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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Asia (02/26/09)
I stole a glance around the room, and noticed several of the men and women sitting with mouths gaping as the Russian General told his story. I could not help myself when I laughed aloud at them; if the room were full of flies, those people would have caught them all. They were fixated on the man and his near-death experience. In fact, so torn was my attention from the man, I barely caught the story myself. However, I’ll try and tell it as best as I could understand on the video my husband bought after the meeting.

His name was General Vyacheslav Ivanovich Borisov—I will refer to him as Slava—of the Russian military he was a sworn atheist and dedicated persecutor of Christians. While flying in a helicopter in a mission over Afghanistan, rebels fired shots that would inevitably bring the helicopter crashing to the ground.

Slava knew his life was over, and without thinking cried out, “Áîã ñîõðàíÿåò ìåíÿ” (Translated- God save me!) The chopper landed, and six months later he woke from a coma a new man. Slava had experienced his own Saul/Paul conversion. He woke up, no longer an atheist, but a Christian.

Later, he went on to preach; telling other soldiers of Jesus. Through his testimony, many Russian soldiers have come to Christ. He has also visited the United States on several occasions. It seems he felt he was called as sort of a missionary to our beloved nation—the land of the free, and home of the brave—to warn and exhort us. He shared that prayer was the first to be taken out of the public schools then from the public squares in Russia. He continued; comparing pre- Communist Russia nation to the USA, and her determination to lean toward communism.

Hey now, put that rock down. I didn’t say it, the Russian did. *Running to hide behind a cinder wall*. Come on, let’s be reasonable. You asked me to tell you the story from that video, “General War”. You don’t have to agree with him; but it sure does give me pause to think.

Now, what was I saying? Hmmm… Oh yes, Slava; he has so inspired me in my walk with Christ; I have decided to travel to Russia for my next vacation. My heart pounds for the opportunity to see the land that once we called enemy and shake their hand.


Some day I’ll set foot in St. Petersburg and then head over to Siberia. I don’t know what is so horrible they would send criminals there, I’ve seen pictures. The landscape is beautiful.


What did you say? *Poking ear from behind the cinder wall* Cold? Of course Siberia can be cold, that is why skiing is so great there!


You know, I’m kinda getting tired of talking around this wall; you won’t stone me if I come out will ya? Honestly, I don’t mean to get all political back there, sorry if I offended you. *Peeking around the wall.* Alright, well I’m taking my chances. I so enjoy face-to-face talks.


Anyway, as I was saying; Siberia is close to Mongolia I believe. You can go rafting and swimming in Lake Baikal. I think it would be loads of fun.


What’s that got to do with Slava, you ask? Well, his son has agreed to be my tour guide throughout the trip and tell me more about his father. That will be the best part of the trip.


What? Oh, of course I’m sure this man is his son… how many Borisovs could there be in Russia?


*Looking at watch* Oh my, look at the time, I really must be going. We’ll talk later, ok?





***
Author’s Note:
Borisov is a very common name in Russia, much like Smith is in USA.
While the Russian general existed and the facts surrounding his conversion are true, the bulk of this story are fiction.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 1604 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Laury Hubrich 
03/05/09
Funny story and I did get your humor without your author's note:) Good job.
Gary J. Borgstede
03/10/09
Sobering parallels of the spiritual condition of America in comparison to the pre-communist Russia. Effectively makes the point that the USA is most certainly a mission field for the gospel of Christ and elevates the urgency of this matter. I couldn't find too much of a connection with Asia, although I did like the story.
Connie Dixon
03/10/09
This was an interesting story. I wondered how some one could be converted qhilw in a comatose state unless they met Jesus through a near-death experience or something. I would like to know more about that. This story really got me thinking! Good job!
Sheri Gordon
03/10/09
Wow, I like how you show the US as a missionary field. We always think of that as "out there."

The format confused me somewhat. I had a really hard time following the second half of the story--could just be me, though.

Beth LaBuff 
03/11/09
The comparison between the USA and pre-Communist Russia is a bit chilling… but I think you're right. I was impressed with your Russian phrase with all the diacritical marks. Nice work on this.
Mary McLeary
03/11/09
I appreciate that you didn't want to get political, but I really wanted to read more about Slava. Bring him back some time.
Sara Harricharan
03/11/09
how fun! Love the creative take on this one, the humor was cute and just right and I liked the bit with siberia. ^_^
Catrina Bradley
03/12/09
A fascinating man! I think the beginning needs to be reworked somehow to make the 2nd half work to its potential. I had to re-read the beginning to understand where you were going with it. But then I ended up enjoyed the 2nd half more than the first. :) Interjecting more of your personal comments into the narrative on Slava in the 1st half would make it flow better in my opinion. I like the creative format - it makes your entry stand apart and is more entertaining that just a report on Slava would have been.
Norma-Anne Hough
03/12/09
Very interesting take and story on a real character.
I did get a bit confused at first, but then worked through it. Well done.
Diana Smith 
03/13/09
I like the "conversation" feel of the second half, really connects with the reader, but the tone felt different than the beginning, shifted somehow. (I did like the flies in mouth comment in the opening - cute!) Provoking thoughts and creative style.