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Cornerstone Communications
Moldova
February 27, 2005

Dear Friends & Family,

Greetings from Port Elizabeth, South Africa! What a week this has been! This one is set to go down as one of the "more interesting" weeks in my life! I praise the Lord that He "moved mountains" to make my release a possibility! I apologize IN ADVANCE for the length of this letter! Let me chronicle the events:

Sunday, February 20

I had gotten word from the American Embassy that the Ambassador had been contacted, and would move on my behalf. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also at work in this situation. Because of this, my trial went from March 9, suddenly to February 21!

Even so, I chose to spend the time ministering as much as I could. I drove with Pastor Victor and his praise and worship team to Ungheni, and I preached there. This is the church who is hosting the next production of "The Judgment Seat" next week…. February 26 & February 27. We're believing for hundreds of new salvations.

Last Sunday, I preached in Ungheni, and today, Ungheni, and the original Moldovan cast is presenting JS again, and we're believing for hundreds to be saved this weekend!

Monday, February 21

I couldn't sleep. I somehow KNEW that the Lord was going to do something, so I woke up at 1:30 a.m., and prayed and tried to go to sleep all night. I was up early, and had my quiet time. We went to the courthouse and met my lawyer, the prosecution, and the witnesses. My lawyer had always said, "You're innocent, and we can have your case dismissed because there was no qualified interpreter there, so how could you know what was happening?" I was so confident in our defense, and we had gone over it several times.

On the way into the judge's court, he said, "When they ask you how you plead, just say ‘Guilty'". WHAT??? Now, we're standing before the judge, and she was looking me over. We began, and through my friend, Pastor Sasha, she asked, "How do you plead?" I said, "Guilty". I felt like I had been betrayed, but nonetheless, my trial had begun.

To my surprise, the prosecution, Nicolae Tricolici, treated me with the utmost respect, and asked me the most wonderful questions: "What time was it when all this happened?" "5 a.m." I answered. "So in fact, you were sleepy, and didn't intentionally mean to not declare the money, and would've under normal circumstances?" I answered, "Yes". And so went his amazing argument! It wasn't to condemn, but to "protect" me! This had to be the Lord answering the thousands of prayers on my behalf!

Then came the witnesses, the Custom's Agents. I was sure they were going to taint their side to make me appear to be a criminal. On the contrary! The first one, said, "He was very peaceful and polite, and even though we couldn't understand each other, he was fully cooperative. He handed me the money, and did not, in fact, hide it" The second witness said the same thing. "He was very nice, and although clearly upset, very kind for a foreigner in his situation. I'm sure he didn't mean to not declare it." And so it went!

The judge called for a recess, and after some time, called us back in, and declared me "Guilty-so that the $1700 will remain in the custody of the state", BUT "Not Guilty- for unintentionally not declaring the funds." I would be freed immediately! Better still, any charges would be dropped on all levels, and the court would erase all charges, so that, as the judge put it, "You would someday return to Moldova, as you are welcome anytime."

Now came the race! We had 3 hours to get my passport before Immigration closed at 5 p.m. We ran all over the city getting papers signed, stamped, paying for an assortment of legal fees and getting the right paperwork, we headed for Immigration at 4 p.m. They said, "You need to get Prosecution to sign a letter, take it to the court, and wait 15 days for it to arrive, and bring it to us, then we'll release his passport." NO WAY!

We were disheartened, and went to Mr. Tricolici, who was so good to me in court. He welcomed us, and when we requested this letter, he said, "Give me the telephone number to Immigration." He called them, and said, "This is ridiculous. This poor man has suffered at our hands for 3 weeks for this ridiculous accusation. As one man to another, I personally attest to his help to our country. I will personally give you my word that he is a good man, and should be given his passport immediately. Now, what do you want from me to release it?"

I couldn't believe my ears. He became my hero! Thank you, Lord, for the Prosecutor, Nicolae Tricolici! He quickly typed the letter, and we ran to Immigration, with 10 minutes to spare. However, Immigration said, "You need to pay for the visa". We said, "Fine." They said, "No, you must go to the bank, pay $10 for the visa extension, and another fee, $20 for the expediting process" We have to wait until tomorrow to get… maybe… just maybe……….. my passport, unless they came up with some additional barriers.

In spite of the oppression, Moldova has a unique beauty all it's own.

Tuesday, February 22

Early Tuesday we went to the bank, got the fees and the papers necessary. We went to Immigration, and upon giving them the papers, they said, "Come back tomorrow, and we will have the visa ready." NO! Another man, however, intervened, and said, "Give me the passport, and the documents." He said, "Let me just do it right here. Please sit down", and he proceeded to handwrite the visa, instead of waiting to get another visa, and he stamped it to make it official. I had my passport and new visa!

Typical of Moldova, the problems were STILL not over. Now, I was told, I had to register. Because I was officially registered in Nisporeni, another town, I would have to drive there and get registered! The lines were long, and we begged the people to please let me cut in line, and not wait the necessary 4 hours in line. Amazingly, although not enthusiastically, they did. I got my registration for the extension!

Now, we raced back to Kishenau, the capital, and bought my new ticket to Budapest! I dashed home, threw everything in the luggage, and raced for the airport! I got there, and there was the Customs Agent, the man who testified FOR me. He shook my hand, and as they wanted to search me, he told them, "Let him go". I went to check my bags, then had to pay Excess Baggage fees for being 4 kilos over. No grace here. Another search, but praise the Lord, they found nothing. Passport control. They looked hard at my documents, but everything was in order. Reluctantly, they gave me back my passport. I have 5 minutes to get to my plane now. Then, another search! Oh, man! They searched me again, and found nothing. Praise the Lord.

I got on the plane, so desperate, and so afraid. Communism works best by scaring the people. If they have a gift, it's to instill fear in the people. It works, too. I was terrified that I was somehow doing something illegal, and got on the plane, a propeller plane, and we taxied, and as we because airborne, I burst into tears. I was off Moldovan ground!

I landed in Budapest several hours later, and was so afraid to speak to anyone. I went to Air France, and expected the "Moldovan treatment" for which I had become accustomed to- to make life as absolutely hard on people as possible. I asked to buy a new ticket to South Africa. They were smiling and polite. "Sure! When?" I said, "Today?" They said, "Of course. The price is $3800. However, we see you were supposed to fly yesterday, so we'll charge you the same… $1200" I was numb to their wonderful kindness. I didn't think I deserved to be treated so wonderfully.

They swiped my card, and I prayed that there were sufficient funds. After a little time, the ticket agent said, "Sir, I'm sorry, but…………" My heart sank. How would I live in Budapest? I started to panic. I'm spiritually drained, and don't have any faith left. I'm operating on the prayers of the saints right now. She continued, "…… I'm sorry, but our computer won't let me swipe."! She said, "Let me go to a different computer." She did, and came back and said, "Okay, here's your ticket. Enjoy your flight!" Hallelujah!

No one was as happy as me to on the plane bound for Paris! I arrived, and desperately looked for an Internet Club. I found one, but the keys worked terribly. No matter, I typed out a quick note, "I Am Free!!!!" I boarded, and flew on to South Africa!

Beautiful summer weather here in Port Elizabeth. I pose with pastors and friends Jimmy and Marianna Crompton

Wednesday, February 23

I landed late in the day, and was so surprised at how tropically warm it was here! What a contrast, from waist high snow, to stifling heat! It was so beautiful, though! I was exhausted, but so excited. I came to the home of Pastors Jimmy and Mariana Crompton, who were like my mom and dad, and just loved me! I hadn't slept in sometime, so I crashed early.

Thursday, February 24

We're desperately behind on this show, and the only way to keep from canceling is to get started NOW! I worked with the Minister of Music, Fenlin Petie, and friend and worship leader, Jeff Latham to prepare for auditions tonight. We saw lots of actors and singers.

Friday, February 25

We met with the set construction team who will bid on the project. We started making scripts, tapes, etc. to prepare for the first rehearsal tomorrow. I'm keenly aware that I have been no where near the internet for almost a week. But no time now. We've got to "launch this boat." We had more auditions, and had lots of actors and singers.

Saturday, February 26

We begin rehearsals, and I call for a 12 hour day of rehearsals. However, after Hour 8, I lost my voice, so we had to cancel the rest of the day. We've begun, though, and everyone is excited about the new show!

Sharing this morning with the church here in Port Elizabeth, South Africa about my detainment, and consequent ministry in Moldova over the last 2 months.

Sunday, February 27

I spoke in church this morning, as everyone burst into applause when I entered the sanctuary! They had been praying for my release, and now were so surprised to see me! God has been so good to have so many kind people come up and love on me. I have needed it desperately.

That's IT!

Please forgive me for going on and on, but I have so many questions asking me all that occurred, that I felt this was the only way I could answer everyone's questions! Several wrote me and said, "I'll bet you'll never return back to Moldova!" As a matter of fact, I WILL RETURN. Why? Am I a "glutton for punishment" as one person said? No. The fact that Moldova is so atheistic and communistic and so hardened and corrupt is direct evidence of their lack of a Savior, who's name is Jesus Christ! True, in Moldova, we're plowing up cold, rock-hard dirt, with little fruit to show for it. However, I have been there for almost 2 months now, and I see a Moldova differently. I see with the eyes of the spirit. Someday, Moldova will have a tremendous revival, and the Holy Spirit will have free reign. But we must work now, to let as many know about Jesus Christ.

BY THE WAY……

Last night, and tonight we are presenting "The Judgment Seat" in Ungheni, Moldova! Even though I'm gone from Moldova, the ministry continues, and souls will continue to come to Christ for months and months to come! During the time I was there, we drew out a plan to continue to present evangelical outreaches through this production. So, I may be gone, but because of my detainment, we had time to develop a strategy to reach all Moldova for Christ!

Special Thanks

I will always be eternally grateful to Andrew Paul and his personal assistant, Aurelia at the American Embassy in Kishenau for all their help. Also, to all those at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I'm thankful. I praise the Lord for Nicolae Tricolici, to whom I presented a box of chocolates for his kindness on my behalf. To my two precious brothers, Pastors Victor Antoci and Sasha Bragari and their wives and children for being so kind to me and ministering to me during this detainment. I'm grateful to YOU, my dear friends and family, who have loved me, prayed for me and encouraged me when I was at my lowest. I'll always be grateful to you. Lastly, and most of all, I thank our wonderful friend and Lord, Jesus Christ, for moving on so many hearts, especially mine, during this time. I'll always serve You, my King and Friend.

For the Kingdom,
Richard Montez