In these days of great emphasis on technology, transportation and techniques, it is good to remember that God still uses men! He does not fill machines, motors or mechanisms with the Holy Spirit; He fills men. Methods and gadgets are important only when there are important men behind them; and only when those men are utterly dedicated to the Lord and His work can those tactics and technical apparatus bring glory to God.
Slavic Missionary Service was founded in 1933 by a man who wanted to share his faith, finances and future with his native people in the former Soviet Union. That man was Ivan Neprash, and God filled him with His Spirit...
“Guard what has been entrusted to your care” (1 Timothy 6:20). It has truly been a blessing and so very fulfilling to have the opportunity to remain involved in the outreach of Slavic Missionary Service. I’ve been a part of SMS for nearly 30 years! It was my father, Alex Leonovich’s passion and desire to reach the “whosoever” with the Good News of salvation and especially reach those people of Slavic descent. It’s hard to believe that it’s already five years since he went home to be with the Lord, shortly before we celebrated 80 years of ministry. Now, we are celebrating our 85th year...
After a lifetime of serving as an ambassador of Jesus Christ for 65 years, what can a ninety-one year old retired missionary do? I have the gift of memory. So here is a small picture of that service.
As I look back at my youth, I recall all the help from family and friends at the Evangelical Baptist Church in Buffalo, NY. They helped Ann and I come to know Christ and to live for Him. They taught and showed by personal example what sincere love and concern truly mean. When I was called into full-time ministry, their caring response was intensified. Almost all of them are in heaven now (and that is where I long to be) ...
