Praises – Rejoice with us!
The Kellers, our missionaries in Kyiv, Ukraine, often engage in street evangelism. Because of a recent lockdown due to Covid-19, they got to speak with more people than ever before. How? So many businesses were closed that their evangelism table was the only attraction!
Some months ago, the Ryzhuks, our missionaries in Belarus, requested prayer for their son Tolik who underwent back surgery. Tolik is now doing great and manages a physically demanding job. On May 29, he is to marry Sasha, a young lady who was already winning souls at the age of 12.
The 2nd Baptist Church in Bilogorodka, Ukraine, recently hosted a benefit concert for a local charity that assists children with disabilities. (The Buykos’ daughter Angelica is one of the singers.) The church was packed, including residents who had never stepped inside before. We praise God for this opportunity to demonstrate care, for both people’s spiritual and physical needs.
In Kyiv, Ukraine, despite the pandemic and the fact that students weren’t allowed to travel from Belarus or Eastern Ukraine, the January session of our seminary had 40 students for all of the classes, plus 30 others who came to audit 3 days of special teaching on the Christian home. We praise the Lord for opportunities to deepen students’ knowledge of God’s Word and to strengthen loving bonds within families.
Prayer - Pray with us!
Please pray concerning a possible new church-planting opportunity for BIEM in the country of Belarus. We always seek God’s guidance as we prayerfully consider each possibility.
In the nation of Georgia, a number of Baptist churches have been coordinating a food outreach to families economically disadvantaged by Covid. Please pray that this project will glorify God and help the churches to establish ongoing relationships with families that need the Gospel.
As mentioned in various Challenger prayer letters, the church in Chervona Sloboda, Ukraine, has developed a very effective puppet ministry that has evangelized in schools, orphanages, and other locations. But due to restrictions from the virus, organizations haven’t been able to invite them for months. Please pray for God to open opportunities to resume this effective outreach.
Although we can’t share details, our workers in various places have recently reported exciting salvation decisions involving souls in Kyrgyzstan, Iran, and other challenging locations. However, new believers in these areas sometimes fear letting others know of decisions for Christ. Please pray for God to encourage their hearts and to strengthen their new faith. Also, pray for a team of 4 evangelists who continue to travel and share the Gospel.