News

In May, four SGA Phoebe Reps had the opportunity to visit three Phoebe Ministries to witness first-hand some Gospel-centred women’s ministries in Romania and Hungary. It was a privilege for us to see the sacrificial love shown at Casa Filip, Emanuel Hospice and Mary’s House.

Children’s evangelist Marina Tapcova, a Balti Mission School graduate, shares the Gospel with children across 250 locations in Khakassia, Siberia, supported by SGA’s Phoebe ministries.

A historic meeting took place in London on 27th July 1950 when the decision was taken to form the UK arm of the Slavic Gospel Association. It did not ‘grab’ any headlines at that time, but by the grace of God the intervening 75 years have witnessed the growth and development of the Mission so that today tens of thousands of people can testify to SGA(UK)’s life-changing witness to Christ and His saving power.

We thank God for every encouraging response to our first 75th-anniversary project, Enabling Gospel Workers. Marking this milestone, our aim was to make a lasting Gospel impact by spotlighting our sponsorship programme—beginning at home, where we sought partners for pastors, church planters, and Christian workers faithfully serving the Lord.

This motto, displayed in homes around the country, underlines an essential truth: we live in an age of tremendous power—electric, atomic, nuclear, rocket, missile—yet the church has access to the greatest power of all, the power of prayer. Throughout the years, God’s power has been unleashed and blessings have flowed as His people prayed. This was true of SGA’s founder, Peter Deyneka, who called the nations to prayer—and God answered.

Coals to Newcastle? That’s what comes to mind when asked to write to SGA supporters about the place and importance of prayer in Gospel work. We all know Peter Deyneka’s watchword, still fresh and challenging in our hearts in this 75th Anniversary year: Much prayer, much power; little prayer, little power; no prayer, no power! It was true at SGA(UK)’s birth in July 1950, and it remains true today.

Pastors Tomas Chylka and Andrzej Karzelek coordinate the Polish SGA Mission School in Ruptawa that this year welcomed its fifth intake of students for yet another three-year course.

SGA is delighted to welcome a new member to the team! Born and raised in the Philippines, Susan Nalus came to the UK in 2006 together with her husband Martin and their three children. She has joined the Rugby Office team working there as a part-time administrative assistant.

While we celebrate a special milestone of 75 years of ministry, this SGA Residential Conference will be the 60th! Two years ago a young adult focus was introduced into the conference programme.

David Spodniak, a recent addition to SGA’s leadership support programme, is entering a new chapter of ministry: replanting a previously closed church in Trenčín, Slovakia.

In this 75th Anniversary Year there is no-one better equipped to comment on the crucial and powerful place of prayer in SGA’s ministry, than former General Director William Smylie. William served in the Mission for almost thirty years, as Field Rep, Field Director, and finally General Director.

We are deeply grateful to God for how He has answered prayer by enabling Ivan Grozdanov, our long-term partner in North Macedonia, to make considerable progress on what started out as a revision of his previous work but has now developed into a far more extensive undertaking.