Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People
Dear Friends of BIEM,
1. In our February 24 War Relief Updates, we told how distributing war relief while evangelizing led to the formation of a nucleus of believers for a new church. Praise the Lord, the small building that became available has now been purchased for $10,000! We thank and praise God for this new church established via our war-relief efforts.
2. In today’s Video Update, BIEM’s Vitaly Bilyak shares briefly about the most recent 40-ft. container of clothing and other war relief items that BIEM shipped to his church. He thanks all of you, our supporters, for making those relief actions possible. See the video here:
3. Some of our readers will recall the story of Sergei, a military officer in Desna, Ukraine, whose career was cut short because of drug addiction. Sergei’s superiors had attempted to rehabilitate him in secular drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers. After repeated, unsuccessful attempts, he was dismissed. Sometime later, he landed in the Christian Rehab center operated by the church in Desna, where he accepted Christ and found freedom from drug addiction for the glory of God. For years now, he has been a faithful servant in the Desna church. A few months ago, he and his brother-in-law Lyosha were sent to fight in the war. Lyosha is another former drug addict who found Christ and new life in the Rehab Center. Both have been involved in intense battles. Recently a landmine severely injured Lyosha. Please join us in praying for Lyosha’s recovery from his wounds.
4. For almost a year, BIEM has hosted a string of Ukrainian pastors, each spending a few weeks in the U.S. sharing their ministries and war relief efforts with American churches. These visits have been a huge blessing to churches and a great encouragement to these brethren. Since most have friends and relatives in the United States, they have also visited them, which gave opportunities to visit immigrant churches here. Sadly, these men report of a troubling trend towards discord in some of these churches as many include both Russians and Ukrainians. A real complication is that major cable TV companies offer Russian programming, which many immigrants watch. Russian programming, especially the news, is controlled by Moscow, so even immigrants hear and believe the Kremlin-endorsed spin on world events. Please pray for such churches and their pastors to be able to resolve these conflicts as they draw closer to Christ.
5. Please pray for Natasha, a former atheist in Ukraine who has been left alone since her children all moved to Poland because of the war. Like most Ukrainians during these difficult times when many have lost their jobs, Natasha was struggling to survive. She heard that the nearby church was providing food for those in need through relief provided by BIEM. She visited the church and was amazed by the warmth and care the members demonstrated to her. She has now attended services in Desna for 3 weeks and listens to the messages intently. Please pray that Natasha will soon embrace Christ as Savior!
Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM