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 importance of the home is recognized in almost every civilized culture. An atmosphere of the love of God and His Word in the home will certainly cultivate a desire to be “wise unto salvation” (2 Timothy 3:14-15). A well-ordered Christian home will help everyone to behave “in the Lord” at all times.

The old term “family altar” has lost its significance in today’s world. Because of progress in technology, travel and medical treatments, the pace of life has accelerated. There seems to be no time to gather together to meet, eat or entreat one another with important information, instruction or intimacy.

The relationship between parents and children is a solemn, God-given responsibility. Instruction, direction and discipline are mandatory to assist a child in growth toward God and in understanding to put Christ “first” in all things. The family altar is that place in the home where everyone assembles together to worship God as a unit. It is a specific time that guides all members to focus on God. Bible reading, study and prayer are practiced by the participants; and blessings are shared concerning the benefits and manifold mercies of Jesus Christ.

During this devotional time with the family, young participants learn that there is a Creator who is concerned with all areas of the Christian’s life. They learn about the consequences of sin and the need of a Savior who can “cleanse from all sin” (1 John 1:7). The family altar is that time that helps each individual to grow in their faith in God. Financially and physically, Christian parents sacrifice to give their children special opportunities to advance in life; but most importantly, Christian parents must saturate their homes spiritually with godly principles that children will never forget.

Pray for the SMS missionaries that their family units will be “strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). Pray that the parents will be proper role models of Christian character and that the children will be “obedient” (Luke 2:51) and will “honor” (Ephesians 6:2) their parents in the Lord. And may God help those individuals that have been born into happy holy homes to share that love and tranquility to those who have never experienced the “family altar.”

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."

Isaiah 40:8

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.”