In the 1980's, I developed a burden for the persecuted church behind the iron curtain. Life and children began happening, as well as I was becoming further enslaved in my addiction. In 2011, it all exploded in my face and I turned back to Jesus, surrendered to Him and began walking in the freedom purchased by Him. It was announced in 2012 that one of the GO trips for 2013 was in Russia. I knew immediately that God was calling me to go. So, I prayed, believed, and worked to raise the funds, and God came through. I went to a little New Testament church in Zelenodolsk, Tatarstan, Russia. What impacted me most was the depth of faith the people had. I had seen nothing like that in America. They had little in material goods, but their faith was beyond description. It was profound. Their love for the Lord was rich and full. I went to help lay a floor, and received in return a desire to have that kind of unshakable faith and love. Material things did not matter, only Jesus. They gifted me this coffee mug, and every time I use it, I am reminded of their deep, unshakable faith.
Mark Aelmore lives in Sanford. He has five adult children. He is musician and he works as a contractor at Pratt & Whitney in North Berwick.