Alex Leonovich, the executive director of Slavic Missionary Service from 1958 to 2013, was a missionary from head to toe. His "hands-on" approach created in the mission a "family spirit." He desired that all workers serve together to advance the Great Commission with their God-given callings. Since Alex could not travel overseas anymore due to his age, some of the missionaries were able to visit him in his home in New Jersey. Over the last few years, Rob Zapotoski, International Field Coordinator, was able to bring missionaries from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus to Alex's kitchen table for encouragement and exhortation. (Rob Zapotoski has been appointed as the Interim Director during this transitional time.)
During each visit Alex would hear specific stories about the ministries of the missionaries. Gratitude would pour from the lips of each missionary for the financial and spiritual support that SMS was sending to assist their families, churches and various other projects. Alex would always praise God for this wonderful partnership, but he would also say that he wished that SMS could do more. Before each of the missionaries left his home, Alex put "something" in their hands so that they could purchase something they needed during their stay in the states.
Each missionary would comment that the example of Alex Leonovich will never be forgotten. And many were amazed that this "mature" man still wanted to serve God in an active way. Retirement from God's work never crossed the mind of this SMS director.
SMS is grateful for the legacy that Alex has left for each worker to emulate. The staff of SMS desires to continue this same "spirit" in the ministries of SMS and trusts that each supporter will continue to assist us both here in the states and beyond, especially in the Slavic countries. May we press forward together in fervent faith to accomplish the ministries that He has placed before us!
Monetary contributions can be made in memory of Alex Leonovich to SMS PO Box 307, South River, NJ 08882.
You can also donate online:
Check out the life of Alex in pictures by clicking below.
Flickr
hhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/94233947@N08/sets/72157633024479667/show/
YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd9tgBdZFos
