Saturday, July 17, 1999
Former Russian general has new mission
Coming to Northern Ky. to ask for Bibles for troops
BY RAY SCHAEFER
Enquirer Contributor
ERLANGER — Once, he was known as “General War.” But retired Russian Gen. Vycheslav Borisov, who once commanded 100,000 troops during the former Soviet Union's war in Afghanistan, is coming to Northern Kentucky to lead a different campaign — asking Americans to help buy Bibles.
Gen. Borisov, 60, was a deputy chief commander so feared by American intelligence officials, a $1.5 million bounty was offered for his execution, and he relentlessly persecuted Christians in his country ... until the day in 1984 his helicopter was shot down and he cried out to God to save him.
He survived, spent six months recovering, became a born-again Christian and was the first Soviet commander to turn his back on the Communist Party.
“The first thing I understood (was) that God is almighty, that he does exist,” Gen. Borisov said.
Gen. Borisov will speak at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Christ's Chapel Assembly of God, 3819 Turfway Road.
It's his second trip to Kentucky (he was made a Kentucky Colonel in Lexington two years ago).
“I'm always glad to meet Americans,” Gen. Borisov said through a translator, Andrei Krotov. “It's a wonderful country.”
Gen. Borisov's visit is being sponsored by Revival Fires Ministry of Branson, Mo.
The organization distributes Bibles throughout the world and takes about 1,000 missionaries to Russia each year.
The Rev. John Todd, a vice president, said about 1.1 million Bibles have been distributed to Russian soldiers since
Gen. Borisov began traveling to the United States in 1995.
Gen. Borisov is now a military adviser to Russian lawmakers.
He met with President Boris Yeltsin in May, and said Russian troops should not be in Kosovo.
“I don't think it's necessary to have a Russian presence,” he said. “I think Russian troops have to stay home. This is a very expensive action that we don't have money for.”
Richard Harknett, a University of Cincinnati associate professor in political science, said having a Russian presence in Kosovo will never be an economic decision.
He said Russian leaders see the NATO airstrikes on Serb positions in Yugoslavia as a breach of trust that makes NATO an occupying force instead of a defensive alliance.
“The bigger picture to keep in mind is, Russia's concerned about its overall relationship vis-a-vis the West,” Mr. Harknett said. “Clinton's handling (of the Kosovo situation) cut the Russians out. Russians can say, "America basically does what it wants.'”
Gen. Borisov would like to see Christian missionaries on Russian military bases — and he said God is the ultimate answer.
“Only God's word and God's commandment and his blessing will be able to bring peace between those people who hate each other,” he said. “The best weapon is the Bible.”
Young people need to show a little respect
Armstrong hopes man will return to moon
Astronauts bask in glories past
FBI stalks 'Average Joe'
Mason growth shows no sign of slowing
Zoo gorilla expecting
Former reporter given probation
Former Russian general has new mission
Hospitals, surgeon offer to help boy
State tax cuts will be less for '99
Racist tag rejected in Anderson
Restrictions target illegal bingo
Balloonist shares his perspective at 300 feet
Drought keeps sprinklers in demand
Ex-officer's appeal says sentence racist
Fire kills disabled woman
Futuristic Sky Loop transit would complement light rail
Report: Ky. access to Internet among lowest
Residents aid river testing
GET TO IT
Pops concert unmasks 2 musical 'Phantoms'
Bids for new courthouse steps too high
Bush gains in Ohio GOP delegation
Child pornographer, 79, receives 10-year sentence
Court may pay for study of sewage plant
Edgewood clock could hail 2000
Gateways get spiffy thanks to $200 gifts
Glendale called to aid family
Grants make transportation easier
Man's death linked to cocaine abuse
More pools to be open in next heat emergency
Retirement center looking certain
School plan redone, awaits board's OK
TRISTATE DIGEST
Zoning goes to Supreme Court
