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Pray that God will fill the Slavic believers with a hunger for His Word: "Desire the sincere milk of the Word" (1 Peter 2:2), and a spirit of prayer: "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Ask God to call many young men and women to serve Him sacrificially and sincerely in places of leadership. Pray that some will choose to serve in other Slavic countries as missionaries. Intercede for the Christian leadership in Eastern Europe that they will withstand the powers of darkness and remain stable in their spiritual roles. |
The English as a Second Language (ESL) courses in Minsk and Gomel, Belarus have concluded. Twenty teachers traveled from America to participate in the five-day program in Minsk, the capital of Belarus. Fourteen teachers traveled from America to participate in the nine-day program in Gomel, the second largest city in Belarus.
Opportunities to converse in English and learn new vocabulary, idioms and ideas causes many different types of people to enroll, including university students, professional individuals and even older people who have connections with English-speaking friends or family. 785 students completed the course in Minsk, while 415 students completed the course in Gomel.
Rob Zapotoski, SMS interim director, participated in both programs concentrating on those students who have very little knowledge of the English language. This year, Jim and Ann Leononich, SMS missionaries, also participated in the program in Gomel. Jim was delighted to work in his native land of Belarus. (His father was born near Kobrin, Belarus.)
Many of the teachers have opportunities to share personal experiences with their students, especially when communicating about personal career choices or American customs and culture. Most students benefit richly from the integral activities and lessons that encourage interaction with one another. Minsk has a population of 1,800,000 people. 515,000 reside in the city of Gomel.
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Pray that the Gospel will reach the millions in the Slavic countries that have not yet heard what Christ has done for them. Many small cities and towns still do not have an official place of worship. Ask God to help the Slavic churches be effective witnesses in their neighborhoods. Pray that souls will continue to be saved, baptized and discipled through the ministries of the church. Pray that the Holy Spirit powerfully and persistently will convict men of sin and lead many to believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. |
