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).

Living for Jesus Christ in every aspect of life should be the goal of every Christian. “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Trusting that the Holy Spirit will guard and guide the believer requires discipline and devotion.

When a foreign missionary is overseas, people are watching that individual in every action. They are listening to conversations and contemplating the real purpose of that person’s visit. Therefore, that person must be careful to act like a Christian at all times and in all things. No short-term missionary should ever want to be a stumbling block or a hindrance to someone who wants to know more about Jesus Christ.

Recently, Rob Zapotoski, the interim director of Slavic Missionary Service, participated in the “Practically Speaking English” program in Minsk, Belarus. With thirteen other teachers from the United States, Rob taught the basic course of Conversational English. In three classes for one week, 45 students learned how to communicate simple questions and answers with one another, as well as a great deal of vocabulary.

Most importantly, the students saw the lives of each Christian teacher, and some asked questions after the classes concerning Christianity. During one lesson, every teacher was able to share his or her testimony concerning their relationship with Jesus Christ, their friend.

Pray that the students who desire to learn more about the Christian life will be contacted by volunteers that assisted in the classes. Intercede that more teachers would be interested in traveling to Belarus for this short-term opportunity.

"But what about you?" Jesus asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ."

Mark 8:29

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.”