Live wisely but live by faith. Live courageously. Live fearlessly.
Our Estonian contact, Mart Vahi, smuggled Bibles from 1970-1978 throughout the U.S.S.R with his wife Alta and three young children. He started “small” and tucked a few Bibles in his clothing as he crossed borders but eventually found himself with trunks full of Bibles driving into the U.S.S.R. Although his life and the lives of his family were at risk and were terrified, he sacrificed everything and obeyed the Lord. God used him for over 7 years to deliver His word to people living under strict Communism. One day he was bringing a load into Russia and got caught; he thought that was game over. God protected Mart and his family. The officer let him go because he had three little kids with him but told him he was banned for life from the U.S.S.R. Mart and his family moved to Canada.
Mart was thankful but confused because he thought God was calling him to Estonia for long-term ministry. God spoke to him, “Be patient, I will open a door for you”. In 1991 Estonia regained its independence and was free from the Soviet Union. That year God told Mart, “The time has come, the door is open.” So, Mart brought his family back to Estonia. He knew he was supposed to build a church but did not have the funds to do so. The Lord told him to give a wealthy man named Jimmy the head of Lenin but not to ask for anything in return. Mart went on a scavenger hunt for Lenin’s head. He found a large bust and head of Lenin and had the bust removed. He mounted the head on a sword to symbolize they were free from Communism and had it delivered to Jimmy. He ended up receiving 1 million dollars to build a church right in the middle of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia where the U.S.S.R ruled.
God is the lamp to Mart’s feet. God opened doors for Mart to come back to Estonia, plant a church and build the Village of Hope. God has used Mart as a tool to do amazing things! He told my team he is nothing special; he is just obedient. When you obey the Lord and follow him wherever he may take you, even if he is telling you to risk your life and sneak Bibles into the U.S.S.R., he will protect and provide for you. It has been wonderful being at the Village of Hope. Mart and Alta welcomed us with open arms. They showed us so much love. They shared their stories and the history of Estonia. They showed us that no matter what life throws at you or what barriers stand in your way, keep faith. Anything is possible with Jesus! They showed us that true love isn’t afraid to bleed. Following Jesus isn’t easy, but it is more than worth it!
