A Baptismal service was held in the small town of Shablikino, Russia during the summer. Seven candidates were baptized during this special celebration: three from the Evangelical Baptist Church in Shablikino and four from Grace Church in Oryol. The fellowship between these two churches truly reveals the unity that God can bring to faithful believers who seek to honor and glorify His Son, Jesus Christ. "And all those who believed were together, and had all things in common" (Acts 2:44).

Former SMS missionaries, Peter Kravchuk and Victor Mekshinov, led the baptismal ceremony and worship service. Both have emigrated from Russia to America, but they continue to serve their native land in various ways. Peter and his wife, Tamara, have been assisting the summer camping program in Bryansk, Russia for the last few years, and Victor has been raising funds to complete the new building of Grace Church in Oryol, Russia.

God continues to build His church in the Slavic countries, as well as throughout the world. Slavic Missionary Service is grateful that He chooses His children to assist in this amazing service and provides special gifts to accomplish His plan. Until His church is complete, may God help us to "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).