Tribute to a Fallen Soldier

Vladislav Remizov began his Christian life in April, 1993.  His decade of serving God not only brought glory and praise to God but also he influenced so many in Barnaul and surrounding cities.  His vision and commitment were observed and brought motivation to  people.  His decade of service became a model for others in Christian living.  His kind and sweet spirit led others through sharing the message as well.  He led in teaching, preaching, and mentoring.

At 64 years of age, he gladly sought to improve himself by traveling to the United States to undertake advance training at Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, Texas.  He truly desired to study and to develop qualities and characteristics to improve his role in SIBI Branch School in Barnaul, Russia.

Vladislav’s commitment was witnessed by others.  Others saw the battle of fighting the barrier of language, but they saw how greatly Vladislav trusted God and appreciated his wife’s assistance in learning about God more.   His and Svetlana’s dedication mastered the demands of study.  Excellence was achieved until he suffered a massive aneurysm.  For ten days, his comatose state brought together many fellow-students, family, and friends.  All walks of life of people grew in their love for each other, their renewed vision of a need for a Savior, and their expectations of God working in their lives.

The doctors and nurses witnessed the love of others for Vladislav and tried all medical advances to mend his damaged brain.  Complications developed in other body organs.  Finally, consultation from the doctors caused Svetlana and those who surrounded him to know that actually Vladislav became brain dead on the day that the aneurysm occurred.   The decision was made to allow nature take its course.  Within minutes, Vladik’s body functions ceased and he was pronounced dead. 

In death, life sprang forth.  His daughter, Alyona, came for the funeral with the assistance of individuals and churches.  Alyona knew that she would never see her father again unless she surrendered to the will of God in her personal life.  Alyona’s resolve was to obey the Lord. Her father had taught and prayed with her and for her for a decade.  His last prayer before the aneurysm was that his mother Sophia and his daughter Alyona would become children of God.  On April 1, 2003, Alyona obeyed her Lord by being baptized for the remission of her sins to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The result of a decade of prayer and teaching manifested faith.  God added her to His kingdom.  Alyona now walks in the newness of life.

 

Not only did Alyona obey but also Bob and Ann Blackburn obeyed.  It was through their friendship with Vladik and Svetlana that they saw a need for greater service in the kingdom.  Weekly studies prompted them to obey the Lord by faith.  Life again came from the death of their lives to sin and the hope that Christ brought to them through His death and life. 

The life of Vladislav is still bearing fruit unto the glory of God.  A fellow-Russian, Lubov of Bysk, Russia, has studied and has obeyed the Scriptures for her life.