Pray daily for pastors in the Slavic countries (as well as your own) that they will have wisdom and power from God to preach the Word effectually and to care for all of the saints. Pray that the convicting power of the Holy Spirit will accompany the preaching of God’s Word throughout all lands. Ask God to stir up Christians to use their God-given freedom to the fullest advantage in making known everywhere the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “Freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). |
At the conclusion of the inspirational time, Dr. Leon Chechowich was acknowledged for his 63 years of association with the Russian-Ukrainian Evangelical Baptist Union (RUEBU). His first assignment was in Australia where he encouraged the Slavic believers in each of the capital cities; and for ten years, pastured churches in Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide. Several years were spent pasturing churches in Los Angeles, Dearborn, and Cleveland. Since 1990, he has served as field coordinator with Slavic Missionary Service, during which time; he traveled often and extensively to the countries of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova overseeing, as well as encouraging, the national church planters and pastors who are supported by SMS.
The RUEBU leadership shared words of gratitude and made several presentations. Also, Dawn (Leonovich) Arthur shared encouraging thoughts and presented gifts on behalf of Slavic Missionary Service. Leon has announced his retirement to be effective at the end of December 2015.
Leon has been married to his wife, Ann, for 64 years. She has shared in the above ministries. Leon and Ann have four grown children: Faye married to Tom Schroeder in Yorktown, Indiana, Stephen who lives in Guerneville, California, Sharon married to Tim Kostaroff in Dearborn, Michigan, and Sandra married to Drew Johnson in Chicago, Illinois. There are five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Ann Chechowich