BIEM Update on Help and Aid to Refugees
Dear Friends,
We are so grateful for the concern and prayers so many have expressed for Ukraine and for the many Ukrainian national missionaries we have there. We are also very grateful for the kind and generous donations many of you have contributed to our Ukraine Relief fund. It’s a fund we never expected to create, and it’s one we wish we had never needed to create. However, in light of all the destruction, displaced persons, and hardship now happening in Ukraine, we believe this fund will be crucial. By the end of the banking day today we will be approaching $150,000 that has already been wired to those in Ukraine positioned to provide assistance. We will resume when banking opens on Monday.
Some friends have wondered whether there is a risk these dollars could fall into the hands of Russia. While that remains a possibility, BIEM would rather take that risk and do something rather than let such a fear paralyze us into doing nothing. Nevertheless, we are taking precautions to minimize that risk and are not sending huge lump sums all to one location. When the receiving party lets us know they have received it, we send the next payment.
It’s possible that at some point our immediate ability to transfer funds will be interrupted. Even if that happens, at some point they are bound to resume. When they do, the needs will still be massive. In addition, since we have funded many church-building programs in Ukraine, a country where people do not trust banks, so all real estate deals are done in cash (American dollars), we have ways of getting funds to Ukraine without using banks.
At this point, we rejoice that none of our BIEM personnel have been killed, although some have been displaced. Those who can are ready to open their hearts and their churches to countrymen who need to see the love of God shining through His children. We are also in the initial process of evacuating Ukrainians out of Ukraine and preparing to receive a good number into the United States. The need is great, but God is even greater, and His people are the greatest people on earth.
We still need more funds for the following relief efforts which we are conducting:
Providing food and shelter to those seeking refuge.
Supplying blankets, clothes, soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.
Providing medicine to those in need.
Counseling and praying with those that need help and encouragement.
Sharing the Gospel with those who come our way.
Evacuating those in the most dangerous places to safer locations.
Assisting refugees in crossing the Ukrainian border to Poland.
Providing food and housing to refugees who arrive in Poland.
Assisting families who have fled to Poland in obtaining Emergency US visas.
Placing Ukrainian refugees in American homes willing to receive Ukrainian Refugees.
At a certain point, we may need more families willing to accept Ukrainian refugees. If you are interested, we will add you to the list of those who have indicated an interest already. This would not be a commitment. You would be contacted with more information when such opportunities arise so you would understand what would be involved before volunteering.
We will be hosting several Ukrainian Refugees at and near our headquarters in the Indianapolis, Indiana area. A passenger van is needed to provide transportation. Maybe you know of a church or an organization that has a van they would be interested in donating to this cause. Please contact us.
Most of all we need the fervent constant prayer of God’s people. Pray for Ukraine, pray for our missionaries, pray for the leaders of Ukraine, and pray for God’s mercy for the sake of so many millions who are in such grave danger.
Please log onto our website: BaptistInternational.org where you will find more information about these needs and view the videos from our personnel in Ukraine. Thank you again and may God bless you!
Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM