Slavic Missionary Service

Pray daily for pastors in the Slavic countries (as well as your own) that they will have wisdom and power from God to preach the Word effectually and to care for all of the saints. Pray that the convicting power of the Holy Spirit will accompany the preaching of God’s Word throughout all lands. Ask God to stir up Christians to use their God-given freedom to the fullest advantage in making known everywhere the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “Freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).

The ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the child of God is to transform that person into Christ-likeness. One of the most important goals of the Holy Spirit is to help the believer to be faithful. “Faithful is He that calls you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Indeed, the very faithfulness of God demands faithfulness in His children. “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).

A servant may not necessarily be a steward. Some servants are given tasks to perform that do not call for great trust. But a steward is a servant whom his master trusts, because a great deal is committed to him. The steward stands side-by-side with the master and manages his affairs. He is entrusted with his master’s goods. It is most significant that Paul saw himself as a steward of God. He clearly understood that the one great quality that must be present in his life is faithfulness. “I thank Jesus Christ our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service” (1 Timothy 1:12).

The life of the missionary is the life of the servant. Many spiritual tasks are placed upon the shoulders of the missionary. With power from the Holy Spirit and direction from the Word of God, the missionary focuses on each task faithfully and fervently. Choices must be made, and the missionary must be faithful in his choices as a steward of God. While visiting workers of Slavic Missionary Service in Belarus and Transnistria, faithfulness was evident in various ministries.

Summer camps were being conducted in Drogichin, Saltanovka and Slonim, Belarus. Two teams from America and one team from Sweden assisted the national teams in each area with spiritual success. Faithfulness was seen in the volunteers, as they provided programs that exemplified the Christian life and exalted the Lord Jesus Christ.

Construction continues on the parking lot of the Resurrection Church in Borovliany, Belarus and on the facade of Grace Church in Bendery, Moldova. Faithfulness drives the leadership to complete these tasks in order that each congregation can worship and serve the Lord Jesus in multipurpose buildings.

The SMS missionary in Bendery is also the regional pastor in the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. Overseeing the churches in this republic (country) requires faithfulness and patience. A trip was scheduled for the interim director of Slavic Missionary Service to visit the leaders of many churches from one end of Transnistria territory to the other end. Speaking with each leader showed that they are saints “who are faithful in Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:1).

Also, fellowship with SMS missionaries, Bible studies with small groups and meetings with leadership revealed that God’s people in Belarus and Transnistria understand that God requires faithfulness in His children. It was clearly seen that the workers of SMS are using their gifts “as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). Therefore, continue to pray that the missionaries of SMS and the spiritual leaders of these countries “be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

Psalm 56:3-4

Never wait for the lost soul to approach you and ask about the way to salvation. He or she seldom comes. The method of our Lord Jesus was to seek the lost. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). All around us are opportunities to witness about “new life” in Christ, if the believer will allow the Holy Spirit to assist him in sharing that marvelous message. People should be given a choice. Pray that all of the SMS missionaries will present the Gospel to anyone who is willing to listen to the “Good News.”