Many of us do not know much about the U.S.S.R. or the members that made up it's army during the Communist ruling regime.  Soldiers, as well as the other members of Russian society, were made to accept the teachings that were being dulled out by the Communist Party.  For 18 year old Ivan Moiseyev, one of these teachings presented a major problem:  scientific atheism--atheism based upon the "survival of the fittest" ideal. 

 Ivan was a devout Christian who was constantly questioned and "re-educated" about what his beliefs should be to serve in the Red Army.  After many failed attempts to change his beliefs, he was presented to one of his highest superiors.  After dealing with his line of questioning and still standing in defense of his beliefs, Moiseyev was commanded to stand outside in the -13 degree weather all night in his summer uniform until he was willing to change his mind.  Never recanting, Ivan was forced to do this for twelve nights in a row.  It was a miracle that he did not freeze.  Soldiers in his barracks were beginning to be converted because of his faith and dedication, but things did not get easier for him.

He was constantly placed in refridgerated chambers.  He was put in special rubber suits that allowed air to be pumped in, restricting chest expansion and making breathing almost impossible.  After two years of dealing with questions, pain, and constant attempts to squash his faith, Ivan knew that the end was soon coming.  He wrote to his family on July 11, 1972 that they would not see him anymore.  "A few days later, his body was returned to his family.  It showed that he had been stabbed six times around the heart.  He had wounds on his head and around the mouth.  There were signs of beatings on the whole body.  Then he had been drowned."

All pain and torture considered, Ivan Moiseyev stood for Jesus until the very end.  His commander said to his parents after the death that "Moiseyev died with difficulty.  He fought with death, but he died as a Christian."  He did not flee from torture.  He faced the giant of an oppressive government head on and did so in the name of God.  Ivan Moiseyev gave his life for his King, declaring him forever as the ultimate Jesus Freak.

Jesus Freaks:  Martyrs, p.30-36

Some Thoughts:

1)  Moiseyev was quoted as constantly stating, "A lark threatened with death for singing would still continue to sing.  She cannot renounce her nature.  Neither can we Christians."  This statement is a clear and adamant agreement with Romans 6: 11 "Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus."  A Christian is to be a living embodiment of Jesus to the world so much so that we have given up even the choice to be seen as our old selves.  We cannot choose not to declare the message of God because we are not, in fact, ourselves any longer, but His embodiment on earth!  As Christians, God and Jesus are living through us--we have no choice but to speak of their glory no matter what the consequences!  Do you agree with this?  Can you honestly say that you proclaim God like this on a daily basis?

2)  This man was only 20 years old when he gave His life for God.  All of us are called to a purpose--sometimes those purposes don't end in a long life here on earth.  Are you willing to believe that?  Do you think that God designs for some to die sooner than others--if so, why?  Would you be willing to answer that kind of a calling?

3)  A lot of us have preconceived notions about different groups of people.  Let us not forget that not all Communists were atheists or murderers.  Let us not forget that not all Nazi soldiers agreed with Hitler's actions.  And let us not look at our "enemies" today as naturally evil beings.  We must pray for those who attack us.  We must be willing, like Ivan, to give our lives for those who persecute us, that they might still have an opportunity to accept the God they are trying to silence.  Think specifically about Iraq.  When you hear about the war, do you pray for their soldiers too?  Remember that not all Iraqis are Muslim terrorists.  In fact, the Christianity that we believe in today was founded in the heartland of their territory.  Jesus walked that ground.  Iraq was part of his home.  There is always a different perspective on everything.  Dare to be different.  Will you pray for those who persecute you?  Will you really bless your enemies?