Dedication of the A. Leonovich Memorial Building

Alex Leononich, the director of Slavic Missionary Service from 1958 to 2013, wrote in his biography the following words concerning the need for continued prayer for Christians in the Slavic countries. "Multitudes of Russian believers prayed fervently and kept the faith, even under great persecution. Their greatest desire was to remain faithful to God in the place where He had put them. The need to pray for Slavic Christians has not evaporated because communism no longer reigns. While grateful for their new freedoms, Russian believers also recognize the potential problems which accompany liberty and ask for prayer to remain faithful to God even while enjoying greater freedom."

A place to worship, fellowship and promote the Gospel is so important to the Christian community. Slavic Missionary Service is honored to be a partner with the ministry of Bethany Church in Gomel, Belarus. The church is located near a park, and across the street is a huge sports center and stadium. Nearby public transportation makes the church easily accessible for members and visitors.

In memory of Alex Leonovich, the former director of SMS, a building adjacent to the church has been reconstructed and renovated. The building was dedicated on July 8, 2017 with leaders from the Belarus Baptist Union and friends from the United States attending the joyous celebration. Almost all of the national workers of Belarus were also able to attend the commemoration.

A youth choir from Uchashi, where Peter Lukashevich (SMS missionary) is pastor, provided the music, as well as special numbers from Alex Firisiuk (a SMS missionary), Kolodoschi, Belarus and Rob Zapotoski (SMS interim director), Ashford, Connecticut. Speakers from Belarus and the United States reminisced about the ministry of Alex Leonovich and encouraged the audience to follow his example of faithfulness and fortitude.

The building will be utilized for various activities such as small group studies, services for the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program, youth gatherings, and possibly a place to start new church plants. A small room will be dedicated to the history of Slavic Missionary Service with emphasis on the ministries of Alex Leonovich within his native homeland. Alex was born in Sopli, a village near Kobrin and served as director of SMS from 1958 to 2013.

And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

1 John 4:21

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.