Thank you for praying for Brother River. While he is not in the free and clear, the persecution has eased for now. He wrote, "Thank you for your prayers, God has answered. Things have eased up and we are able to meet again." Please continue to pray for them as they can still be raided at anytime. Pray for wisdom and safety.
July Video Update
Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:
https://vimeo.com/225293122
Praise God for the wonderful privilege of serving Him together with you in spreading the glorious Gospel to a needy world.
This month's video update comes from western Ukraine where church planter Vitaly Bilyak operates a Christian Drug and Alcohol Rehab center outside the city of Ternopil where their church is located. This ministry had a pressing need for a vehicle since it was taking the men 2 1/2 hours to travel to church through a combination of walking and public transportation. One of our recent projects was to raise funds for a vehicle to meet this need.
Praise God that, when this project was shared in the churches that Vitaly recently visited, this need was met! In this video, brother Vitaly expresses gratefulness for this great blessing for the ministry.
Challenger Update
Here is a story from our most recent Challenger publication.
When a sinner repents, Heaven rejoices. In our church, we too greatly rejoiced. Victor is a man for whom we have prayed a long time. He actively helped in building our church. He became the first person whose heart found peace in Christ after many years of wandering in darkness.
Victor came from the world, from a non-Christian family. All of Victor’s life passed without the Lord; therefore, when he repented that was a special event for us. Tears of joy welled in our eyes. We sang hymns of praise and thankfulness. The whole church got on their knees and gave praise to the Creator for this saved sinner.
However, while the church was rejoicing, the enemy of mankind’s souls was pre- paring a serious trial for Victor to shake his faith. When Victor’s wife learned he had repented, she began pressuring him psychologically. For two weeks she would not talk with her husband. Later she used words to pressure him at any opportunity. On Sunday mornings before worship service she would say, “Don’t forget to give away all the tithe to your church.” (That was as if to say, “Take all our money and give it to your church.”)
Friends and relatives wondered how it was possible he would no longer drink alcohol. They wondered if Victor had fallen into a cult.
It takes courage to openly declare you’ve become a follower of Christ, that you want to change your life, especially when everyone around you is far from God. There’s a risk everyone will turn away and say that you’ve lost your mind. But Victor had thought through his decision with regard to the Gospel and Christ. He openly said: “I am a believer. I no longer drink!” Thank God for his decision and courage. This was the first fruit of his repentance.
For a long time, Victor has taken medicine for his heart and blood pressure. He has bottles of medicines standing on the windowsill in a certain order, so even with his eyes closed he can take the right one and make no mistake. One evening he came home after a hard day of work, and he took his pills, drank the necessary dose and...felt oddly. He lay down and all his body felt weightless. Victor thought he was dying. It turned out his daughter-in-law had unwittingly shuffled the medicines. As a result, he took ten times the normal dose of one medicine! When Viktor finally began to feel better, his concerned wife said tenderly: “Victor, go to your church. You will sing psalms. It will help you feel better.”
His wife’s new, softened attitude is a huge answer to prayer. Fellow church members in Ukraine were praying, and so were Americans Victor had met when they visited Bilogorodka to help with the church’s construction. People on both sides of the ocean prayed fervently.
There will be more trials in Victor’s future. We are praying, and we ask that you, dear brothers and sisters, please support Victor in prayer, that the Lord be with him in all his paths and give him peace of heart.
Thank you again to each of you who donated to BIEM’s church construction fund, which in turn led to Victor’s repentance. Saving sinners is the heart of ministry!
Urgent Prayer Request
Please pray for our national pastor, River, and his family who have been serving with BIEM for 12 years in a Muslim country. Sunday night, police broke into his home and disrupted a gathering of believers. All the Bibles were confiscated. The police demanded to know who the pastor was and declared they would put him in jail for a minimum of 15 days. No one would say who the pastor was. Ever since, an armed guard has been stationed at River's house. River can't leave, nor can anyone come visit. This is like an unofficial house arrest and local authorities may also be using this opportunity to collect more information about the group of believers. River's wife, Hope, is eight months pregnant. Please pray for their safety, especially that the intense pressure will not affect the pregnancy.
BIEMs of Light July 2017
Praises – Rejoice with us!
- The financial need for the summer camps has been met! These camps for children and teens have already begun, so this is also a prayer request for God to work through them.
- In Ukraine, two dedication ceremonies took place in June: the new church in Bilogorodka and the completely rebuilt Rehabilitation Center outside Ternopil. Both of these facilities turned out even better than imagined and stand out as wonderful testimonies.
- Last month, we asked that you pray for our shipping container to arrive quickly and pass through Ukrainian Customs. It did! The cargo of chairs included in this shipment arrived in the nick of time to seat everyone at the Bilogorodka dedication service! Praise the Lord!
- We also requested prayer that two foreign-born coworkers be granted visas to visit the USA. God granted this request! In May and part of June, Igor (church planter in Ukraine) and Sasha (a BIEM national missionary in a restricted country) were able to visit many churches, where they preached and shared directly about their respective mission fields.
Prayer – Pray with us!
- In a restricted-access nation in Central Asia, 50 children came for camp. A number of them made professions of faith in Christ, but 6 in particular gave evidence of truly understanding their need of Christ. Later, after local policemen threatened and intimidated our BIEM missionary against preaching and holding services, 90 people came for family camp. There, 8 former Muslims placed their trust in Christ as Savior! Please pray for continuing fruit and for safety for our personnel.
- In Peru, missionary Wilber Huillca and others will soon begin creating an audio recording of the Bible in Yine, the language of one of the tribal groups in the Peruvian jungle. Please pray for God to bless and use this project to save many more souls for His Kingdom.
- In Belarus, even though BIEM missionary Nikolai Ryzhuk’s spinal condition is better (less painful) than previously, he still cannot perform manual labor or drive long distances. Please pray for relief for this brother.
- BIEM’s missionary Micah Tuttle (Republic of Georgia) shares this request, which all of our missionaries could echo: “As you pray for us, pray for a sincere love for men’s souls, for a bold courage in our witness, for a pure heart before God, and for a steadfast faithfulness in this ‘good’ fight. We are very much aware of the need for prayer support back home and are incredibly thankful for your prayers, your love, and your financial support!”
June Video Update
Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:
https://vimeo.com/223140578
We have just returned from Ukraine where we both had a chance to participate in some of the summer camps that are underway. What a blessing!
This month's video update comes from Lutsk, Ukraine and features Pastor Victor and children's worker Vala of the Resurrection Baptist Church. They operate several camps each summer which is a big part of their evangelistic thrust and has consistently produced contacts for the church.
This is also the ministry which operates the special camp for Downs Syndrome children and their parents. Lutsk is in Western Ukraine where BIEM has planted two other churches in addition to this one.
Urgent Prayer Request
Our missionary Tim and his family are courageously serving the Lord in a country strongly opposed to Christians. The spiritual attacks have been increasing weekly especially from false believers who try to destroy their ministry. Recently, Tim held a camp for children and there were 6 campers who accepted Jesus as their Savior and 2 other people who have just come to Christ. Now he is being summoned to appear before the authorities. Please pray God will intervene in this meeting and preserve their ministry there. Pray also for these new converts who are already facing strong opposition for trusting Christ.
May Video Update
Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:
https://vimeo.com/217151650
Warm Greetings in Christ! This months video update features students from Belarus who are attending our seminary In Kiev, Ukraine.
Belarus which is just north of Ukraine is one of the areas where our church planters have faced government opposition. Despite going through a period of government interrogation and an arrest that lead to several court appearances as well as a fine, our brethren in Belarus continue their ministry which focuses on evangelism and youth work. They ask for prayer regarding their upcoming tent evangelism meetings.
April Video Update
Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:
https://vimeo.com/214919982
This month's video update comes from Vinnystia, Ukraine which is a large city about 4 hours southwest of Kiev. Just two days before Easter a fire destroyed the church auditorium pastored by one of our graduates brother Pavel Yanovsky.
Since this church like most churches in Ukraine did not have fire insurance, a fire like this creates an opportunity for other churches to help rebuild. We were in Vinnystia with a group of pastors from various churches all bringing the collections taken up for this need. Praise God no one was injured even though there were several youth spending the night in the facility when the fire took place. The fire moved very quickly and though the auditorium was destroyed, the church is able to continue their meetings by squeezing into the portions of the building that survived.
BIEMs of Light June 2017
Praises – Rejoice with us!
- With God’s blessing and help from friends, we are progressing toward our goal for summer camp programs. At this time last month, we needed $26,000 to match last year’s level of $40,000. As of this writing, the need is down to $16,600. Thanks to all who are giving!
- Our missionary Nikolai Ryzhuk had been hospitalized with severe back pain. Although he is still unable to do physical labor, we rejoice that he is able to walk and attend evangelistic tent meetings held in Drogichin, Belarus, in May. But continue praying.
- BIEM has been hosting 2 of our Ukrainian church planters who are in the U.S. for the first time and visiting churches to share their ministries in person. Also, Vitaly Keller of Russia is visiting U.S. churches too. These meetings with supporters are mutual encouragements!
- A second soul has come to Christ in Bilogorodka! Although Pastor Eugene Buyko’s father-in-law helped in the church’s construction, he had been skeptical of non-Orthodox believers for years. Working alongside our believers convinced him the Gospel is true. Praise God!
Prayer – Pray with us!
- BIEM’s most recent shipping container of supplies was due to reach the Ukrainian port on June 1. Because this container includes items for the new church plant in Bilogorodka (hundreds of chairs, tables, pulpit, several hundred Bibles), please pray the Lord will speed its way through customs to reach the church before dedication Sunday on June 18.
- The church in Ternopil, Ukraine, requests we pray for God to supply a youth pastor for their church. A university city, Ternopil has about 40,000 students. Opportunities for outreach abound, but missionary pastor Vitaly Bilyak is limited as he serves as pastor and oversees the youth, too. He hopes God will send a youth minister in the near future.
- In the military city of Desna, Ukraine, literally thousands of soldiers must march past the church building on their way to showers. Pastor Igor hopes to mount an electronic sign on the building to highlight Bible verses and give church information. Please pray that God would enable and direct in this exciting evangelistic project.
- BIEM praises God for the $7,000+ that donors have sent to provide relief for the churches and Christian families hurt by this spring’s flooding in Peru. Please pray for these brothers and sisters as they repair their homes and church buildings. More gifts are welcome since it will take some time to recover.
BIEMs of Light April/May 2017
Praises – Rejoice with us!
- We praise God that, on April 6 & 8, friends of BIEM volunteered their time to load a 40-ft. container of aid, Bible literature, and church-planting items. It’s now bound for Ukraine. (Please pray it will arrive safely and that God will help our Ukrainian brethren to navigate successfully the bureaucracy involved in getting a container through Ukrainian Customs.)
- From time to time, BIEM invites our national church-planters to the U.S. to visit churches and share their testimonies and news from the mission field. Praise the Lord that, after several attempts, Igor Fomichov has been granted a visa to visit the U.S.
- A movie titled King of Glory (a 4-hour movie) was created to explain Jesus to Muslims. It shows God’s plan for mankind and emphasizes the need for a Savior. BIEM translated it into a Central Asian language, and our missionary Tim arranged for it to be shown on national TV on Easter in Central Asia! Praise God for reports of salvation decisions!
- Sasha, a BIEM missionary in a predominantly Muslim land, rejoices that he and his wife now have several Bible studies in homes of local Muslim husbands with wives from Russia or Ukraine. In these cases, the husbands not only permit the study in their home, but have also sat and listened. Praise God! May His Word speak to hearts.
Prayer – Pray with us!
- From Belarus: BIEM missionary Nikolai Ryzhuk requests prayer for evangelistic tent meetings planned for May 13 - 14. May many unsaved neighbors attend, even if out of curiosity. Pray for God to convict of sin and to draw people to Himself.
- Also from Belarus: The spinal operation undergone by the Ryzhuks’ son, Tolik, was evidently not fully successful in correcting his problem. In addition, our missionary Nikolai is now hospitalized. MRI results reveal herniation in his spine, and physicians say he needs surgery. Pray that God will provide guidance in both members of this missionary family.
- Summer is fast approaching! Overseas, pastors and missionaries are contacting us to ask whether there will be funds for summer camp ministries. As of this writing, BIEM needs $26,000 to match last year’s level of camp support. Please pray the Lord will prompt His people to make camp ministries possible once again in 2017.
- Please pray for believers in Peru, which has been hit hard by heavy rains, flooding, and mudslides. Although the immediate crisis may be over, these events leave behind much devastation and needs. (Donations for relief may be designated “Peru Relief.”)
Challenger Update
Here is a story from our most recent Challenger publication.
A deadly military conflict continues in Eastern Ukraine. Like many pastors in that land, BIEM's Vitaly Bilyak asked himself how he should respond. Here's a condensed version of his report.
What do you do when there's war in your country? As you know, there's a war in Eastern Ukraine. In our nation, for political reasons it's called an Anti-Terrorist Operation. But that doesn't alter the fact that people perish regularly.
Our church considered: what did we have to offer? We had received humanitarian aid from BIEM. Some of that aid we had distributed locally, but a portion remained. We could send one small load. Next, I contacted churches and BIEM about our idea. BIEM responded and named a dollar amount they could contribute, which was a clear sign form God. Next, two churches got on board.
But where should we go? The president of our brotherhood of churches recommended a congregation in Dobropolye that's actively rendering aid. We decided to give them part of the funds we'd collected. Also, even though visiting Avdeevka was dangerous, we wanted to minister there, on the front line.
We set out very early. Our cargo van drove ahead, and we followed. With me went Volodya, Andrei, and Roman. By evening we reached Dobropolye.
Ministry in Dobropolye
First, we unloaded our van into the church warehouse. Then we got acquainted with the church.
The population of Dobropolye is 30,000 and about 15,000 refugees settled here. People are everywhere—in vacant rooms of businesses, dormitories, private houses, and apartments.
On Sunday, the church auditorium was filled with 120 people. Some arrived early to talk. Several arrived during the second half, obviously for the aid. The service wasn't long, but was uplifting. When Andrei shared how the Lord had saved him from addiction to drugs, people cried.
After the service, people lined up as if on cue. Sisters from the church registered first-timers. Others showed ID's to receive about 10 lbs. of food, which was purchased with funds we'd provided. Each package included Christian tracts. Anyone who didn't own a New Testament received one. Some people were grateful and open to conversation; others expressed no emotion and simply left.
Meeting with refugees in Rodynske
After a quick lunch, we climbed into cars and tortured ourselves on the roads as we drove to a neighboring city 21 miles away. There, 50 people gathered in a dim corridor for a service. Everyone stood. When we sang a song about home, many quietly wiped away tears.
I often preach, but never before had anyone listened so intently. I spoke about everyone's most important need—a meeting with the Savior. Afterward, they gave me a letter of appreciation singed by everyone who attended.
In the evening, a friend from Donetsk visited. He's a pastor. His church ended up on the other side, under occupation. Every Saturday he loads his old car with groceries on the Ukrainian side, then drives back. After a two-hour church service, he leads a Bible class for adults. To me, he and his wife are heroes, people who risk their lives crossing the front twice a week to help believers on that side of the war. We handed him funds to buy food. After prayer, he departed to his reality.
In the line of fire
The next day we were to visit Avdeevka, a city that's been hit by artillery for nearly a month. A feeling of anxiety rose at the first block-post checkpoint. Armed men examined our ID's and cargo. When they learned we're from Western Ukraine and that we were delivering aid, they let us proceed. There are five checkpoints manned by soldiers along the 37-mile road. Closer to Avdeevka, there were practically no other civilian cars, only military vehicles. On the approach to the city, road signs, fences, and houses have been riddled with shrapnel. Many homes have plastic sheeting over the windows instead of glass. There were houses where blown-out windows don't even have plastic over them.
After a final checkpoint, we entered Avdeevka. First, we visited the church. People expected us. They shared the latest news: that morning men from the church had rescued an elderly couple from a house where a shell had hit. The couple was brought to the church and fed while considering where they might live now.
In the church, we heard explosions, but no locals made a fuss, so why worry? We gave them cartons of humanitarian aid and finances for ministry.
Local brethren suggested we visit buildings that were shelled during the night. When we reached that street, we saw broken wires, ruined houses, sheds, and fences... Plywood covered windows.
Shots were fired. The locals didn't react. But everyone wonders the same thing: "When will it end?" They don't care who wins, just so as the shooting stops.
The pastor of Revival Baptist Church in Avdeevka says, "Fifty precent of the church's members have left the city, but despite the situation and the danger to life, ministries have not ceased. God has filled the church with new members and newcomers. God has opened new ministries for us: children's work, feeding the elderly and invalids, aid to residents of the city by repairing windows after shelling, and aid to families with many children."
We left with mixed emotions. When we returned home, we read in the news that several hours after our departure Avdeevka was heavily bombarded. Apartments were hit, and people died.
Please pray for Ukraine! Pray especially for churches on both sides of the conflict line. Pray that each of us will understand what is his role in serving suffering people in this senseless war.
If you would like to help, mark your donation "Ukraine Aid." Gifts will go to churches that are actively rendering aid along with the Gospel in the same spirit as Jesus, who met physical needs while sharing spiritual truths.
March Video Update
Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:
https://vimeo.com/212197253
Though it is already April, this e-mail contains our March Video update. The month of March and beginning of April we have had Eugene Buyko and Vitaly Bilyak, church planters from Ukraine with us as we visited churches in the East and Midwest.
One of the projects they are have been involved with is preparing a 40 foot container of humanitarian aid, Gospel literature and church planting equipment to send to Ukraine. This video update features these Ukrainian national missionaries saying a few words about this container shipment.
Urgent Prayer Request
Thank-you for praying for our brothers and sisters in Peru which is
experiencing floods and mudslides of historic proportions. A "state
of emergency" has been declared for 1/2 of the country.
Our missionaries are attempting to assess the damage; however, heavy
rains are expected to continue for 20 - 30 more days. The
missionaries expect overall repairs and replacements to total tens of
thousands of dollars. Medical needs are expected to arise in the
coming weeks. Drinking water and food are in short supply at best.
Cell phone service is spotty.
We value your prayers for our missionaries and their congregations in
this time of great suffering. Those desiring to help with these needs
should designate funds "PERU RELIEF" via BIEM.
February Video Update
Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:
https://vimeo.com/205231850
Greetings! Since we have Vitaly and Olena Yurchenko visiting the United States from Ukraine, this months video update comes from our office and features brother Vitaly giving an update on our seminary in Kiev. Brother Vitaly is the director of this seminary.
Last month we had an increase in students which in part was due the fact that more and more students are coming from the War Zone in the East since we began covering their travel expenses. The increase in students has created a housing shortage which we hope to solve by finishing the attic in the church building where the students stay. Please pray with us for the $10,000 that is needed to finish this attic.
BIEMs of Light March 2017
Praises – Rejoice with us!
Last month, we requested prayer for Nikolai Ryzhuk’s evangelism trip to the Far North of Russia. God protected the team from serious harm when a snowmobile broke down in the wilderness, and He gave fruit in new decisions for Christ! Thanks for prayers!
These past few weeks, BIEM missionaries Vitaly and Olena Yurchenko have been in the U.S., visiting churches and bringing firsthand reports from the field of Ukraine. These meetings have been a blessing and encouragement for all. Praise God.
Recently BIEM missionary Vitaly Bilyak and several brethren visited eastern Ukraine’s zone of military conflict with humanitarian aid and the Gospel. A pastor of one church there says his Sunday’s services are full, and 50% of attenders are unbelievers. “They all come with broken lives and broken hearts, hungry and cold, but listening to the Word of God, and some of them take him to heart.” Praise God for a chance to minister among the hurting.
Ruben Villar, a single BIEM church planter in Peru, has met a wonderful Christian young lady named Laura, and they have now announced their engagement! Praise God for such a blessing from the Lord. More good news—his church, which is up to 65, has outgrown their meeting place, and they have just rented a larger facility that can accommodate 110.
Prayer – Pray with us!
BIEM missionary Igor Balashov reports that a team plans to visit Lugansk to assist local churches with evangelism (in the zone of military conflict.) Please pray for the right team members to be able to make this trip, for salvation of souls, and strengthening of believers.
Our missionary Valia Yankovska has successfully foster-parented various children. Right now, she requests prayer for Anya and Volodya, two foster children who have rebelled in various ways and need repentance and salvation in Christ.
In the Republic of Georgia, Charles Hoblitz reports several conversions of native Georgians and also that Christian students from Nigeria and India attend their English-language services. However, “some know nothing about how to live the Christian life and tackle problems Biblically, so we have also been doing a lot of Christian counseling lately.” Pray for wisdom for counseling and for understanding in these students.
Vitaly Yurchenko, who serves as the Rector of the seminary in Kyiv, is thrilled that more students enrolled for the winter session. This number includes three more students from the occupied territory in the east of Ukraine, making the number from there 9 students. Pray for these students as they put into practice the information and training they receive.
BIEMs of Light February 2017
Praises – Rejoice with us!
- The pastor of a church planted by BIEM in Russia is excited at the way the Lord has gotten ahold of his son’s heart who has been a subject of much prayer. The young man, who is in his twenties, devoured almost half the Bible in January and eagerly wants to be baptized.
Celebrations! The church in Desna, Ukraine, is now celebrating 14 years since their founding, and this past Sunday the church in Ternopil, Ukraine, celebrated the end of a decade of renting facilities as they praised God for their newly refurbished auditorium.
- BIEM missionary Igor Balashov and an evangelistic team recently completed a 2-month journey in which they evangelized with small churches across Russia deep into Siberia. At one point their vehicle broke down, and they had to send away for parts, so they interpreted this as God’s will to continue evangelizing where they were. Praise God for workers for the harvest, and praise Him for salvation decisions resulting from this trip!
- Praise God for an excellent Winter session of our seminary in Kiev with 45 students! This is a great number for a Winter session. Nine students from the war zone in the East were able to attend.
Prayer – Pray with us!
- At this writing, Nikolai Ryzhuk is once again in the Far North of Russia, where he and another brother are traveling by snowmobile through extreme cold to distant villages for evangelism and to fortify believers. Please pray for them during this dangerous trip.
- One BIEM missionary couple in a predominantly Muslim land happily report a number of new visitors at the worship services they hold in their home. A few guests who considered them believers due to membership in the Russian Orthodox church expressed amazement at the Bible truths they learned, and have come back. Please pray that the Gospel will illumine the hearts and minds of these listeners and bring repentance and trust in Christ.
- Using Bible studies and other activities, the Tuttles in the Republic of Georgia have had opportunities to share the Gospel with both men and women who don’t attend church. Please pray for these folks, too, to understand and embrace the Good News of salvation.
- One of our Ukrainian church planting couples, Vitaly and Alona Yurchenko will be visiting churches in the United States this month. Please pray for journeying mercies and for God’s blessings on these meetings which will be in the Midwest and Colorado.
January Video Update
Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:
https://vimeo.com/200862376
Greetings! Once again our video update comes from the Moscow area where we had the joy of participating in the dedication of the new church building in Shahovskaya. It was a wonderful time of praising God, testimonies, preaching, food and fellowship. Every square inch of the building was packed with people. A truly wonderful event. Afterward, I had the occasion to visit with Pastor Peter Rumachik in his home. I had recently searched our archives and found the first few issues of our newsletter the Challenger which we began publishing in 1983. The very first issue contained an article about brother Peter who had just been re-sentenced to another 5 year term without every being released. Back then one of the major thrusts of our newsletter was to inform Christians about the believers in the Soviet Union who were in prison for Christ and encourage them to pray for them and write letters in their behalf to various authorities. We never thought we would meet any of these hero's of the faith except in glory. It was a blessing to present these early newsletters to brother Peter and translate for him what they said. A big smile swept across his face when I translated a part where people were saying it was not likely he would survive his current term. Praise God almost 35 years later he is still serving God while many of his persecutors went on to meet their fate. This video update is from this meeting in brother Peter's home. It is longer than what we usually send out but this was a special moment, especially for those of you who know Pastor Peter.
Urgent Prayer Request from Baptist International
Answer to Prayer:
What an answer to your prayers! Our missionary Tim was facing such difficulties and trials while recently traveling to a Muslim country. He was going there to train and encourage our national pastors and workers. However, he was threatened and detained by authorities, then closely monitored by the police. Shortly after our request for urgent prayer, things greatly improved and the trip became very beneficial. On his return trip no one harassed him, but problems with his ticket threatened to delay his flight home. God overruled, and after several days flying and staying in airports, he arrived home very tired, but very happy. Thank you for praying for his safety and a successful trip. It worked! Praise the Lord.
Original Prayer Request:
Our missionary Tim is in a Muslim country to train and encourage our national pastors and workers. He has been there before with no major problems from the authorities, but this time he is facing hostile treatment, making his trip very hard and physically exhausting. Tim says Satan is causing many problems and even the small community of believers are under attack. He has been dealing with everything from gossip to drunkenness. Much prayer is needed for the rest of this week and a safe trip home. Thank you!
BIEMs of Light January 2017
Praises – Rejoice with us!
Right at the moment when the main auditorium of the new church in Bilogorodka was ready for services, a piano for it became available. The sellers had wanted much more for their German-made piano, but they sold their apartment and needed a buyer that very day!
In Smolin, Ukraine, BIEM missionaries Alexander and Ira Petrenko have at last been able to close on a small house to use for worship services. Praise God for another location where His Word will soon be preached. May locals hear, believe, and accept the Gospel!
In Kiteni, Peru, missionary Rolando Arias and his wife praise the Lord that, despite sicknesses this past year, they have seen God’s hand working through church services, Bible clubs, their recent Christmas services and other interactions in the community.
Prayer – Pray with us!
Andrei Eliseev, who leads the Rehabilitation Center near Ternopil, Ukraine, requests prayer for their weekly evangelism at the local tuberculosis dispensary. People often respond to the Gospel with hostility, but recently one man accepted Christ! The following Sunday he brought another of his friends to church. May many more turn to Christ.
Please continue to pray for believers who evangelize in Russia. One BIEM missionary shared this: “Nadia, who is in her late teens, spoke to a homeless person at the railway station and prayed for him. As soon as she gave the man a Bible, the police immediately approached her and demanded an explanation why she did it. They said they would arrest her the next time they saw her doing so…. The next day, after prayers, Nadia told her father that she would continue to preach the Gospel, but with more caution.”
In St. Petersburg, Russia, a shelter for the homeless also serves as an evangelistic ministry. Members of an evangelism team take turns studying the Bible with those who live there. Please pray for the believers on the team, and also for the shelter’s residents.
In Central Asia, missionaries will soon hold their first ever winter retreat for teens. Also, we will soon hold eschatology seminars for Central Asian ministers. Please pray for God’s hand of blessing on both ministries.