Beginning Tomorrow Today - By Timothy Sherman

Food was scarce and all essentials for life were bartered among the hierarchy o fthe prisoners. Even the guards were involved. There was also the black market of supplies that were acquired by having favor with the crooked and only occasionally compassionate guards. Survivalists were hustling. The criminal underground and the freedom resistance were closely guarding their identities and were almost impossible to detect. They checked me out. The Holy Spirit revealed some of them to me in dreams and by the discerning of spirits. When I asked my close friends about this they confirmed the fuller picture o f these courageous souls for freedom. Only God could have kept me hidden with the genius He gave to the prisoners in preserving my life during my covert stay. This Russian prison revival spread to prayerfully handpicked prisoners. We were highly secretive in dealing with those chosen in dividuals, especially in the beginning stages. The Spirit had to show us those who were safe to entrust with this gospel of the Kingdom of God. Many would be quick to expose us and eventually some did. The excitement and the freedom of the joy of the Lord were increas ingly difficult to hide. Acts of love were also difficult to hide which caused suspicion and persecution toward all who were recognized as believers. This only fanned the flames of passion for Jesus and of His love for this underground church community o f prisoners, these bondslaves of Christ. Healings and miracles, visions and prophetic dreams, and awareness of angelic activity were all at work. The clash between the opposing kingdoms of darkness and light became evident through the increase of persecutions. At all times we had to gauge the free dom of our own hearts. Demons holding some captive were exposed, and when directed by the Lord, we took authority over them and cast them out in Jesus' name. Godly counsel was given, often bring ing freedom and joy. A very few of the prison guards were giving us favor, sometimes even showing us kindness. Love can conquer ha tred, and joy is often contagious. A soft answer can turn away wrath. 37