Podcast

Pastor Vasiliy Skorykh
Pastor Vasiliy Skorykh

Pastor Vasiliy Skorykh is the Founder and Senior Pastor of Answer in Jesus Ministries, a global ministry dedicated to evangelism, church planting, leadership development, and outreach in nations where people face spiritual and practical needs. Born into a Christian family in the former Soviet Union, Vasiliy experienced religious persecution firsthand as the son of an underground pastor. In 1995, he and his wife, Olga, came to the United States as refugees with their faith and a calling to share the Gospel. Today, Pastor Vasiliy leads international ministry efforts across many nations, bringing hope to people through preaching, missions, and church planting.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

  • [3:25] Vasiliy Skorykh shares his experience growing up in the underground church in Soviet Russia 
  • [10:35] A child’s perspective on living under the constant threat of the secret police
  • [15:14] How Christian radio broadcasts helped spark a global ministry vision
  • [22:47] Arriving in America as refugees with nothing but faith and purpose
  • [28:05] God’s provision through unexpected connections in launching Answering Jesus ministry 
  • [36:09] Unexpected connections that opened doors for ministry in Vietnam and Asia
  • [41:09] Encouragement for overcoming fear and boldly following God’s calling

In this episode…

What would you do if following your faith could cost you your safety, freedom, or future? Imagine growing up where worship happened in secret, and every gathering could be discovered at any moment. When faith becomes survival, courage, and hope under pressure, what kind of calling can emerge?

According to Pastor Vasiliy Skorykh, a global ministry leader raised in the underground church, fear loses its power when people learn to trust that Jesus is with them in danger. He reflects on growing up in the Soviet Union as the son of an underground pastor, watching faith carried through secret meetings, persecution, and the uncertainty of whether his father would come home. His story shows how obedience, godly connections, and unexpected provision can turn hardship into a calling that reaches far beyond one country.

In this episode of the Align & Abide podcast, Dr. Kim Tran is joined by Pastor Vasiliy Skorykh, Founder and Senior Pastor of Answer in Jesus Ministries, for a conversation about faith under persecution and building ministry through adversity. He shares his upbringing in the underground church, God’s provision as a refugee, and leading church-planting work across multiple nations. He also talks about overcoming fear and staying faithful when the future feels uncertain.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments

  • “God will go with you wherever you go. He will never leave you, and He will bless you.”
  • “When we had nothing, our faith taught us to rely completely on God.”
  • “Sometimes God’s direction becomes so clear — it’s like He lights the path right in front of you.”
  • “If God can make a way in communist Russia, imagine what He can do when He opens a door for you.”
  • “I simply prayed, ‘Jesus, help me,’ and watched situations change in ways I never expected.”

Action Steps

  1. Strengthen your faith through prayer and Scripture: Spending consistent time with God builds resilience, clarity, and peace during seasons of fear, uncertainty, and hardship.
  2. Build strong, faith-filled relationships: Surrounding yourself with godly mentors, friends, and community can provide encouragement, wisdom, and unexpected opportunities during difficult seasons.
  3. Take steps of faith even when afraid: Many breakthroughs happen only after choosing obedience over comfort and trusting God in unfamiliar situations.
  4. Serve others with compassion and generosity: Simple acts of kindness, encouragement, and service can bring hope to people around you while deepening your own sense of purpose.
  5. Stay adaptable and willing to grow: Embracing change, learning new skills, and remaining open to feedback can turn challenging transitions into opportunities for growth and greater impact.

Sponsor for this episode:

This episode is brought to you by Minnesota Family Chiropractic, a wellness clinic founded and led by Dr. Kim Tran. 

Dedicated to helping patients find lasting relief and vibrant health through chiropractic care, nutrition, and functional medicine, Minnesota Family Chiropractic is on a mission to transform lives — physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

Its Signature Wellness System focuses on whole-person care to address the root causes — not just the symptoms — so you can get back to living fully.

Ready to start your path toward better health? Visit MinnesotaFamilyChiropractic.com or call (612) 545-5672 to schedule your consultation and experience integrative, patient-centered care.

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