Alex Leonovich, a native of Russia, ministered in missionary, pastoral and evangelistic work since 1945. He was at the forefront of evangelistic broadcasting into the former Soviet Union by way of HCJB in Quito, Ecuador. As the Executive Director of Slavic Missionary Service International, Alex had an extensive outreach to the Slavic speaking world both home and abroad.
Before accepting the leadership of Slavic Missionary Service in 1958, he served as pastor of two American Russian-Ukrainian churches simultaneously for almost five years. He was marked as a "fiery youth missionary preacher” in both the Russian and English languages by his peers. After taking on the responsibility of SMS, he continued to pastor the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Manville, NJ until he resigned in 1970 to devote more time to the mission’s endeavors.
SMS is grateful to God for the faithful and fervent leadership of Alex Leonovich from 1958 until March of 2013. SMS is happy to share some of Alex’s past articles to encourage all to support the mission, as we continue to work in Slavic countries and reach Slavic people throughout the world.
Redeem the Time
As I have been studying God's Word, my attention has been especially focused on the importance that God places on time. "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16). David confirms in his prayer the importance which should be put on time: "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). Speaking of wisdom, we are reminded that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10).
All this ties together the fact that he who has the fear of the Lord will have a real purpose for his life. We must remember that the length of a life is not measured only by the exact length of years, but by the content of those years. For this reason, the Apostle Paul admonishes even us living today that we walk uprightly, "not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time."
A person may exist placidly for sixty years, in a completely negative or empty form of life. He will not leave behind him any record of great works, nor advance the welfare of man or the cause of Christ. Even though saved, he might enter into heaven empty-handed, with no crown for service well done. Another person may live for only forty years, but he may crowd those years with great deeds and mighty works. His ministry may lead many to Christ and advance the interests of the Kingdom of God. His entrance into life eternal will be glorious because of his full service and constant labors for God. In that case his life may be counted as being actually longer than the fruitless life of one who lived a greater number of days.
Time marches on, and it waits for no man. It is your priceless possession. So use it wisely. Time is God's gift to you; therefore, use it for His glory and to the blessing of mankind. Don't put off until tomorrow, that which you can do for the Lord today. Redeem the time!
Alex Leonovich
(Young People's Herald – October-November 1953)
