Thirty-two years ago when changes transpired in the Slavic world, SMS was extremely excited to assist brothers and sisters in Christ with proclaiming the Gospel. Finally, believers could have fellowship openly face to face with other believers in Slavic countries. Now, SMS could join in this participation. Funds were collected to build churches, to assist Christian ministries and to support national missionaries.

The Bible speaks of genuine fellowship among the people of God. Freely, churches here in the states can now participate and cooperate with churches there in Slavic countries. Accountability and appreciation are acknowledged, as SMS leadership here visits leadership there. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25). First of importance, fellowship is necessary in order to build a strong foundation for missions.

Secondly, in order for missions to continue to be spiritually successful, there must be fruitfulness in the lives of the missionaries and in the various methods of ministry. Interestingly, the book of Acts in the Bible covers a period of at least thirty years. There are many stories of fruitfulness, especially with individuals like the Ethiopian Eunuch, Paul, Lydia, the Philippian Jailer and Cornelius, as well as with groups of people consisting of 3,000 one day and 5,000 another day.

Most definitely, fruitfulness must continue with believers worldwide today. Jesus emphasized this important principle when He spoke to the disciples. “Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:5, 8).

Of course, sadness grips the heart by the events that have happened on the twenty-fourth of February 2022 in Ukraine. Many in the states are deeply concerned about their native people, family members and relatives. All believers should be fervently praying that a ceasefire of this terrible conflict will transpire soon.

Yet, it is remarkable what is happening with the national missionaries and believers in many countries overseas at this time. SMS has been working continually with national missionaries in Belarus, Moldova and Western Ukraine to assist in the efforts of humanitarian aid. Although this is a discouraging, dangerous and difficult time, opportunities to bear fruit for God abound.

These missionaries of SMS have been responsible not only for providing physical aid to many, many refugees but also for proclaiming the Gospel to people who have never heard the way of salvation. The missionaries have unique opportunities now to show the fruit of the Spirit. And many souls are finding peace “in repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).

SMS is grateful to God for the fellowship it has with national missionaries and praises God for the privilege to help the workers bear fruit for God. Even in tragedy, there can be fruit for God’s honor and glory!

Finally, God desires and requires His children to be faithful. From start to finish, the Christian must learn and live faithfully before God and before men. For over a year, a great amount of aid has been sent to SMS missionaries and believers in the Slavic world to help with the refugees and the needy. How important it is for Christian leaders and missionaries to be faithful with these resources.

Slavic Missionary Service has remarkable missionaries who are receiving assistance to help the refugees and are sending reports regularly. This accountability before God and man is an important part of faithfulness. Truly, every believer should desire one day to hear from God these delightful words: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things; I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:41).

Therefore, every Christian must remember the importance and necessity of fellowship, fruitfulness and faithfulness in life and service to God. Jesus Christ is coming again. And when we have glorious fellowship with Him face to face, may we be able to stand confidently before Him as faithful and fruitful servants.