War Relief Updates - July 7, 2023

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. On July 6, a Russian cruise missile attack on Ukraine’s western city of Lviv struck an apartment building, killing at least 10 known victims. Local officials report another 42 people were wounded in this nighttime attack, which damaged 60 apartments and about 50 cars. BIEM church planter Yura Levtseniuk lives close to this site in Lviv. He has access to some of those who have been injured because he is a medic and happens to know some of them. BIEM’s War Relief fund has enabled Yura to aid some of them with their needs and to share the Gospel with them, especially with a man named Victor, who lost his legs and is facing difficult operations. Yura asks to pray for Victor and these others, that they would open their hearts to the Lord.

2. This weekend, 4 refugee families—a record—are traveling to visit BIEM in Indiana at the same time. It is a blessing to help and encourage them. However, as we do, in some of these cases we come to the sad realization that many of these people will not be returning to Ukraine even after the war is over. This is a loss for Ukraine in general, but since these people are Christians, this is also a loss for Ukrainian churches, which truly need workers. The longer the war continues, the less likely it is for Ukrainian refugees to return. Please pray for the war to end soon.

3. Normally, when you think of war relief (or humanitarian aid in general), you probably picture supplies of food and clothing. But in a wartime scenario, war relief can also take the form of something as simple as tourniquets. Through the following video link, Igor Fomichov tells the story of Nastya, a woman in Ukraine’s armed forces, whose life was saved, thanks to a tourniquet.

https://vimeo.com/842953549

4. War Relief distributions continue to add people to the church. In Desna, for example, new faces have appeared in the services from among those receiving aid. Please pray for Luda to be saved. She is one of those who are now hearing the Word of God regularly. Also, there is Zhenya, who was recently released from prison and ended up in the church’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, where he was saved and is now growing in the Lord. Praise God!

5. In our May BIEMs of Light, we mentioned a woman named Ludmila, a medical doctor who began attending the new church plant in Ternopil’s Druzhba district. This church began largely as an effort to evangelize refugees through war relief and children’s ministries. Although Ludmila’s family members were atheist doctors, she herself was intrigued to learn more of the Bible. Now we’re delighted to share that Ludmila has placed her faith in Christ and has already expressed her desire to be baptized. Hallelujah!

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

BIEMs of Light: July 2023

Praises – Rejoice with us!

• In June, both Eugene Buyko and Igor Fomichov of Ukraine were with us in the U.S. During those weeks, both men were able to preach and bring updates to multiple supporting churches. They also assisted with physically packing our latest container of humanitarian aid and in preparing its paperwork in dual languages. Love offerings from their visits to churches contributed wonderfully to our War Relief fund. Thank you for praying for these men’s visits!

• In June, the Lord provided a third member to the home of our newest missionaries, Serhiy and Karina Koop! They have named their firstborn daughter Karolina (pronounced kar-oh-LEE-nah). Serhiy expresses thanks for prayers for a safe delivery.

• In Central Asia, a special family camp ministered to 60 Afghani refugees, at least 25 of whom came as unbelievers. As the Gospel repeatedly went forth day by day, 13 formerly Muslim souls came to Christ! May the Lord help them to stand firm in their newfound faith since these decisions will not please Muslim friends and family members

• Our missionary Sasha in Western Asia is planning a baptism in July, which is special because the candidates are teens who have accepted Christ despite their Islamic surroundings.

Prayer – Pray with us!

• The same Sasha mentioned above in a predominantly Muslim nation is also planning two evangelistic events for his area. Sasha says, “Please pray for these projects, that there will be no obstacles from the authorities or anyone else.”

• This item is a combination of praise plus a prayer request: Praise the Lord, summer camps are underway in multiple countries, and churches will continue holding them throughout July and into August. However, at this point, of the $50,000 needed, we have received $29,283, meaning $20,717 has not yet come in. Please join us in praying for those funds to operate the camps.

• Please don’t let “out of sight, out of mind” apply to our recent container of humanitarian aid, which is well on its way to Ukraine. Please pray for smooth and safe passage through the port in Poland and then overland as it is trucked into Ukraine.

• In July, BIEM’s Sam and Amy Slobodian plan to assist in camps in Ukraine, including near Kyiv, the capital. However, Kyiv remains a key target for Russia’s air attacks—Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, Iskander ballistic missiles, cruise missiles (X-101, X-555, “Kalibr”), and Shahed drones. Please pray for their safety and the safety of all the campers and camp workers.  Most importantly, please pray for the Holy Spirit’s working in hearts during these camps.

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June Video Update

Dear Pastors and Friends,

Greetings! This month’s video comes from Kherson, the southern part of Ukraine where so much devastation has resulted from the Russians’ demolition of the Kakhovka dam. This part of that country had already suffered due to the Russian occupation and aggression. For local residents, the flooding has heaped misery upon misery.

But even though we would never wish for such a situation, we rejoice that believers connected with churches planted through BIEM respond to these circumstances as opportunities to aid suffering ones in the name of Jesus Christ and a chance to share the Gospel. Via the following link, you can join BIEM missionary Vitaly Bilyak on his recent war-relief trip, this time to the Kherson district.

https://vimeo.com/840874898

This newest video is just one of many concerning our war-relief efforts, all accessible here:

https://vimeo.com/showcase/9315861

The needs are ongoing and HUGE.  If you feel that God would have you to help, please designate your gift “War Relief.” Thank you to everyone for your prayerful support!

In Christ,

Sam & Amy Slobodian

War Relief Updates - June 23, 2023

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. Thank you, those of you who prayed for Eugene Buyko’s visit to the U.S. During his time in this country, Eugene was able to speak in a number of churches in multiple states. The Lord blessed those services with wonderful love offerings for BIEM’s War Relief Fund. Eugene also contributed greatly in the physical loading of our most recent container and in filling out dual-language paperwork needed for the shipping company and Customs. He reports the border crossing from Poland back into Ukraine went smoothly—less than an hour!

2. Often, our mentions of war relief refer to large numbers of people, in some cases even to whole villages on the front lines. But today let us give an example of a specific person. Nastya is an unbeliever, one of many women in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Her unit of 17 soldiers was engaged by an enemy tank and its supporting soldiers. Gravely wounded, Nastya managed to survive by taking shelter behind a tree. A tourniquet saved her from bleeding to death, and surgeons managed to save the arm. Although Nastya is eager to return to her unit, she is currently convalescing from her multiple wounds. Meanwhile, a mutual friend contacted the church in Desna and asked if the believers can provide any sort of aid for Nastya. Once again, BIEM’s War Relief will soon give believers an opportunity to share spiritual Truth along with physical assistance.

3. We previously mentioned starting a program to aid wives and mothers of soldiers to obtain needed medications. That program is now underway. It is one of the forms of assistance mentioned in our last video update, titled “Beyond Just War Relief.” You can view it here:

https://vimeo.com/838788501

4. A Christian man named Sergei is a member of one of the churches planted through BIEM. He is now also a commander in the Ukrainian military. When his vehicle came under fire, Sergei jumped out and took shelter in a depression in the ground. Seeing post-battle photos of that vehicle, anyone would be amazed that he is still alive. But in this, too, we see Almighty God’s preserving hand and another opportunity to share Christian faith along with aid from the church.

5. Our containers of humanitarian aid are shipped duty-free since the Ukrainian government does not levy any taxes or duty charges for humanitarian aid. Humanitarian aid may be food, clothing, medical supplies, or essential equipment. It is a blessing and interesting to note that the Ukrainian government is also counting any church furnishings (pews, pulpits, chairs, tables, etc.) as humanitarian aid when donated to Ukrainian churches. Also included in the category of humanitarian aid are sports equipment for church youth programs, camping gear, as well as furniture and household furnishing for our drug and alcohol rehab ministries operated by churches. The container of war relief that is currently on its way has several tons of goods in these latter categories. We praise God for opportunities to send such helpful church supplies, all duty-free!

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

War Relief Updates - June 16, 2023

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. A couple of weeks ago, BIEM personnel and volunteers loaded a 40-ft. high-cube container with war relief for churches for shipment to Ukraine. Much of this cargo consists of gently used, donated clothing and shoes, but it also includes supplies for churches, along with, for example, large donations of foodstuffs such as macaroni and cheese from Widow’s Jar Ministries. On June 9th, the ship carrying this container left port, and it is due to arrive in Poland on June 29th. From there, it will be trucked across the border into Ukraine and eventually to the Kyiv area. Please pray for a smooth passage through customs so that the churches in the Kyiv area will soon be able to receive and distribute the nearly 30 tons of aid in this container.

2. The destruction of the Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine swept away homes, farmlands, and lives. It’s a major catastrophe for the residents, for the ecology, and even for people nowhere near that area since it ruined crops that were ripening in farm fields. Once again, BIEM personnel are mobilizing to aid victims. In the following video, BIEM church planter Sasha Petrenko shares part of how believers from his area are responding.

https://vimeo.com/836313630

3. Sasha Petrenko is just one of several of our folks who have quickly mobilized efforts to help those suffering in the Kherson area due to the Russian attack on the dam. This week our folks in Kyiv, Bilogorodka, Zdolbuniv, and Ternopil have likewise launched efforts to help those suffering in Kherson. Others are gathering supplies to transport as there is a huge need for food, water, and medicine as well as other equipment and supplies.

4. Praise God, our first three summer camps went well. Our war-relief efforts have certainly increased local Ukrainians’ interest in the camps as the testimonies of the churches have risen in their communities. These first three summer camps in Kyiv, Lytvynivka, and Smolin definitely benefited from our war-relief activities.

5. Last week we mentioned that pastors Eugene Buyko and Igor Fomichov from Ukraine are with us in the US through most of this month and are traveling to churches for the purpose of raising War Relief funds. We are glad to report that these meetings are going well. However, Eugene’s and Igor’s hearts are often heavy from the reports they continuously receive that Russia has increased its air attacks on Kyiv, which is where both of these men are from. Things were relatively quiet when they left Ukraine. However, the near daily attacks weigh heavily on their hearts as they are very concerned for their families. In May alone, Russia is said to have launched at Kyiv approximately 7 “Kinzhal” hypersonic missiles, 13 Iskander ballistic missiles, 65 cruise missiles of various types, and 169 Shahed drones. Please pray that God will continue to protect their loved ones.

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

War Relief Updates - June 9, 2023

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. As has been widely reported in the media, on June 6 an explosion occurred on the Nova Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine, unleashing an amount of water equivalent to Utah’s Great Salt Lake. In the biggest ecological disaster in Europe in decades, flood waters have engulfed villages, destroyed farm fields, and left untold thousands of Ukrainians without clean drinking water. As soon as BIEM learned of these events, we transferred funds to various BIEM personnel in Ukraine who can mobilize food and supplies for this suffering area. Combined war reliefh and evangelism efforts focusing on that Kherson district are now underway. Please pray for these outreaches, not only that they will ease people’s physical misery but that they will lead to hearts embracing Christ as Savior.

2. As a result of the destruction of the dam mentioned above, Ukrainian officials predict another wave of refugees, which will be difficult for Ukraine to accommodate. Several of our churches have made their facilities available for displaced persons who had to abandon their homes. The major parcel shipping company in Ukraine has announced it will not charge for war-relief parcels shipped to Kherson. Many of our people are preparing such parcels of aid. We certainly can use more gifts to BIEM’s War Relief fund to take advantage of this opportunity.

3. Our newest church plant in Druzhba reaches out especially to refugees who have fled to this western Ukraine area. As the church prepares to baptize 7 new believers, we want to update you on Sasha, the young man whose parents vehemently opposed his new faith in Christ. Their hostile reaction was so extreme that Sasha stopped attending services. Recently, however, he resumed attending all services despite must displeasure from his parents. He is also attending new believer classes for those planning to be baptized. Although he would very much like to be baptized with this group, he and the church are praying for his parents to have a change of heart on this matter. Please pray for Sasha and his parents.

4. Every church planted by BIEM in Ukraine—indeed nearly all churches in that country—has members, relatives, and friends serving in the military, many of them in active combat positions at the front. Therefore, believers in Ukraine are quite active in sending war relief to these loved ones and upholding them in prayer. Of course, the obvious prayer is for God’s protection in battle. But the most important prayers are for the Lord to draw the souls of these soldiers to Himself. And God is answering. To learn more, click the following link, where BIEM’s Director for Ukraine shares about prayers for family members at the front:

https://vimeo.com/834898242

5. During the early days of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, friends of BIEM provided an extremely generous outpouring of financial support. However, during the months when the media provided less coverage, donations for War Relief dropped significantly. Whatever the reason, we need a continuing supply of War Relief funds since the needs continue and responding to physical needs automatically creates wonderful opportunities to proclaim the Gospel. Can you help? (Or if not, would you pray for the Lord to touch the hearts and pocketbooks of those who can?)

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

May Video Update

Dear Pastors and Friends,

Life stays busy whenever we have BIEM national church planters visiting us in the United States, and this current experience is no exception. Currently, we have Eugene Buyko and Igor Fomichov here to visit churches and to assist in raising funds for BIEM’s War Relief efforts. In addition, this past week they applied their time and energy to help us load (extremely tightly!) another 40-foot, high-cube container packed with gently used clothing and shoes, foodstuffs, tables and chairs for churches, and a wide variety of other useful items for opening doors and ministering to souls in war-ravaged Ukraine. To see a brief video of the packing process, we invite you to click the following link:

https://vimeo.com/834898242?share=copy

These container-loading days can be exhausting. We strive to utilize every bit of airspace to get as much “bang for our buck” as possible out of the container shipping costs. (And of course, each box and item must be recorded for the cargo manifest.) But despite the inevitable sore muscles, these projects are a labor of love, performed both for the Lord and for saved and unsaved recipients in Ukraine. Many of you provided the slightly used garments aboard this shipment. Thank you for them! Others of you have provided financial donations, which go toward ordering the shipping container and paying for its transport from here to Ukraine. Thank you, too! It might sound like a cliché, but in this ministry, we are ever aware of the fact that we could not accomplish such projects without all of you. Thanks so much for standing with us. May God bless you richly!

In Christ,

Sam & Amy Slobodian

War Relief Updates - May 26, 2023

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. Among our key distributors of war relief aid is a husband-and-wife team of Vitaly and Natasha, through whom we have funded numerous relief operations. They just returned from a dangerous area about 30 miles from Bakhmut called Druzhkivka. There, they delivered 120 large packages of food and supplies to a church that is helping the many in need around them. Though most members have left (the government has been urging civilians to leave this area for months now), the handful of members who remain have been inundated with requests for aid, which provides wonderful opportunities to share the Gospel. As a result, the church has been packed with refugees for services—the largest crowds they have ever had! In addition, the church has been visited by 3 different Ukrainian military units (about 30 soldiers in each) who are battling nearby. They, too, came for food and heard the Gospel.

2. The church pastored by BIEM’s Yura Levtseniuk in Lviv, Ukraine, continues to enjoy abundant opportunities to evangelize. This church has been especially active in distributing humanitarian aid to refugees. In this role, Yura has even had openings to share the Gospel with Muslims who have come to their city. Some who hear the Word embrace Christ for salvation. Others listen without any immediate commitment. But either way, God’s Word is being heard, and we get to see fruit from it! To see a brief video of Yura expressing thanks to you all, click on the following link:

https://vimeo.com/830597659

3. Some of you will recall Misha, the Ukrainian nephew of a BIEM couple. Through him, our people have been able to deliver some aid to his military unit. After being rotated away from the battle lines for a rest, he was sent back toward the front. Even before reaching the front, his group came under attack. The vehicles were shot up, so the men had to press forward on foot. They spent a night in a field where they were bombed. Many were killed, and others were shell-shocked. But we praise God that, once again, Misha has survived.

4. In addition to obvious war-relief needs in Ukraine such as food and clothing, another need has come to our attention. In this economically trying time for that nation, some female church members have been quietly conferring with each other, trying to locate sources of various medications or preparations for personal issues they would be embarrassed to discuss in groups or with their pastor. With the assistance of your war-relief donations, BIEM is also procuring the needed items to address such personal needs.

5. Although this final update for today is not so much about war relief, it definitely concerns the war and is a request for prayer. Oleg, the brother of BIEM’s church planter Sasha Petrenko, was taken prisoner by Russian forces and had been placed in a sort of POW camp near Zaporizhzhia. Now the family has learned he is no longer in that place but have no information on his status or location. They would appreciate prayer for Oleg.

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

BIEMs of Light: May 2023

Praises – Rejoice with us!

• Our director for Central Asia sent this exciting message: “When our [evangelistic team] came back from the border, two men asked for a ride. Today, after those two had finished up their business, they came back to our men and asked to know more about Jesus. Both men trusted Christ as their Savior today!”

• We received this message concerning Misha, a nephew of BIEM coworkers in Ukraine: “Thank you for praying for Misha. He had 28 bombs dropped near his trench last night. At one point his machine gun malfunctioned. He left his trench to get a tool and call home. As he did, one bomb hit the trench, the 14 others in the trench died…. So many going to hell…. Pray for these men to come to Christ before death.”

• When Sam Slobodian visited Ukraine in March, that trip included a chance to participate in baptizing new believers who have come to Christ during the war. It also held a special service primarily for local widows, including some who were made widows because of the war. In general, the Ukrainian people remain much more open to hearing spiritual truths than prior to the war. We praise God for such opportunities!

• At the new church in Ternopil, a woman named Ludmila is not saved but is eager to learn more. Although an atheist, a family member told her, “One thing about those Christians I’ve learned from my many years of medical practice is that there is a huge difference in how Christians die compared to the rest of us. Christians die peacefully and with no fears … while all other people who die—along with their loved ones—experience a tremendous amount of anxiety and fear!”

Prayer – Pray with us!

• In Desna, Ukraine, renovations are urgently needed to the unfinished building that was purchased to use as the next Christian rehabilitation center. Stress is causing more men than ever to become addicted to alcohol and drugs. Please pray for funds and hands to bring that building to completion soon.

• The new church in Ternopil plans to hold its first baptism for several people who have come to Christ! However, please pray concerning a young man named Sasha. He wants to be baptized but family members are vehemently opposed. Please pray for their attitudes to soften.

• A BIEM missionary has transitioned from his ministry in Ukraine to the Republic of Georgia, where he now ministers. This brother says, “Please pray that our gracious and wise Lord will open doors for us, that we will demonstrate godly patience … and that He will continue to call out men and women who are hungry to learn and grow, and men who will be the next leaders and church planters.”

• In Kyiv, our missionaries, the Buykos, saw 2 Russian missiles hurtle over their house. Eugene saw one of them destroyed in mid-air while the other continued. Please continue to pray for God’s protection on all our BIEM personnel.

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War Relief Updates - May 19, 2023

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. Thank you, everyone who prayed for Igor Fomichov’s planned visit to the United States. He arrived safely yesterday evening, but not without some serious difficulties. At the Ukrainian-Polish border, guards there decided that, no, they were not going to permit him to exit the country. Normally their decision is final. However, being a member of the town council in Desna, Igor telephoned the mayor of the city late at night and woke him. After learning the border guards would not let Igor pass, the mayor wrote an official letter assuring them all was well and urging them to permit him to exit the country temporarily. Based on that letter, they relented and allowed him to leave. Next, the airline canceled Igor’s flight out of Warsaw. He ended up with a totally different, last-minute itinerary. Ultimately, though, he arrived in Indianapolis, tired but praising God!

2. BIEM is planning to load its next 40-ft. container of war-relief aid for Ukraine at the end of this month. However, our donated forklift is more than 30 years old and has finally succumbed to age. Repairmen tell us it’s not worth fixing. Because loading this container without a forklift would be much more difficult, we need to get something newer as soon as possible, which is a costly challenge. Various new and used options are on the market. Please pray for God’s direction and provision.

3. When a Russian missile struck an apartment building in Uman, Ukraine, it blasted homes to rubble, snuffed out lives, and severely damaged surrounding apartments. War-relief funds from BIEM were able to help brethren to provide some immediate aid to residents. To learn more, please click the following link, “Providing Aid to Uman”:

https://vimeo.com/828131751

4. Distributions of BIEM’s war-relief aid continue to reap blessings and opportunities to share the Gospel. Our missionary in Desna, Igor, reports that, after an elderly woman named Valia received aid along with Gospel tracts and an invitation to the Desna church, she phoned him. Many years ago, she babysat Igor when he was a child. She was always very closed to the Gospel and the church. However, when she called, she said that she would very much like to attend the services but would need assistance since she has trouble walking. One of the deacons took care of this need and drove her to the services. Afterward, she called Igor again and expressed how very pleased she was with the service. She also mentioned this was the first time in her life to be in a church service! Now her heart appears to be opening to the Lord. Please pray for Valia’s salvation. 

5. Recent days have seen an increase in the sheer number of missiles and drones being directed at Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv and other cities. An article in the Kyiv Post described one such attack: “Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital with six Kinzhal (‘hypersonic’) ballistic missiles, three other ballistic missiles, nine Kalibr cruise missiles, six Shahed drones, and three Orlan drones. The attack began just after three o'clock in the morning, and the explosions kept the city awake for hours. Though the scale was unusual, this was the eighth such Russian attack on Kyiv this month alone.” BIEM’s own personnel and active volunteers who are involved in distributing humanitarian aid see and hear the missiles and explosions, some of which have shaken their own homes. As you can imagine, such traumatizing events are extremely frightening, particularly for the children. Please pray for the war to end.

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

War Relief Updates - May 12, 2023

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. Our April 28 update told how BIEM’s Pasha Usach and others from his church had returned from distributing aid near Kherson, in the towns of Archangelske and Posad-Pokrovsk. We also shared how enthusiastically locals received these men and told that Pasha and his team wanted to return to replace blown-out windows in some of the homes. They have now completed a follow-up trip where, in addition to distributing food, supplies, and the Gospel, they installed nearly 20 replacement windows in homes. How the people rejoiced! That area still has no running water or electricity, so receiving replacement windows was a huge blessing. Your gifts to our war relief fund help in ways you might not imagine.

2. Once again we can say that, praise God, none of BIEM’s Ukrainian missionaries have been injured or killed in the war thus far. However, there have been casualties among people close to them. For instance, last week Mark, a 25-year-old man with a wife and small child from the home church of several of our families in Kyiv, was killed in battle. One of our missionary wives messaged to say, “Pray, please, for our defenders. It is very difficult morally. Everyone is weary. Death all around is depressing.”

3. Occasionally, friends tell us they haven’t heard much news about the war in Ukraine. We guarantee that fighting and dying and destruction take place every day. But amidst the horrible backdrop of war God’s people are actively ministering to countrymen and glorifying God. The following recent video from the eastern Donbas region contains footage that might make your heart ache, but other scenes might warm your heart!

https://vimeo.com/826287562

4. As the above video shows, while making frequent War Relief trips right up to the battlefront, Brother Vitaly Bilyak of Ternopil, Ukraine, distributes aid and shares the Gospel with civilians and soldiers alike. However, back in Ternopil, he has also developed a friendly relationship with two military hospitals that are treating injured soldiers. This aid comes in the form of food products as well as medical equipment and hospital supplies. One of these hospitals functions as a rehabilitation facility while the other performs surgeries on soldiers with battle-inflicted wounds. Because many soldiers treated there have lost limbs, the hospitals are in constant need of prosthetics and special equipment. Thanks to a recent generous gift to BIEM from Operation Renewed Hope in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Vitaly will be able to supply still more needed aid for more wounded defenders.

5. As the war continues and casualties rise in Ukraine (as well as Russia) the government has stepped up its conscription efforts. One huge concern for us is for our missionary pastors, who could also be conscripted. Losing a pastor to the war would be devastating to any church. Recently the Ukrainian government introduced a program that would enable pastors to obtain specially issued identification cards that would exempt them from conscription. Our men are all in the process of applying for these cards. Please pray they will all receive this exemption for the sake of continuing their spiritual and war-relief ministries both inside and outside the church.

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

War Relief Updates - May 5, 2023

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. Praise God, we have received generous War Relief contributions from friends in Canada. If you have any contacts in Canada, please consider sharing with them that Canadians, too, can contribute to BIEM’s War Relief efforts. (We can provide instructions on how to do so if they wish their donations to be tax deductible).

2. Another reason to praise the Lord is the ministry of Revival Baptist Church in the Obolon area of Kyiv. This is one of the first churches established by BIEM after Ukraine gained independence. It has been self-supporting for many years and has grown to be an amazing church in a strategic location of the Obolon district, which has 400,000 residents. The church’s immediate neighbors are the court building, the city administrative offices, the prosecutor’s office, the fire department, the police department, a music conservatory, and a teachers institute! It has been a blessing for us to help this church with their war-relief efforts. Click the following link to view a recent video about this outreach:

https://vimeo.com/823446201

3. In May and June, we are planning once again to host a couple of our Ukrainian church planters whom we are scheduling in churches for the purpose of raising funds for Ukrainian war relief. Please pray that Igor Fomichov and Eugene Buyko will be able to obtain the special permission needed to leave Ukraine temporarily during this time when men between the ages of 18 and 60 are not normally allowed to exit that country.

4. On April 21, we posted a video about the increased number of Ukrainian men who are slipping into depression during wartime and getting hooked on drugs and alcohol. To address the needs of such men, before the war we had purchased a larger, unfinished building to house the Christian Rehabilitation Center in Desna, Ukraine. Due to the war, we halted work to make the structure habitable. However, the growing number of men with addictions convinced us this facility is needed now more than ever. We praise God that a generous gift from a Sunday school class in Elkhart, Indiana—plus some other gifts—has provided funds to continue this project. In fact, the work to make this building habitable has resumed. You can view the video about this ministry via this link:

https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/818759559

5. BIEM’s war relief efforts extend beyond the actual borders of Ukraine. By God’s grace, we have aided Ukrainian war refugees in such European countries as Poland, Germany, Netherlands, and Switzerland, plus a number who have come to the United States. Some refugees have ended up in one of the restricted Muslim countries in Asia. One BIEM church planter there reports, “We also started helping orphans from Ukraine. At the beginning of the war, orphanages were evacuated from Ukraine (about 2,000 children); 600 orphans settled in our region. We help them with food, clothes, shoes, and some materials for schooling.”

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

War Relief Updates - April 28, 2023

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. One of the highlights of our ministry last year was that most of our locations in Ukraine were able to have summer camp despite the war. Thousands attended with hundreds of salvation decisions. We have a 22-page report concerning last year’s camps available upon request. Once again, even though the war continues, our people in Ukraine are planning for summer camps. As they are currently making preparations, they tell us that in some locations 70% of the campers will be refugees!

2. Along with some others, brother Pasha Usach has returned from distributing aid to the Kherson area. One of the towns where they distributed was Archangelske, near the city of Kherson, which had been occupied for a time. The residents were extremely glad to receive the aid, which included a large quantity of vegetables, especially potatoes. They were very surprised that people from the other side of Ukraine would travel so far to help them. The town mayor came to thank them and invited them for tea, which gave them an opportunity to get to know them better. Our men learned that when the Russians were advancing, locals were able to escape by crossing the river on wooden boats. The head of the school there also spoke with Pasha and his team, asking for children’s Bibles, which Pasha will certainly provide. Brother Pasha and the volunteers with him plan to return soon with more aid, including windows for the homes there that were damaged from the fighting.

3. Last week, we shared how a woman in the church in Lviv, Ukraine, was featured on a Ukrainian TV program called Super Mama and had a chance to speak about her faith in Christ. Since then, the same television program offered a similar invitation to a lady from the church in Kyiv with whom we partner for our seminary and several church-planting projects. That broadcast has yet to be aired. Praise God for another opportunity to share the Gospel with a large audience!

4. Another continuation from last week: On April 21, I shared how I’d had the privilege of speaking and playing my trumpet in an evangelistic outreach using war relief for widows in Bilogorodka, Ukraine. And while such outreaches are a blessing to be involved in, I realize that written descriptions do little to “bring it alive” for readers who were not there. So BIEM has created a brief video that will give you some inside glimpses into that event. There’s no translation, except for some special words of thanks at the end, but I believe you’ll find it interesting to get an inside peek by clicking the following link:

https://vimeo.com/821272911

5. In our February 3rd War Relief Updates, we told you about a young man named Bogdan. Bogdan is the man who placed his trust in Christ at the Desna Christian Rehabilitation Center. He had been growing in Christ and helping to distribute war relief but then was drafted into the Ukrainian military. BIEM’s Igor Fomichov just now informed us that Bogdan has been reported as seriously injured in battle. He has been hospitalized. Please pray for this young man, both for his spiritual and physical strengthening.

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

April Video Update

Dear Pastors and Friends,

I recently returned from a trip to Ukraine, where I visited quite a few BIEM missionaries who are actively evangelizing and distributing war relief with the ultimate goal of sharing Christ with their countrymen. Although I often think how inspiring it would be if every one of you could join me on such a trip, that of course would be not practical even if there were no war. So, allow me to do the next best thing. At the Second Baptist Church in Bilogorodka, Ukraine, I participated in an Eastertime evangelistic outreach to local widows, some of whom lost husbands or sons in the war. After God-honoring music, a fine meal, and messages from God’s Word, all the widows (and a couple of widowers) received sacks of groceries to take home. The video link below will give you a small taste of this event—but without the cost of a plane ticket. 

https://vimeo.com/821272911

BIEM’s personnel on both sides of the ocean thank you, our faithful supporters, for the war-relief funds that purchased the food. Although Easter 2023 has passed, we can still thank and praise God for sending a Savior from sin. And we once again thank all of you for your prayers and donations, which combine to enable BIEM to glorify God while introducing more perishing sinners to Jesus Christ. May He bless you richly!

In Christ,

Sam & Amy Slobodian

War Relief Updates - April 21, 2023

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. This week we are continuing to focus on bringing aid and the Gospel to the war front. Several trips are planned. Brother Pasha Usach is returning once again to Kherson. Pastor Igor from Dubno and Vitaly Bilyak will be traveling once again to the Donetsk area. When Vitaly goes to that area, he works with Sasha, a local pastor. This time he plans to stay over and preach in Sasha’s church.

2. Praise God, in Ternopil people continue to come to Christ at the new church, which is in a large community of war refugees. Brother Sergiy Koop reports that a lady from Donetsk has been saved along with a woman from Berdyansk in the Zaporizhzhia area, not far from Mariupol. Soon there will be baptism. Pray especially for a young man, Sasha, who has come to Christ but whose family is vehemently opposed to him being baptized. Please pray for their hearts to soften towards this. Also, pray for Ludmila, another refugee who is attending the new church. She herself states that she will get saved but needs more time to digest all the new information she is receiving. She is a medical doctor from a family of doctors, all of whom are atheists. In communicating with them about what she is learning about Christianity, one family member told her this: “One thing about those Christians I’ve learned from my many years of medical practice is that there is a huge difference in how Christians die in comparison to the rest of us. Christians die peacefully and with no fears or qualms, while all other people who die along with their loved ones experience a tremendous amount of anxiety and fear!”

3. There’s an interesting development from Goncharovsk, where the church in nearby Smolin has distributed much aid. Sasha Petrenko told us of an incident that resulted from one of the war-relief distributions. Waiting in line for aid stood a couple that everyone knew was not married. However, the man occupied a place near the back of the line to receive aid while his common-law wife was much closer to the front. They evidently intended to receive a double portion of the food being given out. When the man’s turn came, Sasha informed the man he could not receive a package of aid because his wife already had. He protested, saying, “But we are not married.” This led to a long discussion during which Sasha explained that his status was married due to the “common-law wife” principle, which applied to his case. During this long discussion, Sasha shared the Gospel with this man, who afterward began attending the church services and was saved! He then wanted to be baptized along with some others who had come to Christ. Sasha told him the church could not baptize him because he was living in sin through his common-law wife arrangement. A couple weeks later this man approached Sasha and said, “I’ve solved the problem. That woman is 100% opposed to Christianity although I’ve tried to convince her through many hours and days, which has made her even more opposed to my Christian life. Besides, she is a terrible alcoholic and a chain smoker, and I just can’t live that way anymore. So, I sent her away to go back to where she came from!”

4. Presently, we are concluding our trip to Ukraine by spending time in Lviv with brother Yura, whose church is also experiencing growth. One of their ladies is a blogger, whose blog posts on the Christian home have attracted many followers. The producers of a popular TV show called Super Mama contacted her about featuring her on one of their episodes. She asked Pastor Yura if she should do this. He replied that it might give her an opportunity to share her faith. Sure enough, that is exactly what happened. Since her life revolves around the church, where her whole family is involved, the camera crew came to the church and filmed several events. So, the church also appeared on the nationwide TV program viewed by millions of Ukrainians. I was able to watch a video of this broadcast and was blessed as Alla gave a strong testimony for Christ, adding how important the church was in their lives (even though the producers immediately afterward interviewed someone they said was a “Super Psychiatrist” who downplayed the positive influence of Christianity).

5. When we were in Bilogorodka, we were able to participate in yet another baptism and a distribution of aid to widows, including war widows. They all heard a clear Gospel message and received Christian literature and a New Testament in their package of aid. The ladies of the church prepared a wonderful meal, and the youth put on an amazing musical performance while the ladies ate. Pastor Eugene was especially glad because this event marked the first time in their history that all four neighboring homes had someone in attendance at a church service!

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

War Relief Updates - April 14, 2023

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. One of our recent church plants is in Belarus near Brest, where we have been in a church building program. In Belarus, Christians have not experienced the same religious freedoms as in Ukraine. The war has complicated this situation since any contact with the United States is dangerous for Christians. For this reason, we have had to keep communications with our brethren there to a minimum. Recently I was able to meet with the pastor of this new congregation while he was traveling outside of Belarus. In that conversation, he shared how Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian leader who falsified the elections to remain as president, has shut down 98% of humanitarian and charitable organizations in Belarus since many had ties with the West. This man, who has labeled himself “the last dictator in Europe,” remains in power only because Putin has protected him and assisted in clamping down opposition. The pastor shared with me the following example of how dangerous these times are. Recently, several college-age believers in a nearby church were arrested, tried, and each sentenced to 1-2 years in prison. Their crime was “liking” some Facebook posts critical of Lukashenko! Meanwhile, we thank the Lord for providing various ways of channeling funds into that nation to continue ministries.

2. Last week we shared a prayer request from Brother Yurchenko’s church in Chervona Sloboda, Ukraine. This is the church that had been housing 20 soldiers on leave from their deployment in Bakhmut while their battalion was being rebuilt due to heavy losses. The prayer request was to find a chance to witness to these soldiers who were keeping to themselves and not interacting with locals. Those prayers were answered when the soldiers heard they were being redeployed. This news was not a surprise; that had always been the plan. What shocked them was that they would be leaving the next morning—at 7 AM! This sudden announcement provided an opportunity. When the church asked the commander if they could give gifts to the soldiers and pray with them that night, he agreed. So, the congregation gave them gifts, Christian literature, prayed with the soldiers, and shared the Gospel! Praise God for that opportunity. Thank you for praying.

3. In Ukraine we continue to hear heartbreaking stories of the ongoing suffering from this horrible war. Some stories include powerful elements of God’s grace, enabling amazing acts of love and compassion. For instance, the home of one Ukrainian pastor in a formerly occupied territory came under Russian fire. Despite damage, the house survived. However, the pastor’s daughter and granddaughter each lost a leg due to their injuries. This happened at Christmas time, while occupation troops were still in the area. Somehow, God prompted this pastor’s heart to visit the nearest Russian soldiers to give them gifts and share the Gospel. Immediately after he did so, one Russian soldier approached him and said he, too, is a Christian but was there against his will. According to that man, the moment he was conscripted he was under observation with no opportunity to escape. He pointed to the house next door, where Russian officers lived, and said they had declared numerous times that anyone attempting to leave would be shot on the spot. He told the pastor he was one of 20 such believers in the area and asked the pastor to pray they would find a way to escape. A month later, the pastor received a letter from that soldier, who eventually managed to escape and ended up in Europe with no plans to return to Russia. The letter thanked the pastor for praying.

4. Last week we shared that Pasha Usach and Sergei Skripnik were in Kherson distributing aid and sharing the Gospel in this needy, formerly occupied territory. When the Ukrainian army liberated this city, the Russians escaped across a nearby river and destroyed the bridge behind them. From their position across the river, Russians continue to shoot rockets and other armaments into the city, causing casualties among civilians. Pasha and Sergei have since safely returned. Thank you for your prayers! To view Pasha’s report, click on the following link:

https://vimeo.com/817670249

5. In the past few days, both Russia and Ukraine have drafted stricter conscription laws, and Russia has closed its borders, not permitting any men of draftable age to leave the country. In addition, Russia passed legislation that a draft notice by email is enforceable: when received, a recipient has 20 days to report. If he does not, he loses his driver’s license, cannot do any business, and is cut off from any bank accounts and healthcare services. In both countries,  authorities are literally grabbing men off the streets and conscripting them to fight in the war. Even though such forced conscription is not legal in many cases, the individuals taken do not even get an opportunity to go home to pack for their journey. They are told they will receive everything necessary and that their families will be informed.

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

War Relief Updates - April 6, 2023

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. Recently we shared with you that 20 soldiers who had been fighting in Bakhmut were being housed while on leave at Vitaly Yurchenko’s church in Chervona Sloboda. They keep strictly to themselves, which makes it difficult to get acquainted with them or to share the Gospel. The fact that they’ve been told they will be going right back to the battle in Bakhmut (which they call “The Meat Grinder”) doesn’t help their state of mind. Please pray for Vitaly and his church members as they try to find a way to penetrate this barrier.

2. I am leaving for Ukraine on Monday, May 10. Please pray for safety, for smooth border crossings, and that we can be an encouragement to our families there. We will be checking in on our War Relief distribution activities and meeting with many of our BIEM-supported men. Also on the schedule are Easter services (their Easter is a week after ours this year), a baptism, a special distribution for widows, and our Spring seminary session.

3. One of the many sad consequences of the war is that Ukraine’s already-high rates of alcoholism and drug addiction are spiking. Because of this, one of the classes in this seminary session will feature a special mini-conference on how to reach and minister to the addicted. Please pray for this conference, which will be not only for students but for pastors in the area.

4. Not long ago, Vitaly Bilyak completed his 9th trip to the war front. He and those who travel with him take these dangerous trips willingly to help those who are suffering. These men relish the opportunities to share the Gospel and distribute Bibles. You can view Vitaly’s video report from this trip at the following link. Notice how readily people receive New Testaments. This is receptivity is reminiscent of how eagerly people wanted God’s Word when the Iron Curtain came down.

https://vimeo.com/815438617

5. I just spoke by phone with Pavel Usach. He and Sergei Skripnik, another one of our missionary pastors, are now in Kherson distributing aid and sharing the Gospel in this war-torn area. After they return soon, we will be able to share a report. In the meantime, they told me how, when they were searching for a place to stay, a family of unbelievers invited them to live in their home. When the two missionaries arrived, they were amazed at this generous invitation since the home was partially destroyed and the garage was in ruins! It is truly amazing to see how Ukrainians are banding together and sharing whatever little they have in order to survive these terrible times.

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

War Relief Updates - March 31, 2023

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:

https://vimeo.com/813582924

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

BIEMs of Light: April 2023

Praises – Rejoice with us!

• As you We had requested prayer that Vitaly Yurchenko and Vitaly Bilyak be permitted to exit Ukraine to speak in supporting churches. Praise God, both received that permission, and those meetings yielded generous offerings for the ministry. Thank you for prayers!

• Across the nation of Belarus, there are many small Baptist churches with only a handful of members. For those believers, feelings of being unconnected and isolated are not unusual. In March, funds from BIEM enabled a conference for pastors of such churches. They came together, got acquainted, fellowshipped, listened to God’s Word together, and made new connections. Already these men see the need for such gatherings no less than once per year. 

• Our newest missionaries, the Koops in Ternopil, Ukraine, shared this news: “After seven active months of various kinds of ministry, we reaped our first fruit. Olga repented at the Bible study group today. She came to us through an invitation to our Bible Day and has been with us ever since. Today she accepted Jesus into her heart and declared she wants to be baptized! We are witnessing that God works with people even during war! Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray for our ministry. Blessings to you.”

• Although the earthquakes in Turkey have caused much destruction and misery, we praise God that BIEM has missionaries not far away who could go and distribute humanitarian aid in the name of Jesus Christ!

Prayer – Pray with us!

• In Central Asia, please pray for ministers code-named River, Arthur, and Philip. They are gathering 40+ youth for a 3-day conference. Pray the secret police do not find them or interrupt them. Of course, pray for some more to come to faith in Christ. The persecuted church there is growing rapidly!

• Please pray for our Afghani church plant. They have been extremely active in sharing their faith. The Taliban knows they exist and are going house to house, trying to find and crush them. They request prayers for wisdom to find a safe place to meet on Sundays to worship the Lord. Three brothers who were captured some time ago are still missing. Meanwhile, God continues to save souls!

• With the advent of spring, our churches in Eastern Europe begin to think about summer camps. Although the war in Ukraine complicates planning in that nation, the souls of children still need the Gospel. Please pray for church leaders as they make decisions concerning each camp. Please pray, too, for finances. (If you would like to help, please designate your gift “Summer Camps.”)

• Many of you have met Eugene Buyko, BIEM’s director in Ukraine. Please pray for God’s comfort for all the Buyko family at this time—his 50-year-old brother Andrei died from a ruptured aorta. 

• Click here for a printer-friendly version.

War Relief Updates - March 24, 2023

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

Dear Friends of BIEM,

1. Friends who are providing war relief often ask about the current bombing situation in Ukraine. We asked our personnel there. The consensus is that the Russians have given up trying to force Ukraine to surrender by firing nationwide waves of missiles against their power grid. However, that doesn’t mean the danger is over. Now Russia seems to favor using cheap, explosive drones and fewer missiles to strike civilian targets in attempts to cause terror. A March 22 article in the Kyiv Post corroborates that conclusion: “Ukraine’s air defenses and power grid have, up to now, taken the attacks in their stride, but civilians are still dying.”

2. Our church planters, Vitaly and Olena Yurchenko, have completed their time in the U.S. and have departed back to Ukraine. On this trip, they visited churches in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Alabama. Because the churches they visited gave very generous offerings, our war-relief efforts received a welcome boost. Before the Yurchenkos flew out, we filmed Olena sharing her perspective on the war and aid. You can view that video through the following link:

https://vimeo.com/811017358

3. Please pray for our Ukrainian national missionary families, which have been split apart as some family members have become refugees. While all our Ukrainian national missionary men have stayed in Ukraine, that is not the case with their married children with small children. Some of these have become refugees and are now living in Western Europe or the United States. As the war continues, such prolonged separations become increasingly difficult.

4. Through BIEM’s war-relief program, the Lord graciously opened a door none of us could have foreseen. Many of you know BIEM’s Ukrainian Director and church planter, Eugene Buyko. A few days ago, his 50-year-old brother Andrii (who lived near Portland, Oregon) unexpectedly died due to a burst aorta near the heart. Thanks to all the war relief Eugene has been organizing and distributing, he has developed a wonderful reputation with government authorities. Because of this, they granted Eugene the special permission needed to exit Ukraine in just one day so he could attend his brother’s funeral. Such fast paperwork is quite rare. Having Eugene present at this time means a lot to Andrii’s widow, children, and extended family. Andrii had a wonderful testimony for Christ, so it is a great comfort to the family to know he is present with the Lord. Please pray for all the Buyko family.

5. Our church planter Vitaly Bilyak in Ternopil, Ukraine, reports that their church has received permission to visit wounded soldiers who are being treated in two local hospitals. (These hospitals are receiving a large number of such patients.) Many have lost limbs and are suffering from other traumatic injuries. This open door is a direct result of the medical equipment and supplies these hospitals have received from BIEM. Currently, several men from the church are engaged in ongoing outreach to these soldiers. Praise God for this opportunity to share the Gospel with men who have come within a hair of death. May their experiences make them listen and consider their need for Christ more than ever before.

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM