Misha, Marusia, and Lena ran up and embraced me. We stood for a long time like that, clinging to each other, weeping and watching Mama’s grave fill up with dirt. We were four orphaned children with a future as uncertain as the swirling desert winds of this strange new country.
Vanya Iliyn’s formative years were spent on the move, traveling the far corners of the world—Russia, Central China, and the Americas—amid seemingly impossible hardships. His journey crossed the landscape of his heart as well. Orphaned and alone, Vanya could look only to God for protection, guidance, and grace. His remarkable story, written in his own words by his eldest son, Peter Iliyn, speaks to the power and majesty of God.
“As a documentary filmmaker, I have come across hundreds of interesting stories over the years. Very few have moved me like the epic and inspiring journey of Vanya Iliyn. I find it fascinating that, amidst the momentous events of World War II, God could be so taken up with the cause of a skinny orphan boy in China. But that is who He is.”
- George Otis, jr., president, The Sentinel Group
“I love spy stories—the danger, intrigue, and lots of adventure. Better yet, I love true stories with all the same elements. This book has them all! And underlying the intrigue and adventure in Russia and China is the story of God’s grace. You will have a hard time putting this book down!”
- Floyd McClung, international director, All Nations
“Out of the Far Corners is all you could wish for in a rip-roaring escape adventure. But Peter Iliyn has also given us a textbook for spiritual escape, as illustrated in young Vanya’s release from the bitterness that could have followed years of abuse and being misunderstood.”
- John Sherrill, roving editor, Guideposts magazine
“Out of the Far Corners is a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness that will bring the reader into a deeper love and commitment to our heavenly Father.”
- Dr. Jerry Rankin, president emeritus, International Mission Board, SBC
Peter Iliyn was born in Paraguay to parents who emigrated from Russia. Trained as an electrical engineer, he joined Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in 1976, ministering throughout the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and beyond. Currently Peter is the North American Director for YWAM. He and his wife Luba have four children and live in Jefferson, Oregon.
Pages: 256 (paperback)