A Trip of Fellowship & Faithfulness

Pray that God will fill the Slavic believers with a hunger for His Word: "Desire the sincere milk of the Word" (1 Peter 2:2), and a spirit of prayer: "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Ask God to call many young men and women to serve Him sacrificially and sincerely in places of leadership. Pray that some will choose to serve in other Slavic countries as missionaries. Intercede for the Christian leadership in Eastern Europe that they will withstand the powers of darkness and remain stable in their spiritual roles.

My trip to Belarus and Ukraine was jam packed with fellowship with our national missionaries. Peter Korotash, SMS missionary in Moldova, met me in Minsk, Belarus to share reports about his work in Bendery. Our team of workers in Belarus also shared testimonies of spiritual and numerical growth in churches. The Resurrection Church, where Sergey Drozd is the pastor, has just purchased property in a developing new suburb. Plans have been designed, and soon building will begin.

My next stop was Gomel Belarus. Alexander Levkovski, SMS missionary, invited me to speak in the Sunday worship service in the morning. While in the states, I sent a message to the ESL students who attended my classes f

or the last three years to come to the evening service during my visit. This service has been designed primarily for the ESL students who desire to improve their English skills. The service is conducted both in the English and Russian languages. Christian songs are sung in English and small groups gather together for discussion about religious topics or a passage from the Bible. At the close of the service a Gospel message is given, which I was asked to deliver. Pray for this new development as more ESL students decide to attend.

Traveling to Ukraine led me to the cities of Kiev, Lutsk, Lvov, Rovno and Rozishche. The Evangelical Baptist Church of Rozishche and the First Baptist Church of Lvov will be planning their dedications shortly. I was truly impressed how God has worked through these congregations, for the major part of funding came from local sources. Pray for Grace Baptist Church in Kiev, as they continue to seek official ownership of their property. Many improvements have been made to the church structure.

Slavic Missionary Service provides a bridge for funds from the United States to reach needy families in the Rovno region of Western Ukraine. Two families get regular assistance, and the balance of funds is given to assist the poor in this rural community. I was glad to see that the funds are being utilized effectually and efficiently.

In Lutsk I was able to have a meal and spend time with our missionaries. They serve as pastors, teachers, evangelists and church planters. Benjamin Rubakha is a Bible school director, and Yaroslav Trots is now the pastoral superintendent of the Volyn region. I am grateful that we are coworkers in our labor for the Lord.

Ann and I want to thank you for your long term support financially and spiritually. Through your participation, we have been able to live a wonderful story of church planting in the former Soviet Union. We wish you Joy and blessings during this holiday season.

Leon and Ann Chechowic

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

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.