Desperate escape: [a true story of faith through relentless persecution] by Alexander Ponomarov

Everyone remain in your places!" the policemen ordered, bursting into the church. Camera flashes blinded the wor-shipers. A secret service agent ordered the

arrest of the pastor and several others. Ten-year-old Sasha's heart pounded, his knees shook from sheer ter-ror. Thus began his initiation into the Christian life.

Later Sasha's mother told him,

"Perhaps you should stay home next

Sabbath. The police might come again, and something worse could hap-pen. Sasha, you must think about this carefully and decide for yourself.

To be a Christian is difficult and dangerous. If you choose to follow Christ you might suffer for your faith."

Despite her prophetic warning, Sasha decided to follow Jesus. He learned the underground rules of survival, but his biggest test came at age 12, when he was taken from his parents and made a ward of the state. Although he knew Jesus was with him even in juvenile prison, he also knew he must escape.

This is the true, inspiring story of one young man who stood for his

faith amid constant fear, ridicule, betrayal, and finally prison.