One of the most memorable experiences I have ever known in my 13 years in ministry was my first trip to Russia. For a long time I believed God called me to stay as others were called to the foreign mission field. I really had no desire to leave my home, community and church. I fully supported those who had the calling upon their life to reach "the ends of the earth" with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I supported teams financially and prayerfully.

Often times I watched my own wife and children travel to many parts of the world joining others to spread the good news of salvation. They always returned with something that was quite difficult to explain - how they witnessed the hand of God moving in such miraculous ways, not only in the hearts of those they ministered but in their own hearts. They would always express to me such excitement and, always encouraged me to GO!
It's always exciting when God begins a new work. Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine one day I would lead a group of American police officers and their families into the interior of Russia. It began with God giving me a vision to see the brotherhood of police officers used as a tool to connect with Russian police officers. The common bond we share was the very bridge God used to gain acceptance among the Russian policeman.
I have been fortunate enough to be a part of a broader task of spreading the gospel to more and more of the Russian policeman. I'm thrilled to say that last October was my sixth trip to Russia. It has been awesome to see God work through many American policeman as they have extended their hand of friendship in the name of Jesus.

In October 2001, I left with a team of 6, small but might, to continue the work God was doing with the police officers in Russia. We traveled by train to Nizhny Novgorod, approximately 300 miles southeast of Moscow. Our plans were to go into the Russian police academy as we had done in previous visits. We planned to continue to work with the cadets in training, building relationships and, most importantly, presenting the gospel to each one.

Well, man has his own way but it is God who orders his steps (Prov. 16:9). We arrived this year with the unfortunate news we were not granted formal approval by the authorities in Moscow. This was needed in order to carry out 'our' plans. However, God superceded 'our' plans and accomplished a great harvest.

I have learned the mission field is all about 'God's plan'. It is the opportunity to totally surrender to God's moving and leading. It is a time of watching the mighty hand of God working through the lives of those committed to sharing their testimony of Jesus Christ. Your faith is challenged, mentally you're stretched, and physically you become weary. The exchange for each is you receive a deeper understanding of what it means to truly walk with God and be empowered by His spirit. You witness God moving in such miraculous ways through each of the team members as they allow God to use their life to eternally impact those around them. The harvest that God had as part of His plan was, as Bob Perriguey, Jim Cathcart and I shared the gospel message, the entire staff of the Police Academy of Nizhny Novgorod received Jesus Christ as their Savior. One by one the power of the Spirit of God drew these men to Himself. It was awesome to watch these men be transformed before our very eyes.

Our team included three ladies, my wife Danielle, my mother Lona, and another police mother whose name is Lila Hewitt. At the very same time our miraculous meeting was taking place, the ladies from our team were having the first planned meeting with the wives of these commanding officers. The Lord used the testimony of Danielle to begin a relationship with these Russian police wives. The ladies are looking forward to seeing a harvest in this year's outreach.

My desire in writing this article is to extend an invitation to you to join us this year as we go into this once dark nation with the light of Jesus Christ and allow the Lord to use your life and experiences to impact those in need of Him in Russia. We will be returning to Nizhny Novgorod with a team September 12 - 23, 2002. This year we will also travel to the city of Omsk to begin a new work. I pray you will be encouraged to GO!

In His Service,
Gary Malkus

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