Connecting Believers
In hosting radio conversations for more than 25 years, the story of Ion (“E’ won”) Cheptene (“Cap’ tan”) likely stands within the top ten as being the most unusual.
Five radio segments (of about 10-minutes each) with Ion were recorded. The first two of the five segments can be hard here. You will be amazed!
Segment 1
Segment 2
Major points in Ion’s story:
· Born in Moldova, a former Soviet “block” nation in eastern Europe;
· Drafted into the Russian army and did spying against a USA military base in Germany.
· Achieved the “black belt” status in the martial art of Taekwondo; his son a world champion. (Learn more at www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taekwondo)
· Went to Moscow and formed his own mafia cell.
· Heard that Jesus was a great leader, so he obtained a Bible to read about and learn from Jesus … so he could be a better mafia leader;
· Greatly moved upon reading about Jesus’s death on the cross … and additionally impacted by Jesus prayer for forgiveness for those killing him;
· Turned to Jesus in saving faith;
· Witnessed to and discipled many of his mafia and martial arts followers;
· Used “Precept” Bible study materials in the Bible groups Ion and his followers led;
· Further used sports as a means of witness and discipleship;
· In coming to St. Louis, introduced the concept of the “Cup of Nations” (www.cupofnations.com) soccer tournament. Local believers affirmed the vision and put it into action. Its purpose is to build relationships with local ethnic groups as a ministry to advance the Gospel of Jesus. The St. Louis, Mo “Cup of Nations” tournament was, I understand, only the second such tournament in the USA. followed by the first one in Houston, Texas. About the St. Louis tournament, Ion confirmed that: “I planted, others in St. Louis watered, but God gave the increase!”
· Skilled in relating to Muslims using the “Isa” (Jesus) passages in the Koran, frequently visiting mosques using non-combative dialogue with them.
· To contact Ion and learn more of his ministry, visit his International Leadership Training website address is www.iltonline.org.
