Having an opportunity to meet with Alex Leonovich, the director of Slavic Missionary Service was truly a tremendous blessing! This man, who has lived a long life of many experiences and many difficulties, did not cease to repeat the words of the Apostle Paul to us: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).
After arriving to America to share missionary reports during the month of February, we immediately traveled to the home of Alex Leonovich, for a brief conversation over a cup of tea. He was overjoyed to fellowship with a couple from Belarus who has been supported by SMS for many years. Immediately, Alex began to share stories from his own life of ministry. "If I had the chance to live life over again, I would not change a single thing," he proclaimed over and over.
He reminisced about his relationship with his wife and encouraged us to serve the Lord faithfully with one heart. What fills the heart of man is what that man communicates the most! The Word of God poured from the lips of Alex, as he related to us many personal stories. "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief" (Mark 9:24). Alex was amazed how the Lord had helped SMS accomplish many spiritual projects in the past and how He continues to assist SMS to reach the Slavic world. He acknowledged that God deserves all the glory, because "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
"Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example" (Philippians 3:17). As we departed from that meeting, we could safely say that Brother Leonovich truly has lived his life for Christ. And he continues to live that great example for "younger" servants like us!
Valera and Irina Beza
Slonim, Belarus
