Visiting Churches with a Pastor

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.

Ivan Romaniuk is the regional pastoral superintendent of the Lvov Oblast in Ukraine, which comprises a total of 70 churches. (There are 10 small groups that meet in homes but have not officially registered as religious institutions.) This position involves multiple responsibilities, including supervision, counseling and guidance within the church communities. Ivan is also the president of the Ukraine Theological Baptist Seminary in Lvov and has been working with Slavic Missionary Service since 1994.

Rob Zapotoski, SMS Interim Director, recently had the unique opportunity to travel with Pastor Romaniuk and receive a glimpse of his duties as regional pastor. First of all, a visit to Pastor Romaniuk's home church in Borislav for a prayer meeting was attended on Friday. Secondly, an ordination service was conducted in Turka on Sunday morning. In the afternoon, this new minister invited us to a church in Borina, where he also assists as the pastor.

Thirdly, a church service was arranged in Bus'k on Monday where Volodimir Semchuk (a worker of SMS) is now serving as the interim pastor. On Tuesday evening a prayer meeting was conducted at the First Baptist Church of Lvov, where Volodimir Overko (a worker of SMS) serves as the pastor. Finally, a regional meeting was held on Wednesday in the Ukrainian Carpathians in the village of Slavsko. The Oblast leaders gathered together to discuss the current atmosphere of the churches within the region and the future development of ministries for all age groups. As Pastor Romaniuk conducted the meeting, each leader was able to share information and insight concerning his or her specific area of ministry.

SMS counts it a privilege to be working with Ivan Romaniuk in Western Ukraine. His abilities and godly aspirations have truly advanced the progress of genuine Christianity in this area of the world. Pray that God will continue to assist the church leadership in Ukraine to cultivate the "fellowship," the "furtherance" and the "faith of the Gospel" (Philippians 1:5, 12, 27).

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

Revelation 1:8

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.