Slavic Missionary Service

Pray for your local church and the local churches in Slavic countries. Ask the Lord to increase the spiritual life of each member of the church. Ask Him to assist your church in the area where you live to seek souls with salvation from sin. And may this assistance extend throughout the whole world. Pray for your pastor and leadership, as well as the pastors and leadership in the Slavic world. Pray for peace in the world. Ask God to restrain evil through the Holy Spirit in order that His Word may have free course in every country.

In His infinite wisdom, the Great Creator beckoned all mankind to behold His indescribable gift more than 2,000 years ago. In the obscure town of Bethlehem “too little to be among the clans of Judah” (Micah 5:2), the promised Messiah was revealed to mankind. Whether well-known or common, wealthy or poor, wise or foolish, religious or secular, every class of people was represented by the individuals that God had first chosen to see the splendor of the newborn Savior.

First of all, God commissioned the Heavenly Host to direct the shepherds to hasten and see this priceless treasure. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14). The common working man is introduced to the long awaited Prince of Peace.

Quickly, the shepherds dashed to the determined destination desirous to witness the Divine One “wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). After beholding the embodiment of peace, the shepherds proclaimed to the populace the good news concerning this Holy Child. God’s extraordinary gift was presented to the ordinary.

Secondly, the Holy Spirit indicated to Simeon and Anna that salvation has finally arrived in human flesh to mankind. These dedicated saints devoted themselves to serve their Loving Master all of their days. Representing all who trust God’s prophetic word, these believers waited for “the consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25).

Although some would scoff at the precious promises proclaimed by prophecy, Simeon and Anna would not swerve from “standing” upon the Sacred Scriptures. When beholding the promised gift, explanations of prophecy were expressed from excited lips. No longer would mankind look for the promised redemption in Jerusalem, for God’s only Son is here! He would now be a “light for revelation for the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel” (Luke 2:32). Salvation is received through Jesus the Anointed One. God’s holy gift is presented to holy saints.

Finally, the brilliance of a star emanated the pathway to the presence of the new-born King. Acknowledging the significance of this great star, Magi traveled to Jerusalem to search for the King of creation. Seeking King Herod they asked, “Where is He who has been born king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2). Herod consulted the religious leaders and directed the Wise Men to the town of Bethlehem.

Rejoicing “exceedingly with great joy” (Matthew 2:10), the Sages followed the star to the miracle of salvation. Representing the wealthy and the wise, they beheld the young child with admiration and adoration. God’s priceless gift compelled them to offer gifts as well – “gold” to acknowledge the birth of a king, “frankincense” to acknowledge the worship of that king and “myrrh” to acknowledge the sacrifice that king one day would offer. The awesome, incomprehensible gift is presented to the affluent, intelligent elite.

The Heavenly Father gave everyone an opportunity to observe His Only Begotten Son. This Child would “give His people the knowledge of salvation” (Luke 1:77), and He would fulfill all prophecies of the Old Testament Scriptures concerning Messiah. He would give Himself for the sins of the world. His sacrifice is offered to anyone who will accept this wondrous treasure. “For God so loved the world that He gave” (John 3:16). Behold the glorious gift! Believe and receive!

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:18

God’s strategy for world evangelism calls for two equally important elements: Co-missionaries and Go-missionaries, the senders and the sent, the supporters and the workers. A Christian church without missionary enthusiasm is a contradiction. God depends upon the faithful testimony of His people for the evangelization of the world. The Savior expects those who have tasted the sweetness of salvation to spread the news far and wide. He has commissioned His children to share His Word to the lost in every country.