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Nikolai Shavlinski - Rokishkis, Lithuania
Nikolai’s father was a Christian, but he and all his brothers had rebelled, and left home at the same time, as disobedient prodigal sons. In 1996, Nikolai began to think about his purpose in life. He began reading the Bible, but didn’t understand what he was reading. He had no peace in his heart. He and his wife began to search for God together, and explored eastern religions, but found no peace. Nadia had a basket weaving friend who was a Christian, and they began to ask her questions. She left them with a Christian tape, and one of the songs had as its refrain, “Return home.” Nikolai listened to the song over and over, and cried. He knew what he had to do. He got on a train bound for the Ukraine, and asked his father for forgiveness. He asked his father about God, and his father took him to his uncle, who told Nikolai about forgiveness in Christ. Nikolai cried, and asked Christ for forgiveness. He knew that day he was a new person, and never asked again what he had asked himself so often, “Am I saved?” Now his soul was happy. He returned home to find Nadia has also come to repentance during his absence.
80% of Rokiskis is Lithuanian Catholic; as Russian-speaking Baptists, the members of the church Nikolai pastors are considered a cult. The public schools are pro-Catholic; Catholic teaching is taught to the students, and confirmation is held in the schools. This is a hardship for their children, as they choose not to participate. In spite of the hardships, Nikolai and his family are committed to reaching their community for Christ. They sometimes feel alienated in their community, and are distant from other Christians, but God sustains them in His grace. |
Nikolai Shavlinksi was born in the Ukraine, and graduated there from vocational training center, where he received instruction in metal working. He graduated during the Soviet era, and was sent to factory in Rokiskis, Lithuania, a factory where he still works. There he met Nadia, a native of Lithuania, and they were married.
They began to travel to Daugavpils, Lavia to church, but it was far and travel was expensive. They were traveling there with two other women, and the four of them began meeting together for fellowship, attending church in Daugavpils less frequently. The Daugavpils church gave their blessing for them to keep their tithes there and use them for ministry in their town, where they have begun to plant a church. Nikolai has received training provided by the CP-21 ministry, and continues to be mentored by the leadership of the Daugavpils church.