First of all, Paul made it his aim to preach the Gospel. “And thus I aspired (was ambitious) to preach the Gospel not where Christ was already known by name, so that I would not build on another person’s foundation” (Romans 15:20). The SMS missionaries, in their respective communities, are reaching people who have never heard the good news of salvation. Evangelical churches are growing in the Slavic countries. The workers are eager to testify of the truths found in God’s Word!

Secondly, Paul made it his aim to please the Lord. “Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord – for we walk by faith not by sight – but we are of good courage and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore, we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him” (2 Corinthians 5:6-9). Each missionary of SMS desires to be a delight for the Savor in all their doings. Some are serving in churches and seminaries; others are laboring in offices, hospitals and street children ministries. Each has spiritual gifts given by God for specific ministries. Most of all, they are eager to be good examples to their families. As missionaries gain spiritual wisdom and understanding, their Christian walk and witness will be “worthy of the Lord” and “please Him in all respects” (Colossians 1:10).

Finally, Paul encouraged the Christians to make it their aim to practice the principles of Christianity. “For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brothers and sisters who are in Macedonia. But we urge you… to excel even more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we instructed you; so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need” (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12). Many of the SMS missionaries are pastors who encourage their congregations each week with inspiring messages to follow the commandments of Christ. Some are counselors who have assisted Christians (and others) through temptations and touch, tumultuous times. All are growing in “the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18) and are eager to express their Christian faith to anyone and everyone.