Billy deferred the question to Dr. Alexandr Haraszti, a Hun-
garian Baptist who won Billy’s trust when they ministered
together behind the Iron Curtain in Hungary and Poland. Haraszti
spoke of a faithful remnant of Christians both within and without
the Orthodox church, whom Billy wanted to encourage. He
pointed out that Billy would be a positive force in relations
between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Dobrynin agreed to do
what he could.
Eventually, after long and complex negotiations, Communist
authorities gave a green light, with some conditions. Billy would
not be permitted to preach in any of Russia’s great stadiums, as he
had prayed in 1959, but he would be able to speak in both Baptist
and Orthodox churches. There was just one catch: he would also
be expected to participate in a gathering called “The World Con-
ference of Religious Workers for Saving the Sacred Gift of Life from
Nuclear Catastrophe.” That was a problem. Despite the noble-
sounding purpose and religious sponsorship, such meetings were
infamous for being Communist-manipulated, anti-American pro-
paganda events. How could he participate and give his implied
endorsement to such a farce? The Reagan administration and his
conservative supporters back home would surely be opposed.
Billy agonized over the decision. Two years before, the U.S.
had boycotted the summer Olympics in Moscow to protest the
Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. President Ronald Reagan had
delivered hard-line addresses and would soon use the “Evil
Empire” phrase to describe the Soviet system. Would Billy be
undermining his country?
When Billy asked their advice, Allan Emery and George Ben-
nett counseled him not to go, believing the risk to his reputation
was too great if the Soviets used him for political gain. In contrast,
Haraszti adamantly said he should go, arguing that “the Lord has
opened the door, and we must enter the door.” Haraszti pointed
out that if Billy’s reputation suffered, it wouldn’t compare to the
sufferings of Russian Christians. He urged Billy to take the long
view: “You must not jeopardize the ten years to come. This is the
beginning.... This will be your first coming to the Soviet Union
Summoning Courage