Major Joins God's Army
Major Andrew Babentsov joined the Ukrainian Air Force and quickly moved through its ranks, becoming a pilot, an officer, and finally a flight commander. While on a leave to visit his parents, Andrew accepted an invitation to attend some evangelistic meetings. He went out of curiosity and found the topics compelling.
He made friends with the pastor and spent hours discussing the Bible and Bible prophecy with him but before all his questions were answered, Andrew had to return to his military unit. He wanted to maintain contact with Adventists, but he could not find an Adventist church near his base.
Even so, he tried to follow the biblical principles he had learned during those short visits home. During duty in Yugoslavia for the United Nations, Andrew often saw God's hand of mercy and protection over him. He made a covenant to follow Christ in baptism. While preparing for baptism, he became convicted of the importance of Sabbath keeping.
After his baptism he wrote a letter to his commanding officer explaining his faith and asking to be released from the military. The commander refused, but released Andrew from work assignments on the Sabbath. Andrew's integrity won him much respect, and when he began studying the Bible with other officers at the base, he was well received.
He also shared literature and books with those who showed an interest. Andrew wanted to share his faith with people in the town near his military base, so he began selling literature in his free time. He met some Adventists who had moved to the town to help establish a church and began working with them. Again he wrote a letter requesting release from his duties, so he could work full time for God..
The commanders did not want to lose Andrew and offered him more privileges to entice him to remain in the air force.
But God was calling Andrew into higher service, and at last he received approval to resign from the military so he could become a leader in God's army.
"Remember only we can change our evil behavior."
"And He gives us the power to do so."
He made friends with the pastor and spent hours discussing the Bible and Bible prophecy with him but before all his questions were answered, Andrew had to return to his military unit. He wanted to maintain contact with Adventists, but he could not find an Adventist church near his base.
Even so, he tried to follow the biblical principles he had learned during those short visits home. During duty in Yugoslavia for the United Nations, Andrew often saw God's hand of mercy and protection over him. He made a covenant to follow Christ in baptism. While preparing for baptism, he became convicted of the importance of Sabbath keeping.
After his baptism he wrote a letter to his commanding officer explaining his faith and asking to be released from the military. The commander refused, but released Andrew from work assignments on the Sabbath. Andrew's integrity won him much respect, and when he began studying the Bible with other officers at the base, he was well received.
He also shared literature and books with those who showed an interest. Andrew wanted to share his faith with people in the town near his military base, so he began selling literature in his free time. He met some Adventists who had moved to the town to help establish a church and began working with them. Again he wrote a letter requesting release from his duties, so he could work full time for God..
The commanders did not want to lose Andrew and offered him more privileges to entice him to remain in the air force. But God was calling Andrew into higher service, and at last he received approval to resign from the military so he could become a leader in God's army.
"And He gives us the power to do so."
Author: Charlotte Ishkanian .