Believer’s Baptism in the Slavic World

Alex Leononich, the director of SMS 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."

Volodimir Semchuk, SMS missionary, is grateful to the Lord Jesus for ministries that keep him active for God’s glory. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). Every week, Volodimir travels from Brody to Busk to preach in the church on Sunday and also to conduct the mid-week prayer service. Near the church is a hospice which takes cares of thirty individuals. On two occasions a small group from the church has been able to provide humanitarian aid for the patients, as well as preach, sing and share testimonies.

Also, a small team of believers were able to travel to an orphanage, located in New Milyatin, to present a special program to the children and the staff. Gifts were also provided to the children. During this time, with assistance from a German ministry, Volodimir and others were able to provide food for fifty needy families in the region. Not only were they able to provide physical food to these families, but also they were able to provide spiritual food from the Bible, as well as Christian poems, hymns and salvation testimonies.

Pray that God will continue to give Volodimir strength to accomplish the spiritual tasks that are set before him. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). And pray that the Holy Spirit will be able to freely work in the hearts of those individuals, both young and old, who have heard the way of salvation.

He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord..

Deuteronomy 8:3

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.”