A Trip with a Witnessing Look

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.

The interim director of SMS has taken a three month journey to Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. The ability to work “hand in hand” with our national workers is a privilege that cannot be taken for granted. The fervency and faithfulness of the SMS workers could be seen in ministries with children, young people, families, seminary students and the older generation. Likewise, emphasis is placed on reaching people who are interested in the Gospel and the Christian way of life. “For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you” (Romans 16:19).

A Family Day in Borislav, Ukraine attracted over 500 people to hear the Gospel and experience communication with believers. Approximately 50 pastors traveled to two small towns in Western Ukraine to absorb seminars which featured messages from the Minor Prophets. A group of seminary students celebrated their graduation in Lvov, Ukraine ready to serve the Lord wherever He may lead. Also, a women’s conference and a summer day camp were conducted near Lutsk, Ukraine. Joining with SMS workers and others, as they witnessed about their relationships with Jesus, was truly refreshing and rewarding.

English language programs were conducted in Minsk and Gomel, Belarus with a combined attendance of 1,500 students. Dedications of a church auditorium in Borovliany, Belarus and a new memorial building in Gomel, Belarus were commemorated in order to advance the Gospel and Christian ministries. Requests to preach and sing in churches in Belarus are always accepted and appreciated.

Two summer camps were held in Bezhan, Russia (a suburb of Bryansk) for handicapped children and street children. In July the Transfiguration Church in Oryol, Russia celebrated twenty-five years of service to the city and surrounding communities. There was also a visit to see the progress of a small church in Glazunovka, Russia. Finally, a home Bible study was conducted in Khimki, Russia for believers and for people interested in the Christian life.

Each place visited revealed workers enthusiastic to serve the Lord and new opportunities to share the good news of salvation. The results of many ministries are truly promising and productive. “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). Pray for each SMS worker in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova that God will continue to fill them with His Spirit and give them strength to serve Him with dependability and devotion.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

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.