It has been a wonderful year as we have seen the advancement of the Gospel and provision of the Lord. The missionary trip to Belarus and Ukraine was exciting and eventful. Our first time in Belarus gave us many opportunities to serve the Savior. Teaching English as a Second Language in Gomel, Belarus was awesome. It works beautifully for creating relationships. It has great national workers who are professional, dedicated and caring. Ann and I were delighted that some students made decisions to learn more about Christianity. I was able to share with many of the students, "The Tale of Two Brothers," the ministries of my father, Nick Leonovich and my uncle, Alex Leonovich. Their lives were dedicated to ministering to the Slavic people.

We thought that the Bethany Church in Gomel was delightful and appealing. SMS missionary, Alexander Levkovski, is a great pastor with a big heart. Both Ann and I were able to share in the Sunday services. Pray for him as he ministers to the community.

Bethany Church is easy to find, since it is located near a well-known park and across the street from a major sports complex. The secondary building to the church is a perfect place to hold ESL classes, as well as provide more accommodations for church events. Slavic Missionary Service is currently raising funds to renovate the structure in memory of the former director of SMS, Alex Leonovich.

The church in Kobrin, Belarus that Nick and Alex Leonovich helped to build is a wonderful and vibrant church. There are a lot of young people and a good mixture of ages throughout the congregation. I was once again given the opportunity to share "The Tale of Two Brothers." It was a moving experience, and the pastors thanked God that we will continue to work among the Slavic people. Most of the Leonovich family lives in Kobrin. It was such a blessing to meet and encourage them in the Lord. The fellowship was sweet. I had the privilege to participate in the baptism of Nikolai, the son of my cousin Vanya. (He is named after my father.)

The SMS office in Belarus, located at the Minsk Theological Seminary, is a wonderful place. This was our first time visiting and we fell instantly in love with the staff. They are caring and extremely dedicated to reach Belarus for Christ. Eugenia Chegar, SMS administrator and secretary, went out of her way to make our stay comfortable and pleasant. We also met with Victor Krutko, president of the Baptist Union of Belarus.

Next, our trip led us to Kiev, Ukraine. Ann and I attended the Transformation Church, where Peter Marchenko is the pastor. The handicapped ministry, which was begun over fifteen years ago, continues to grow. During our visit, 30 young people were commissioned to serve within the handicapped ministry not just in the summer, but also throughout the whole year with various events especially designed for those with disabilities.

Fellowship was spent with Vasya and his wife Taya, who serve the Lord in music and evangelism. Both are accomplished musicians. Vasya continues to produce music utilizing the equipment and recording studio that SMS helped to construct. Pray that God will help them to serve fervently and faithfully. We also had time to visit the Seminary in Irpen, Ukraine.

The brethren in Belarus and Ukraine have begged us not to forget them now that Nick and Alex are gone to be with the Lord. We, of course, told them that we won't forget. How could we? The vision continues and the work will go on. Pray for us as we plan to teach again in Gomel, Belarus in 2014. Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support.

Jim and Ann Leonovich