Russia, dark Russia, Land of sorrow, sin and night;
No Christ, no Saviour, and no gospel light.
I have seen the vision, and for self I cannot live;
Life is less than worthless till my all I give.
Hark! They are calling - I can hear them night and day,
Moaning and dying - let me haste away.
Weary, tired and hopeless, groping still in darkest night;
To my sad, lost Russia, I must take the light.
Millions are dying - I can hear thier bitter wail;
How dare I face them if to help I fail?
Can I let them perish? Souls for whom the Saviour died?
Live in ease and comfort, while they are denied?
No one to tell them of a dying Saviours love;
No one to point them to the life above.
Then, farewell, dear homeland, I must break each tender tie,
And to Russia hasten, there to live or die.
Russia, dark Russia, I am going now to thee;
Russia, lost Russia, taking Christ with me.
Pastor Basil Molof
(1883-1957)
