In his last year at University, Stas Gritsenko (photo, right), a student at the Moscow University of Culture, failed his examinations and was desperately trying to find a way not to be expelled. He came up with an idea to make a fake paper, saying he had been sick during exams. One morning, he went to the Dean with this paper. He couldn't know that it would be this paper that would save him.

That morning, Igor Fedorov, feeling inspired after a deep Bible study, went to the University to share his faith. At one of the classrooms, he met Stas. They started to talk. Igor found out that Stas believed in God. As they continued talking, Stas told him about the difficult situation with his exams and how he was going to resolve it. Using scriptures, Igor showed Stas that deceit is a sin. Stas was bewildered. What should he do now? Igor encouraged him to be honest and trust God. At that moment it didn't mean much to Stas. He was in fear. He went to the Dean and gave him the paper. The Dean did not accept it, as it had no seal proving its authenticity.

That evening, Igor and Stas met again to study the Bible and to find a right way out from the situation. It was hard for Stas to accept what Igor was trying to explain to him through the Bible. God's Word was breaking his stereotypes. Stas could not understand how God could change the situation through his honesty. Next morning, after studying the Bible on discipleship with Igor, Stas went to the Dean and told him the truth. The Dean appreciated his sincerity, but told Stas that either he would bring a sealed paper or he would be expelled. Stas was even in greater fear and confusion. Where is the way out which was promised? But Igor encouraged him to pray and stay faithful.

On Monday morning, Igor and Stas met again and prayed together. It helped Stas to entrust this situation to God. He got rid of his fake paper giving it to Igor and they went together to the Dean's office. When the secretary saw Stas, she said that the Dean was out and that right at that moment she was typing the order about Stas' expulsion from the University.

Igor noticed that the deputy Dean was also in the office. Some time earlier she helped Igor write his diploma, and he knew that she believed in God and would be able to help Stas somehow. Stas went to talk to her, while Igor was standing in front of the door and praying. Several minutes later, he saw the Dean in the corridor. Since Igor knew that the deputy Dean could influence the Dean's decision, Igor kept fervently praying that Stas would have enough time to explain himself. On his halfway to the office the dean was approached by someone who asked him a question. They talked for several minutes giving Stas some precious minutes. Then the Dean continued his way. Igor felt God was trying his faith. He prayed with tears for God's mercy. The Dean turned to the office right next to his one. A few minutes later he came out and entered his own office this time.

Nobody showed up for a long time. Finally the door opened wide and he saw Stas. He face was shining--he was allowed to have reexamination. Exhausted, Igor slipped down on the bench and said, "Remember this day. You have just seen the work of God...."

In a few days Stas got baptized. At his baptism, Igor presented him with his fake paper as a memento and as a reminder of the power of God who "... is like a shield for those who live with integrity, to guard the paths of the righteous and to protect the way of his righteous ones" (Proverbs 2:7-8).