Former Russian Maj. Gen. Vyacheslav Ivanovich Borisov will speak next week at Crestwood Christian Church, 11750 Eddie & Park Road.

Borisov, who served as deputy chief commander of the Soviet Union’s 100,000 combat troops in Russia’s war with Afghan-istan, will speak at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28. A free-will offering will be received.

Borisov was a feared military strong man and Communist leader. Considered the architect of Armageddon, he was given the code name: “General War” and a $1.5 million reward was offered for his execution.

During a combat operation in the Panjshere Mountains he was in a helicopter with 12 men on board. The helicopter was shot down and was falling into the mountains. As he was facing death, Borisov re-membered the words of Christian soldiers whom he had persecuted throughout the years of service. The Russian general, who had never held a Bible in his hands, prayed his first prayer as the helicopter was plunging into the side of a mountain. In a news release, Borisov recalled, “My prayer was: ‘Dear God, if you exist save me and I will use my life for you.'”

It took six months for Borisov to recover from the crash. He has retired from military service and since his conversion Borisov has led 21 Russian generals to become believers in Christ and helped to build four chapels of worship for Russian soldiers.

Borisov travels all over the world preaching the Gospel and recently returned from South Korea, where he took part in the baptism of more than 2,500 South Korean soldiers. He also spoke twice at the Pentagon and ministered to more than 60,000 at the Promise Keepers gathering in Dallas, Texas.