He then asked what I did in Khabarovsk. I openly told him I was a �religious worker� under the invitation of the United Methodist Church. I explained that I work with the church and believers throughout the city, teaching the Bible without imposing doctrine. My goal is to bring the best of my country�s experience and success to the people of Russia to help them succeed in helping their communities and country. My relationship with the Ministry of Religious Affairs is in good standing and I obey the law faithfully in all my dealings. He smiled and asked no more questions. This was also unexpected.
It was truly amazing� the judge not only gave me ample time to tell all I had to say, he actually encouraged and helped me by introducing open-ended questions and gently nudging me through long pauses. All the while he eyes were soft and open. No one understood what was going on. But I knew.
I don�t remember every word, but I know all was disclosed and nothing left hidden. And not once did the judge challenge anything I said. Not one time! The only questions he and the prosecutor asked were about my living situation in the U.S. (unique at best) and how I received my income (also well outside their paradigm). I was able to answer both inquiries satisfactorily, with both of them making an effort to fit these strange concepts into their cultural paradigm. Again, I was not challenged, simply asked to explain until they understood.
