Gospel Expedition

Vladimir Skovpen is one of the four expedition team leaders. He is a wonderful Christian brother, very friendly and open, who is very diligent in the Lord’s cause.

He used to be a very prominent bicyclist. In 1980 he won the USSR championship. But the same year he ended his sports career due to a reason strange to many — he did it for the sake of his faith. But years later, his bicycling experience became a vehicle to proclaim his faith — Vladimir is one of the initiators of this original way of outreach — missionary bike rallies. He speaks about his life and ministry…

I grew up in the atheistic time, when rights of believers were restricted, when faith in God was considered old-fashioned and even criminal. My parents were evangelicals, and that is why I felt the atmosphere of prejudices around me since my childhood. They spoke about us as unreliable people.

I was tired of mockery from other kids and being beaten up. In order to improve my situation and show other people that I am normal and reliable, I began to go in for sports. Then they left me alone.

I became a professional sportsman – a racing cyclist. I reached many things, won in various rallies, even the USSR championship and became a Master of sports. Gradually I began to realize that all these competitions led me to nowhere. The life I lived was attractive on one side. On the other side it was full of dangers and hardships. But the main thing was that it did not give satisfaction to my soul, which used to be in fellowship with God in my childhood.

I had many adventures in my life then, and they made me to stop and think how to go on living. I was hurt badly many times and spent time in intensive therapy for days. I knew that I had to go back home like a prodigal son. January 1, 1981, I came back to the UECB church, where again I heard the voice of God in my heart, who called me back to Himself.

That became the day of my repentance, the day of my new birth. Many years have passed since — 30 years — since my turn from darkness to the light, from the power of Satan to the power of God. Now I serve the Lord and belong to Him fully, as He paid the price of His life for me.