Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People
1. Igor Fomichov from Desna, Ukraine, arrived safely at our Indiana headquarters this week. This was a definite answer to prayer, since the requirements for pastors wanting to travel outside Ukraine have recently become tighter. In addition to all the previous permissions needed from the government, men wanting to exit Ukraine must obtain proof that they are registered with the military, which we had never done before. Praise God, Igor was able to satisfy both old and new requirements and was able to leave Ukraine. Please pray that the Lord will bless our meetings here in the USA as Igor shares with churches how God is using our war-relief efforts to reach people for Christ.
2. Understandably, many Ukrainian citizens have fled from regions that have suffered intense shelling and battles during Russia's invasion. Those who are left behind often have few resources, including churches seeking to bless and help their communities. When a village church in Kherson hoped to hold day camps for children despite the devastation, BIEM church planters Sergei Skripnik and Pasha Usach were quick to respond. Listen to them discussing the situation, and then watch as the kids enjoy the camp…
https://vimeo.com/user37287229/khersoncamp
3. Some time ago, a young soldier named Roman from Eastern Ukraine was assigned to serve at the military base in Desna, where we planted a thriving church. Roman became yet another soldier who came to Christ at this church. Eventually, Roman was sent to the war front and has been involved in intense fighting. About 4 days ago, Roman's brigade came under heavy fire. Many were killed and severely wounded. Roman was one of those injured. It turns out that a tourniquet we provided saved his life. According to the medics who treated him, the tourniquet also saved his arm because it was a high-quality tourniquet that permitted a gradual adjustment of the tension, which is important when hours pass before medics arrive. Praise God for preserving this young man’s life. Right now, the injured arm has no feeling. Doctors are hopeful that feeling will ultimately return, but that could take months and is not guaranteed. Please pray that his arm will fully heal.
4. This week Vitaly Bilyak is once again taking war relief along with the Gospel to the war front in the East. It is his 19th trip to these embattled areas. He and a local pastor are distributing war relief to civilians. After that, he will move on to military positions where he receives special access through soldiers and officers who are connected with his church. Because of these ties, Vitaly can visit the soldiers in their underground bunkers, where he has free reign to share the Gospel.
In Christ,
Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM