is my paperwork not in order?”
Pursing his lips, Grinkov sneered, “No, Americanka, your paperwork is in order. The reason for your detainment is we found contraband in your luggage.”
Slamming his fist down upon the desk, the Captain glowered, “We do not allow the Holy Bible to be smuggled into our land.”
Captain Grinkov narrowed his eyes and glared at me, “What is the purpose of your visit to Russia?”
“As you can see on the itinerary given to me by the travel agency, my wife and I are on a sightseeing tour. Your beautiful country is known for its rich culture and magnificent architectural structures.”
Grinkov puffed his chest in an air of supremacy. “As an official representative of the Russian government, I have the authority to allow you to enter our great country as a tourist. You must leave the holy book behind or you must go back to America.”
As Lambert’s eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, he noticed the pistol in the holster of the Captain’s ill-fitting khaki military uniform. A boldness welled up in his soul as he said to the Captain, Jesus said in His Word in John 19:4, “You have no authority over Me, unless it has been given you from above.” Lambert knew God had control over everything both on heaven and earth so he had nothing to fear.
The Captain’s nostrils flared and his face reddened, “Do you realize what can be done to you because of your insolence, Americanka? I will not allow you to spread your false propaganda to our people.”
The words from scripture are imprinted on my heart. Even if you take away my Bible, I can share Jesus with others. Our Savior was brutally beaten, scourged and disfigured and was nailed to a cross because of His love for us. If we only ask and believe in Him, He offers forgiveness for the wrong choices we have made in our lives.
Grinkov paced the room like a hungry lion ready to devour his prey.
“Stop it!” I have heard enough of your rhetoric. You need to make a decision of whether you want to stay in Russia or leave.
Captain Grinkov leaned over the tape recorder and turned it off. The whirling of the instrument slowed to a stop.
Although Lambert had not spoken yet, Grinkov knew the man would never waiver in his convictions. The Captain admired a man who would take a stand no matter what the cost.
Lambert stood slack-jawed as he saw Captain Grinkov slip his Bible into the suitcase.
“Welcome to Russia,” Lambert heard over the loud speaker as he and his wife left the airport. We hope you enjoy your stay.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
God bless~