Challenges • Choices • Changes

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.

In every believer's life, three words play an important part in impacting the course of life. When difficulties arrive, when a dilemma dampers one's direction, when a decision determines dire consequences if not deterred, the challenge, the choice and the change can make all the difference!

Challenges face the Christian community continually. With the economy in decline, leadership in disarray and the emotions of everyone in dismay, one must not forget that our God is still in control. Slavic Missionary Service is grateful to all our supporters for their continued effort to carry on the work, especially concerning our national workers.

And challenges are necessary for growth and guidance. Facing challenges "head-on" allows our faith to mature and flourish. Challenges help us to make right choices. Because Slavic Missionary Service chooses to function modestly and maintains an atmosphere of "faith," the opportunities for ministry have not decreased or diminished. On the contrary, they continue to be maintained with confidence. Gratitude can only be expressed for our dedicated donors who choose to give to the Slavic work sacrificially and systematically.

Regarding this amazing stability, SMS has not had to change its commitment in supporting its national workers. Of course, changes will have to be implemented as inflation and instability affects everyone world-wide. And SMS is ready to combat any change that may be necessary in the future.

Every new choice will bring change! And how we sometimes cower when called to change. Change is good if it furthers the Gospel, if it generates greater service, if it guarantees glory given only to God. Changes in an aggressive and antagonistic world cause our missionaries to adjust ministry accordingly. A mature generation acknowledges that change in certain areas is necessary to reach the next generation for Christ's sake. Correct changes will always complement Christianity and cause Christians to consider the consequences of worldly appetites, apathy, arrogance or alienation.

Determined to labor until the Lord comes for His church, SMS understands that new challenges, choices and changes will confront each one of God's children. Therefore, as we call upon the Lord in 2014 with contrite hearts, may He help us to rely upon the Scriptures, the Spirit and the strength that He has given in order to succeed in this world and the world to come! "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us" (Romans 8:37).

Rob Zapotoski

Interim Director
Slavic Missionary Service

One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14

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.