Leon Chechowich, SMS International Field Coordinator, recently visited the national missionaries in the countries of Belarus and Ukraine. He challenged the missionaries to think about the motto that is used in business and sporting venues, as well as in the church of Jesus Christ — one for all and all for one! Success for any teams calls for cooperation and united participation in the goals that are determined. It involves asking the question, "How can I help?"

A challenge exists at present in the city of Gomel, Belarus where this principle needs to be applied. The restoration of the house adjacent to Bethany Church, which will commemorate the service of Alex Leonovich the former director of SMS, needs assistance both physically and financially. There is only enough money for materials. And the cost of quality workmanship is expensive.

Therefore, a challenge was sent for Christian volunteers to come and utilize their skills for the Lord's work. Alexander Firisiuk, SMS missionary in Kolodoshchi, Belarus has accepted the challenge. This is significant because he has experience as a builder. As visits were made to many of the workers, some replied, "Tell us when and what is needed."

Self-denial by those workers who respond will produce two things. First, the work will be accomplished by God's people. Second, there will be exceptional satisfaction on the hearts of those workers who have volunteered. Our entire operation depends on this principle of dedication and self-denial. This principle was practiced by the former director, Alex Leonovich, and SMS desires to continue in this direction of ministry. All of our workers are faithfully, in varying dimensions, giving of themselves to help someone else. What a joy to partnership with them! And what joy is anticipated when SMS envisions what can be accomplished for the Lord!

If anyone would like to assist in the Alex Leonovich Memorial Fund, please send your donations to Slavic Missionary Service, PO Box 469, Annandale, NJ 08801.