Tribute to Max

I called him Dad. And that was not a figure of speech. Max loved me like his own son.

How we met

We met at the International church of Saint Petersburg, Russia in 1995. A mutual friend introduced us, and Max approached me with a question that seemed strange at first : "Would you like to be my door?" Puzzled, I asked for an explanation, and in response Max said, that like apostle Paul asked and trusted God for open doors:

"... pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ..."
(Colossians 4:3).

He also prayed and was trusting God for open doors for the gospel—a few young men who would know English, be willing to learn what he had to offer and pass it forward into Russian culture. And right there he gave me a taste of what I could learn—"The Bridge" illustration of the gospel. I was fascinated and readily responded with a solid "yes!"

Being discipled

We started to meet weekly for a meal and a Bible study, and over the time I learned:
- to spend time with God;
- to memorize key passages of Scripture;
- to share my faith using my 3 minutes testimony and "The Bridge" illustration;
- to minister by asking questions and actively listening;
- to notice opportunities and serve.

Being equipped

Besides it was useful for me when we talked way in advance about how to love my future wife and raise kids. Both Max and his wife Dawn were very resourceful—having five kids who were a great and vivid example for me to learn from. I observed the family operating like a team.

Dawn and her daughters also helped me to learn to cook and bake, shared their field-proven recipes which I used when invited people over or visiting.

Being loved

Max also became my barber and cut my hair regularly. And not only mine: being a professional barber, every now and then he would cut the hair of the local community of co-laborers—that was his ministry to many, along with the snacks and fellowship provided by the family.

When I struggled with obedience to God, Max and Dawn prayed for me and spent hours talking over the possible consequences, encouraged me to be obedient to God and do what I knew God was calling me to do. That helped me immensely and kept me out of trouble, prepared me for my future life mate, blessings and ministry together.

I am forever grateful to God for the impact Max, Dawn and their family made on me, my family and those I seek to influence for God's sake.

Thank you, Dad, for loving me like your own son.

Your "door".