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).

Last year, a governmental commission came to check the program and documents of the Moscow Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS). As a result, the seminary was fined for two “supposed” infractions: one of the professors failed to get his annual medical checkup, and some of the faculty members were not qualified to teach. Both accusations were bogus, according to MBTS.

The seminary challenged the court’s decision and appealed the verdict. The court upheld its previous decision, and the seminary building must be closed for two months – January 25 to March 25, 2019. By the way, all the evangelical institutions throughout Russia are being checked. No one is sure who is behind this action.

According to sources in Moscow, the Russian government wants to establish a standard for all theological schools in Russia. The seminary staff is working on documentation regarding the seminary’s program, faculty and facilities. Once the documentation is complete, MBTS hopes to regain access to the seminary building on March 25. The subjects to be taught will, of course, be determined by the seminary and not the government.

In the meantime, the seminary continues to function. Classes have been moved to the headquarters of the Russian Baptist Union in Moscow, where the seminary began its ministry in 1993. The MBTS Learning Centers in Russia continue to operate and are visited regularly by the seminary’s professors.

Please pray for wisdom for the seminary administration and staff during this very crucial period in the seminary’s life. This may be an important “learning moment,” as well as a needed reminder that the work of God’s kingdom on earth will always be challenged. God is sovereign and will protect His kingdom’s work!

George Boltniew,
SMS Representative

Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.

Proverbs 10:12

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.”