Ep. 175: Slavic Gospel Association’s Michael Johnson on the Situation in Ukraine

This week, we’re going to do a something a bit different on this mid-week EXTRA podcast episode.  The war in Ukraine has motivated Christians to give.  And that’s a good thing.  But it has also motivated some ministries to take advantage of the situation to raise money even if they have little or no experience in the region. That’s why I wanted to bring on the program someone who has had extensive experience in that part of the world, and that’s Michael Johnson, the president of the Slavic Gospel Association. The Slavic Gospel Association was founded in 1934 as the Russian Gospel Association.  Today, it works in Russia, Ukraine, and in other nations of the former Soviet Union.  My guest today, Michael Johnson, has been president of SGA since 2017, but he has had a long association with the organization, serving as Vice President of Advancement for the organization in the early 2000s. I should also add that Michael is a friend, and when I saw him at the recent meeting of the National Religious Broadcasters in Nashville, he told me some of the work SGA was doing, and I knew then that I had to have him on the program.  We had this conversation via zoom this morning. Let me add that I would like to encourage any of our listeners who want to give to relief efforts in Ukraine to do you homework first.  Yes, the need is urgent, but it is also a need that will not go away soon.  So take the few minutes it requires to make sure you’re making a good decision with your donor dollars.  A great way to begin this process is to read an article I wrote that you can find on the front page of our website.  It’s called, “Advice For Those Wanting To Give To Ukrainian Relief.”  Again, just go to www.Ministrywatch.com and scroll down until you see the blue and yellow Ukrainian flag.  In addition to advice I think you should follow, we have short profiles, including our own ratings, of ministries doing work in Ukraine, Poland, and the surrounding region. The producers for today’s program are Rich Roszel and Ben Warwick.   We get database, technical, and editorial support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, Christina Darnell, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. I’m Warren Smith, and you’ve been listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.  Until next time, may God bless you.