A New Chapter In Our Story
September, 2026
Honouring faithful leadership, embracing a hopeful future.
For many years, God has faithfully used Bill Ball to lead the Slavic Gospel Association of Canada with unwavering dedication, perseverance, and a deep passion for the Gospel. Through his leadership, countless lives have been touched, churches have been strengthened, and the hope of Jesus Christ has reached communities across Eastern Europe and beyond. Bill’s legacy is not measured simply by years of service, but by the eternal impact of a life faithfully surrendered to God’s calling.
As we celebrate Bill’s remarkable ministry and thank God for His faithfulness throughout the years, we also look ahead with great anticipation.
We are pleased to welcome Tom Tavani as the new Executive Director of the Slavic Gospel Association of Canada. Tom steps into this role with a heart for Christ, a commitment to the Slavic people, and a vision to build upon the strong foundation that has been laid. While leadership changes, our mission remains the same—to proclaim the Gospel, equip the Church, and serve our brothers and sisters throughout the Slavic world.
This transition is not the end of a story, but the beginning of a new chapter of opportunity. The God who has faithfully guided this ministry in the past is the same God who will lead it into the future. Together, with confidence in His promises and gratitude for His provision, we look forward to all that He will accomplish in the years ahead.
As we honour Bill’s faithful service and welcome Tom’s leadership, we celebrate one unchanging truth:
Jesus Christ is the Head of this ministry, and His mission continues with strength, purpose, and hope.
Blessings, Pastor Jeff Woodcock
SGA Board Chair
Passing the Torch
It has been my honour to serve the Lord through SGA Canada as the Executive Director for the past 11 years. To be the primary representative for Christian leaders, pastors, and workers in the Slavic world to prayer supporters and donors here in Canada is the most humbling and exciting ministry one could ever imagine.
The journey began for me 18 years ago as a local pastor when invited to open a new region for SGA in Volgograd (Stalingrad), Russia teaching through a movement known as Antioch Initiative. I saw the potential and was captivated by the possibilities for the Gospel. These dear friends today are some of the closest brothers in Christ I know.
We have navigated a period of Covid and now a war that has caused us to completely pivot how we do ministry.
Churches have been planted, grown and created new works in multiple regions, cities, villages, and communities. Thousands of children and families have come to Christ in camps and orphanages. Partnerships have been established with some of the most creative and innovative brothers and sisters in Christian ministry.
As of September 30, 2026 we will conclude this labour of love and pass the torch to Tom Tavani whom we trust you will come to know, appreciate, and encourage. God is building His church and will do so until His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ returns.
Introducing Tom and Shannon Tavani
It is a privilege to begin serving as the next Executive Director of SGA Canada.
I have a deep passion for seeing people come to know the Lord, feeding the poor, and serving those who are oppressed. Throughout my career, I have sought to combine strong leadership with a heart for ministry, making a meaningful impact in both Christian and business communities.
My professional journey has included work in corporate Toronto, Christian media and marketing, executive leadership, and entrepreneurship through my own real estate marketing company. Most recently, I served as the leader of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, where I advocated for farmers and worked to ensure that Christian perspectives on stewardship were represented at Queen’s Park.
My wife, Shannon, and I have shared a remarkable journey since we were just 14 years old. We have now been married for more than 25 years and are blessed with four children: Isabella, 24; Massimo, 22; Mateo, 17; and Milano, 15.
Thank you for being a part of SGA Canada's journey.
Leadership transitions are significant moments, but they are also opportunities to look forward with anticipation.
Your prayers, generosity, encouragement, and partnership have helped make this ministry possible.
We are excited about what lies ahead and grateful that you will continue this journey with us.
5 International Offices Serving in 13 Countries
Since 1947, SGA Canada has existed to bring the gospel to Slavic countries.
- We work mainly in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Tajikistan, and Georgia.
- 382 missionary pastors supported, 60+ through Canada.
- Over 200 orphanages supported, representing over 12,000 children.
- Immanuel’s Child, last Christmas, reached 65,608 kids; 2,594 repented.
- Gave out over 35,000 Bibles.
- 82,910 attended camp.
- 5.4 million meals were given out.
- We partner with Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary, Hebronsoft (Academy).
- Building 2 camp sites this year in Ukraine.
- Started assisting a bread store giving out 3,000 loaves a day in Ukraine.
Latest Updates
Passing the Torch
Since the Slavic Gospel Association began helping children go to summer camps, over 77,500 young lives have been impacted at 1,056 different locations…
Summer of Hope
Since the Slavic Gospel Association began helping children go to summer camps, over 77,500 young lives have been impacted at 1,056 different locations…
Winter Warmth
Dear Friends, winter is upon us and we are once again assisting programs and people across the Slavic world…