From Childhood Dreams to Political Persecution
I grew up in the Russian Far East, in the city of Khabarovsk, situated between the Chinese border and the Jewish Autonomous Region of Russia. This area was deeply affected by propaganda, corruption, and injustice, with a government that mobilized citizens against their own people and neighboring countries.

 

 

Through prayer, courage, and God’s blessing, I escaped Russia by going to Istanbul, Turkey. There, I encountered disciples from the Istanbul Church of Christ. I had just witnessed some of the darkest sides of humanity, yet these brothers and sisters showed me a love I had never known before. It was in Istanbul that I fully dedicated my life to God, and was baptized into Christ. I cannot fully describe the relief of realizing I wasn’t alone—that God sees, knows, and redeems even the most broken situations.

 

I had little time to rest. The Turkish police, at Russia’s request, began searching for Russian political dissidents to deport to Russia. Officers raided the home where I was living, seizing passports for investigation. By God’s grace, I had already gone to the airport en route to Mexico.

Fearing further persecution, I crossed the US-Mexican border on foot and requested political asylum, but entering the United States proved challenging. I had no resources, no friends or family in the US, and knew almost no English. Upon arrival, I was detained in a detention center for two months, waiting in the dark for a court hearing that might determine my entire future. During those bleak days, I clung to God’s promises, starting a Bible talk among fellow detainees. We prayed, shared Scripture, and reminded each other that even if the world forgets us, God never will.

When the judge in my case said a random immigration officer would decide if I could be released or deported, I began a hunger strike. Along with about ten other detainees, we fasted for eight days, entrusting everything to God. Finally, we were released, and I walked out of detention, a free man on US soil.

Finding a Home in San Francisco
I then traveled to San Francisco at age 19 with barely a dollar in my pocket, no documents (the immigration officers had kept them), and no legal permission to work. Initially I was homeless on the streets of San Francisco, but over time, I worked diligently with a lawyer obtain political asylum, and reconnected with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the disciples who stood by me during those challenging moments—and especially to Paul and Barbara, who became more than just spiritual mentors; they became my de facto spiritual parents. I love them with all my heart, as well as every brother and sister who has walked alongside me—from Turkey to Mexico, and finally here to the US.

Having gone through these trials, I used my experience of forced displacement and homelessness to help others in need—refugees, asylum seekers, and other marginalized communities. I organized a system that consolidated various resources from NGOs and government organizations in the SF Bay Area. Over two years, I was able to help more than a thousand people start new lives and get crucial support during their darkest times. I served as a youth advisor to the Compact for Young People in Humanitarian Action at the United Nations, representing the Gooddler Foundation. I co-authored a Youth Manifesto, which was presented to worldwide leaders at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, urging governments worldwide to reform immigration policies and bolster support for forcibly displaced individuals. In recognition of my work, I was honored as a finalist for the 2024 Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize, spotlighting my efforts to promote democratic values among youth globally.

Spiritually, I was used by God to help study the bible and baptize several young men, in my newly adopted hometown. I found that studying the bible with them has helped sharpen my sword and humble my heart.

A Door Opens At Pepperdine
A pivotal step in my journey was returning to formal education, something I had been forced to abandon in Russia. I had to learn English, pass the GED, SAT, and TOEFL, all while working a job to support myself. By God's grace, I was recently accepted into Pepperdine University to pursue an undergraduate degree in International Studies (Global Politics). I see this acceptance as more than just an academic milestone—it’s a clear indication that God is equipping me to be an agent of peace, justice and spirituality in a world that desperately needs them.

I am overjoyed to share this blessing from the Lord. At the same time, I humbly request your prayers for me as I face a significant financial challenge: tens of thousands are needed for my first year. Since I am not a U.S. citizen yet, I do not qualify for most government or FAFSA grants and scholarships. Right now, I’m seeking any and all ways to earn this amount—whether through work opportunities, scholarships, or sponsorships—and I ask you to please pray that God would open doors for financial provision and creative solutions. In addition, if you know of any opportunites, scholarships, or sponsorships please send me an email (my email is in the button below).

May God Bless You
Thank you for reading my testimony. Through God’s power and the faith of the disciples, we can do incredible things. Please keep me in your prayers as I strive to cover my educational costs at Pepperdine, so I can continue serving His kingdom, standing up for justice, and bringing hope to those in need. Let’s also pray for the millions of forcibly displaced individuals worldwide, that God would grant us the compassion, wisdom, and resources to help them.

From the bottom of my heart, спасибо, and may God bless you.

In Christ,
Anton, The City Fellowship Group