In my time before bed I’ve begun reading The Gulag Archipelago by Alexander Solzhenitsyn. It recounts the time in Soviet Russia from the 1920s-1950s when millions of Russians who disagreed or were perceived to disagree with communism were sent off to prisons and work camps in Siberia. Most of those sent to camps died there never to return home.
The portion I was reading last night was about how those professing any religion were persecuted but especially the Christians. First they took pastors. If the church didn’t close its doors or met in secret they then came for the adults and eventually even the children. They wanted no allegiance to anything but the state. Some were allowed a makeshift pre orchestrated trial others simply sent straight to gulag. Christians were given the longest sentences at the time 10 years. 10 years was chosen because they estimated even the healthiest and fittest would be completely useless by then. Millions never made it to 10 years. Just before entering the gulag they were given the opportunity to renounce their faith and pledge allegiance to the state. Of all the people for all the reasons that were sent to the gulag the Christians were the least likely to renounce their beliefs.
If faced with prison, forced labor, torture, starvation, freezing conditions and most likely death what would be your response?
Announcement
VBS planning and coordination meeting tonight at 7. Pizza will be provided.
No regular service just the VBS planning meeting.