Traveling to Three Countries

Alex Leononich, the director of SMS from 1958 to 2013, wrote in his biography: "Multitudes of Russian believers prayed fervently and kept the faith, even under great persecution. Their greatest desire was to remain faithful to God in the place where He had put them. The need to pray for Slavic Christians has not evaporated because communism no longer reigns. Russian believers also recognize the potential problems which accompany liberty and ask for prayer to remain faithful to God."

It is extremely important not only to intercede for missionaries in other countries, but also to instruct and be involved with those missionaries. Slavic Missionary Service has always taken a biblical approach to its involvement in missions. The foreign missionary and the national missionary must partner together in order for the Lord's work to be established and expanded, and for the Lord's people to be encouraged and edified.

From the very start of the "overseas" ministries of SMS in 1992, Alex Leonovich, Leon Chechowich and Rob Zapotoski have visited the national workers annually. "Fresh" reports were required quarterly. Although Alex has entered his eternal home and Leon has retired from his role as international coordinator, Rob still personally visits the national workers at least once a year (sometimes twice). At times, this is difficult to schedule, but individual contact is always given top priority to ensure spiritual success in the Lord's work.

Rob Zapotoski, SMS Interim Director, is now visiting Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. “And I do all things for the sake of the Gospel, that I may become a fellow partaker of it.” (1 Corinthians 9:23). The main goal of this trip is to visit and communicate with as many of SMS national workers as possible. With some Rob will work "side-by- side" in ministry outreaches. With others he will gain insight into possible future opportunities to glorify God and share the Gospel in their respective regions. Likewise, the purpose of the trip is to train the next generation of potential leaders for the Lord's work, as well as "build up" those leaders who are already accomplishing God's will in ministry.

Rob will teach in seminaries in Lvov, Ukraine and Minsk, Belarus. He will also conduct seminars in Borislav and Lutsk, Ukraine. In each of the countries, there will be ample opportunities to share "Biblical Principles of the Christian life" with the youth and attend some home Bible studies with SMS workers.

Please pray for Rob’s trip during the month of October and the first part of November, that he will be a worthy vessel of righteousness, filled with God's power and overflowing with wisdom and practical information to share with the SMS workers and with others. Also, pray that God will prepare the way each time, as he travels to many different towns and cities in these three countries.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

Pray that the Gospel will reach the millions in the Slavic countries that have not yet heard what Christ has done for them. Many small cities and towns still do not have an official place of worship. Ask God to help the Slavic churches be effective witnesses in their neighborhoods. Pray that souls will continue to be saved, baptized and discipled through the ministries of the church. Pray that the Holy Spirit powerfully and persistently will convict men of sin and lead many to believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.