Pray for SMS Workers

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."

The child of God possesses an amazing grace to be allowed to cooperate with God in intercession for the economy of God and the execution of His will. In close union through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians participate with Christ in His great ministry as Intercessor. Christ, the head of the church, is seated at the right hand of the Father; and so, the church is seated in the heavenly realms as well in the person of Christ. Jesus has all authority in heaven and in earth, and He has given the privilege of claiming that authority to the church through His promises.

Christ is the life of the church. The life of the believer is now Christ-centered not self-centered. God has given the church the ministry of reconciliation and has made each Christian an ambassador for Christ. Being a representative of Christ calls for a life that is worthy of Him. Through prayer the church receives power to carry on its work. As believers pray for all men, for authorities and for fellow believers, God’s work can advance throughout the world.

Therefore, beseech God to save many souls throughout the world. He is “not willing than any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9). God gave His only Son to die for the sins of the world; and He sent His Holy Spirit to convict the world of sin, because He would “have all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4).

Pray for all in authority that freedom to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ may be allowed in every country of the world. Thank God for sustaining His faithful workers on many mission fields, including the home field. Ask Him to “stir up” the spirits of His saints in order to increase fruitfulness in service. Beseech God to send forth more laborers into fields where opportunities abound.

Pray that the foreign workers of Slavic Missionary Service perceive the will of God and press on to be pleasing in His sight and profitable in His service. May God help them to excel in their Christian lives and be endued with His power. May they have a passion for the salvation of souls and for the sanctification of the saints. Through their faithful service, pray that members in the churches will be enlightened, encouraged, enriched and established in Christ Jesus and in His Word. Most of all, intercede on their behalf that God will help them to have patience in every endeavor and be filled with praise when acknowledging the manifold grace of God.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:10

J. Hudson Taylor, founder and director of the China Inland Mission, wrote that a person must possess the following traits in order to be an effective missionary: a healthy body and vigorous mind, a life yielded to God and controlled by His Spirit, a restful trust in God for the supply of all needs, a sympathetic spirit and a willingness to take a lowly place, tact in dealing with men and adaptability toward circumstances, zeal in service and steadfastness in discouragement, love for communion with God and for the study of His Word, and some experience and blessing in the Lord's work at home. Slavic Missionary Service desires that all of these characteristics would be found in our workers on the mission field.