Our “Most Important Ministry” Grows Due to You

Since first becoming involved with SGA’s ministries more than 25 years ago, I have had several opportunities to visit the wonderful seminaries and Bible institutes our partners help sponsor across the former Soviet Union. 

I’ve visited the students and graduates, and seen their fruitful ministries. I have had the joy and pleasure of attending and participating in their graduation ceremonies—seeing the joy the graduates feel at earning their hard-won diplomas and ready to continue lifetimes of committed ministry. It really is SGA’s most important ministry, and in keeping with the highest priority of the churches we serve. And I know that none of it would happen without you—the people of God who help undergird our ministries with your prayer and generous support. I am thankful beyond words. 

I must also take this opportunity to give thanks for the life and ministry of Dr. Bob Provost, who I succeeded as president of SGA and who first brought me to this ministry in 1996. Through Bob’s faithful labors and dedication, so much of the support foundation was laid for the effective Bible and theological training that exists now across Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and other former Soviet countries. 

Irpen Biblical Seminary in Ukraine, Novosibirsk Biblical-Theological Seminary in Russia, Almaty Bible Institute in Kazakhstan, and Minsk Theological Seminary in Belarus are running strong and sending out many faithful workers into the Lord’s harvest. Our partners at IFCA International recently honored Bob for his life and decades of ministry service, and it was an honor well deserved. I am humbled and thankful to carry on his legacy here in service to Christ. 

As I consider our training ministries, it is hard to know with certainty what lies ahead. The devastating war in Ukraine is having global geopolitical impacts, and above all severe impacts on the people living in the midst of it. I do know that we serve a faithful God who provides, and that the churches we serve are resourceful and dedicated to the Gospel. Pray with me for wisdom and God’s ongoing guidance and provision for these vital ministries. Thank you in advance!

For our Savior,

Michael Johnson
President