War Relief Updates - September 13, 2024

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

1. Igor Fomichov from Desna, Ukraine, arrived safely at our Indiana headquarters this week. This was a definite answer to prayer, since the requirements for pastors wanting to travel outside Ukraine have recently become tighter. In addition to all the previous permissions needed from the government, men wanting to exit Ukraine must obtain proof that they are registered with the military, which we had never done before. Praise God, Igor was able to satisfy both old and new requirements and was able to leave Ukraine. Please pray that the Lord will bless our meetings here in the USA as Igor shares with churches how God is using our war-relief efforts to reach people for Christ.

2. Understandably, many Ukrainian citizens have fled from regions that have suffered intense shelling and battles during Russia's invasion. Those who are left behind often have few resources, including churches seeking to bless and help their communities. When a village church in Kherson hoped to hold day camps for children despite the devastation, BIEM church planters Sergei Skripnik and Pasha Usach were quick to respond. Listen to them discussing the situation, and then watch as the kids enjoy the camp…

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/khersoncamp

3. Some time ago, a young soldier named Roman from Eastern Ukraine was assigned to serve at the military base in Desna, where we planted a thriving church. Roman became yet another soldier who came to Christ at this church. Eventually, Roman was sent to the war front and has been involved in intense fighting. About 4 days ago, Roman's brigade came under heavy fire. Many were killed and severely wounded. Roman was one of those injured. It turns out that a tourniquet we provided saved his life. According to the medics who treated him, the tourniquet also saved his arm because it was a high-quality tourniquet that permitted a gradual adjustment of the tension, which is important when hours pass before medics arrive. Praise God for preserving this young man’s life. Right now, the injured arm has no feeling. Doctors are hopeful that feeling will ultimately return, but that could take months and is not guaranteed. Please pray that his arm will fully heal.

4. This week Vitaly Bilyak is once again taking war relief along with the Gospel to the war front in the East. It is his 19th trip to these embattled areas. He and a local pastor are distributing war relief to civilians. After that, he will move on to military positions where he receives special access through soldiers and officers who are connected with his church. Because of these ties, Vitaly can visit the soldiers in their underground bunkers, where he has free reign to share the Gospel.

In Christ,

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - September 6, 2024

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

1. Some time ago we were able to provide a good amount of military MRE’s (meals ready-to-eat) for distribution in Ukraine. That was a one-time provision that we no longer have access to. However, families of soldiers in Ukraine often ask our personnel for more. Therefore, we are sharing this need with you just in case any of our readers have access to MRE’s or know where we could purchase them at a reasonable price. If so, please let us know.

2. Thank you for praying for Pasha and Sergei, who have just returned from holding a children’s camp in the Kherson region in the town of Vysokopillya, which suffered greatly during the occupation by Russian forces. Although the Russian army was eventually forced out, the area is heavily damaged. The church building, too, is scarred from much shrapnel damage. In that area, virtually no employment opportunities exist, so locals are very economically challenged. Even though the church there greatly desired to operate a summer camp for children, that dream wasn’t realistic on their own abilities. However, thanks to our BIEM war relief fund, we were able to equip Pasha & Sergei with supplies and funds to operate a Bible camp for children. This was a huge blessing, and we have just received a video about this camp that we will soon share. 

3. During Sam and Amy Slobodian’s recent trip to Ukraine, several of the Ukrainian women who assisted in distributing our gift of 10,000+ cans of baby formula wanted to express their thanks to BIEM’s donors in America. Even before the war, quality baby formula was an expensive commodity. But with the coming of war—with so many closed businesses, lack of jobs, and stress inhibiting young mothers’ ability to produce milk—this product was like gold. Please listen and accept their thanks to all of you who help BIEM to help and evangelize during these turbulent times.

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/formula 

4. While in Vysokopillya (update #3 above), Pasha and his son David were blessed with the opportunity to see Marynka, the six-year-old granddaughter of the pastor in Vysokopillya who lost a leg when Russian artillery shelled the family’s home. It was Pasha who, after hearing the testimony of Marynka’s pastor-grandfather, asked BIEM whether we could help with her medical and prosthetic bills. As she grows, her medical needs continue. If anyone would like to contribute toward her ongoing medical needs, we would be happy to forward that assistance to the family.

Pasha with his son David and Marynka.

In Christ,

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

September Video Update

Dear Pastors and Friends,

Early in August, I asked you to pray for an upcoming trip to Ukraine that Amy and I were planning. Part of our time was to be spent in Bilogorodka, where the last children’s camp of the summer was to be held. In addition, we mentioned that we would be checking in with BIEM church planters and others who have been distributing the humanitarian aid that all you friends have been providing.

Of course, accidents and problems can befall any trip overseas. That is even more true when traveling inside a nation fighting foreign invaders on its soil. But we are happy to report that God blessed in a special way. Because Bilogorodka is in the suburbs of Kyiv, the capital, one would expect to hear air-raid sirens at least once or twice. But you and we prayed for a week of camp with no interruptions, and God granted that desire! For 6 days, children attended camp, learned about the Lord, played fun games, enjoyed nourishing meals, and basically had fun being children without a single siren or explosion in the region. Not until the morning when Amy and I were departing Kyiv to begin the long road home did Russia resume its attacks (and some of those strikes occurred so close that we photographed the smoke from the explosions). As it turned out, this aerial bombardment was one of the largest since Russia began its war on Ukraine. Praise God for His goodness and protection for these kids and camp staffers!

Rather than simply write about this trip, I invite you to view the following video, where we join Eugene Buyko in showing and describing some highlights of this trip. Here’s the link!

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/end-summer

Blessings to you!

Sam & Amy Slobodian

BIEMs of Light: September 2024

Praises – Rejoice with us!

• We previously announced that Oleg—the brother of BIEM church planter Sasha Petrenko—was released from Russian captivity and is back in Ukraine. Home, Oleg is gaining strength spiritually and physically. He regularly attends church and has regained 20 kg (44 lbs.) of the weight lost. Praise God!

• The last week of August marked the very last of the summer camps. Our camp workers can breathe a sigh of relief, and we rejoice for the multitude of opportunities to evangelize unsaved ones and to edify those who have already accepted Christ! Thank you for helping to make it possible!

• Praise God, a pastor friend in New Jersey teamed up with one of his friends who is in the musical instrument field in donating over 25 trumpets for church orchestras in Ukraine. These gifts have been huge blessings for musicians who had been attempting to praise God on worn-out instruments! (BIEM accepts donations of most musical instruments. If you have questions, please contact us.)

• On August 29, Sam and Amy Slobodian returned from Ukraine, where they participated in a children’s camp and touched base with BIEM church planters. The Lord blessed! During the children’s camp there were no air raids, although Kyiv did come under fire on the day they departed.

Prayer – Pray with us!

• On August 30, a memorial service was held for the father of T. Smith, BIEM’s Field Director for Central Asia. Pastor Smith’s hope was that any unsaved who attended or saw his funeral online would accept Jesus as Savior. We invite you to join in praying for salvation decisions!

• A graduate of the Bible Institute in Central Asia is returning to Afghanistan to take the Gospel there. Please pray for God to protect and use this young man for His glory.

• Igor Fomichov is the next Ukrainian church planter that BIEM plans to bring to the U.S. to speak in supporting churches. Getting permission to exit Ukraine is becoming more complicated. Igor had to submit documentation from the army proving he had registered. But the border guards have the final authority on whether to allow someone to exit. Please pray that he can come and that he will be a blessing in the churches where he will speak.

• BIEM’s current container of war relief for Ukraine (shipped from our Indiana headquarters on August 8) is expected to arrive in the Polish port on September 10th. But even after its arrival, the container must travel overland to central Ukraine, where our people must once again navigate a sea of bureaucracy to receive it. Please pray for God to pave the way in these matters.

• Click here for a printer-friendly version.

War Relief Updates - August 30, 2024

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

1. Currently, BIEM church planters Pasha Usach and Sergei Skripnik are in formerly occupied Kherson, where BIEM has distributed a good amount of war relief. One recipient of aid is the church in Vysokopillya, where Pastor Sergei Kostin’s 6-year-old granddaughter lost a leg when their home was blasted (see our update from March 8 or read Pastor Kostin’s full account of it at this Link). The church requested help and supplies to operate a children’s camp. Please pray that God will bless this camp and keep all involved safe since this region is close to the war front and still occasionally receives shelling even though the Russian army has withdrawn from this area.

2. We have received a report that BIEM’s current container of relief aid for Ukraine (shipped from our headquarters in Indiana on August 8) is expected to arrive in the Polish port on September 10th. So far, this shipment is progressing quickly and smoothly. Join us in praising God for this good news. May its contents bless many recipients and glorify God! 

3. Once again, BIEM church planter Sasha Petrenko has made a ministry trip to an area near the war front in Donetsk. On this trip, he delivered many of the usual items such as food, chainsaws, tourniquets, and other useful items. However, this time he also accepted the request that he deliver something much larger—a van that had been prepared as a transport vehicle to drive wounded individuals away from the front! In this short video, learn more about this trip and other situations Sasha experienced.

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/channel

4. Thank you for praying for Sam & Amy and the campers as they have just concluded a camp in the Kyiv area. Praise God for answered prayer as the entire week was marked by no sirens or air raids, which was unusual for this area. However, as they were leaving this past Monday morning Russia launched what many are calling the largest aerial attack of the war to date with over 100 missiles as well as 100+ attack drones, many targeting Kyiv. As the Slobodians were exiting the city for their next scheduled destination, they passed sites where huge columns of smoke were rising from the strikes. They also passed no fewer than 7 military units that were shooting down the attacking drones and rockets from the side of the road and from bridges. Praise God for His hand of protection!

In Christ,

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - August 23, 2024

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

1. Those carrying on our war-relief efforts along the war front report sadly that many of the soldiers they are able to help and share the Gospel with do not return from their battle assignments. Some units return with only half of their numbers surviving. While this reality does motivate our workers to intensify their efforts in sharing the Gospel with these men, the loss of life does make their hearts heavy. Please pray, not only for our workers’ safety but also for their spirits to remain strong in this challenging ministry.

2. Last week we mentioned that Sam & Amy Slobodian were requesting prayer for their travel to Ukraine, specifically that their border crossing would go quickly and smoothly. They report that God mightily answered these prayers. When they arrived at the border, no cars waited in front of them. In addition—praise God!—Customs did not inspect any suitcases, which they often do (a time-consuming process). Thank you for praying!

3. Husband & wife team Vitaly and Natasha have founded an outreach in Ukraine called "The Cross." Operating near the front lines of the war, The Cross aims to engage soldiers heading back to the front, first by nourishing their bodies with a tasty meal, but also by sharing faith in Christ to save their souls. They are planting seeds of the Gospel among men who will literally be facing death. The following video link provides glimpses of that ministry in action as Natasha tells more about it:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/soup-scripture

4. Sam and Amy Slobodian (who are in Ukraine right now) report that everywhere they go people enthusiastically express great gratitude for the Warm Clothing for Soldiers project BIEM did last winter. People are excited by the opportunity to tell them in person what a great blessing that program was. Incidentally, our office has received numerous questions asking whether we plan to do something similar this upcoming winter. The answer is yes. We will provide further information later.

In Christ,

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - August 16, 2024

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

1. Brother Eugene and his family are back in Ukraine after spending the last 5 Sundays in the United States, where they shared with churches how God is blessing our War Relief efforts. The Lord blessed the meetings we had in Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, Colorado, and Montana with generous love offerings for War Relief and very warm and welcoming receptions in every church. The Buykos returned greatly encouraged that they are not alone in all that they are doing for the Lord in these difficult times in Ukraine. Another blessing was that they were able to cross the border from Poland back into Ukraine in only 45 minutes. Praise God for this answer to prayer. 

2. Igor Fomichov is the next Ukrainian scheduled to visit the United States for 5 Sundays in September and October. Please pray that he will be able to obtain the necessary special permission. (As an elected deputy, Igor sits on the city council, which makes his permission more complicated to obtain.)

3. In this week’s video update, BIEM missionary Vitaly Bilyak narrates some highlights from his 18th evangelism-aid trip to the frontline area of Donbas in Eastern Ukraine. Joining him on this trip was Brother Andrei, who oversees our local Rehabilitation Center, and Pastor Alexander. Thank you for helping BIEM to make such evangelism and humanitarian aid possible! 

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/donbas18

4. Please pray for Sam & Amy Slobodian as they leave for Ukraine on Monday, August 19. Though the focus on this trip will be camps, they will also review our War Relief efforts and meet with those conducting these ministries. Last summer, during the same time that the Slobodians went to Ukraine, Russia intensified their attacks by drones, bombs, and missiles. Therefore, please pray for their border crossing as well as their safety and the safety of the campers and camp workers.  

In Christ,

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

August Video Update

Dear Pastors and Friends,

As you might already know, Christian summer camps are typically one of BIEM’s largest outreaches every year. For many kids, camp provides their initial exposure to Christians and God’s Word. For these kids, camp is where they learn who God is, how to talk to Him in prayer, what sin is, and the importance of coming to God by grace through faith in Christ. Of course, many kids who attend the camps come from Christian homes, or else they come from non-Christian homes but attended camp in the past and come back, which allows them to grow in faith or to learn more.

By August, the third and final month of summer, most BIEM-sponsored camps in Eastern Europe have already ended. Leaders of those camps have shared news and sometimes photos of kids whose hearts opened to the Lord and embraced Christ as Savior. However, a few camps are still being held in various areas. We pray for God to bless the leaders with continued enthusiasm and physical strength and to open the hearts and minds of the young people who come.

In some cases, camps take place on land that churches purchased and developed specifically to establish a Christian campground. Other camps take place on church property or even public property. As an illustration of this last category, BIEM missionaries Sergei and Vika Skripnik put together a video that provides glimpses of a camp held at a public building called the House of Culture in the town of Glybochok. During Soviet times, Houses of Culture were sometimes used as places to put Christians on trial. Praise God, believers now sometimes use them to glorify Him and to teach His Word to the next generation! We hope you will enjoy the video:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/villagecamp

Blessings to you!

Sam & Amy Slobodian

War Relief Updates - August 9, 2024

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

1. At this very moment, BIEM missionaries Vitaly Bilyak and Andrei Eliseev are on a combined humanitarian aid & evangelism trip to areas near the war’s front lines. There, they will be ministering to both civilians and members of the military. For Vitaly, this will be his 18th such trip.

2. Quite commonly, summer camps in Ukraine are conducted at least in part with humanitarian aid from BIEM. In a thank-you message from the first Baptist church in Bilogorodka, one camp leader writes, “The Lord gave us the opportunity to conduct various creative workshops, active games, music lessons, and most importantly, Bible lessons. During the Bible lessons, the teachers invited the children to pray, and at the end of the lessons there were invitations to prayer of repentance, and several children responded to the Lord’s call. We heard many positive comments about the camp from parents and grandparents who brought their children to the camp. Some of the parents say they have been waiting since the beginning of summer so as not to miss this opportunity for their children. Happy children, satisfied parents, and most importantly, saved hearts, are what Christian camps are all about.”

3. On August 8, 2024, by God’s grace and with your donations, BIEM shipped another container of aid to Ukraine. Our director for Ukraine, Eugene Buyko, was on hand with his family to assist with this labor-intensive process. This short video shares a few glimpses of the packing process and allows the Buykos to thank all of you personally for your invaluable help in helping believers in their country to minister to both spiritual and physical needs:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/handpacking

4. In a video clip that we just received, our missionary Sasha Petrenko is on the road in Ukraine with another brother, and they are also driving a load of humanitarian aid to the contested Donbas area to minister to people there. Such trips are always fraught with dangers, and Sasha requests prayer as they undertake this trip. We will try to report more details after his return.

 In Christ,

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - August 2, 2024

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

1. This is the third summer that we have conducted summer camps as the war rages on. Most of the camps have been conducted on church grounds during this time due to safety concerns. That has been the case with Sasha Petrenko’s camps for the children and youth from Goncharovsk and Smolyn. This area is subject to frequent attacks from Russian missiles, rockets, and drones even though the Ukrainian air defenses have been able to shoot most of these down before they hit their targets. This summer Sasha wanted to get these children and youth away from this area and take them all the way to safer Western Ukraine, where we have an actual campsite. They have just returned with a happy group of campers that included many refugee children. All were delighted to get away from the frequent air-raid sirens that have become routine in their home area. Praise God!

2. Two years ago, when Russian troops invaded Ukraine, the Nazarenko family at first took refuge in their basement. But as Russian soldiers committed atrocities in their town of Bucha, they became just one of the families that BIEM evacuated to Germany. At the time, we shared a video of the family on the road:

https://vimeo.com/showcase/9315861/video/687675622

Now, despite the war, Victor and Anna decided to move the family back to Ukraine, where Victor has been ordained for ministry and the whole family serves the Lord... Meet the family and hear a little about their experiences here:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/home

3. As we mentioned last week, the Buykos from Ukraine are currently with us. They have been busy visiting supporting churches, giving updates about the ministry, and sharing how God is blessing our war relief efforts, which they are heavily involved in. The daughters—Angelica, Solomia, and Ivanka—sing beautifully, which has been a huge blessing in our meetings. In fact, the singing is so exceptional that many have commented on that being the highlight of the meetings!

4. On Monday, August 5, we receive a 40-foot, high cube container that we will be loading with donated goods for Ukraine. Praise God, we have enough goods to fill this container and funds to ship it. We would also like to purchase this container so that it could be used as a storage facility for the receiving church. Such a storage place would be a huge blessing to any Ukrainian church since you could not build anything of similar size for anywhere near the $3,200 it would cost to purchase the container. Donations towards this $3,200 would be sincerely appreciated.

 In Christ,

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

BIEMs of Light: August 2024

Praises – Rejoice with us!

• BIEM missionary in the nation of Georgia says, “The youth group held a children’s activity attended by nearly 100 children, mostly unsaved. In the past, I have … organized most of the program, but this time, the youth took the baton. The program was well done, the gospel lesson clear, the music vibrant, the games interesting, and the program 100% Georgian. How encouraging to see the next generation begin to take the lead!”

• BIEM’s director for Ukraine, Eugene Buyko, and his family are now in the U.S. to speak in churches and help raise funds for war relief. In answer to prayer, Ukraine granted Eugene’s request for temporary permission to exit the country. Thanks for praying!

• Last week, 10 former Muslims in Turkmenistan were baptized on profession of their firm faith in Christ the Savior!

• From Belarus, BIEM missionary Nikolai Ryzhuk reports, “On Sunday the Lord gave our church the gift of a baptism. Two souls had made a covenant with the Lord. Therefore, although it was physically very difficult … my heart filled with joy that the Lord is glorified by doing the work.”

Prayer – Pray with us!

• Praise God, we have enough donations of clothing and other items to ship a container to Ukraine. We also have the full shipping amount. But to leave the container there as a storage place, we need $3,200. Please pray, since leaving the container for the church would be a huge blessing since building a storage building of similar size would cost far more than $3,200.

• August is our third and final month of summer camps. Please pray for God to give continued energy to the staffers and salvation decisions and spiritual growth among campers.

• We want to repeat our request to pray for the nation of Georgia. A sudden shift in direction has resulted in new laws that could make Georgia a restricted-access nation, which would be a hardship for our missionaries as well as many other missionaries.

• In August, Amy and Sam Slobodian will go to Ukraine to work in BIEM’s summer camps and check on our War Relief efforts. The fact that this is the 3rd summer of war has not deterred our folks from holding camps for kids and youth. Neither has it stopped Sam and Amy from participating. In 2023 Russia intensified their aerial attacks while the Slobodians were there. But God protected the camps. Please pray for God to protect campers, staff, and the Slobodians.

• Click here for a printer-friendly version.

War Relief Updates - July 19, 2024

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

1. So far, BIEM is still able to invite our Ukrainian missionaries to apply for exit permission to come to the U.S. and speak in churches to help raise funds for war relief. American believers particularly enjoy hearing—not merely about—our workers in that land and meeting them in person. However, as the war continues, so does governmental efforts to control the whereabouts of its citizenry. A new law mandates that even a male who has received temporary permission to cross the border (as in the case of our missionaries) must also carry his military passport, which is a document showing proof of registration at a military enlistment office. Without military registration, no male from age 18 – 60 can exit Ukraine legally. This development has potential to hinder having our church planters from coming to the U.S., which in turn could crimp our war relief fund-raising.

2. In Bilogorodka, Ukraine, BIEM’s missionary-pastor Anatoly Kosyanchuk leads a congregation that especially appreciates hands-on opportunities to serve God and others. In fact, the military chaplains’ association recognized him and the church for their ongoing efforts to bless, help, and encourage active-duty soldiers, wounded victims, and other needy ones. In the following video, Anatoly thanks all of you for making such ministries possible!

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/helpingushelpothers

3. With summertime weather in Ukraine, our churches are conducting baptismal services. Many of those being baptized are folks who have been introduced to the church through our war-relief efforts. It most cases, these baptisms take place, not inside the church building, but in a public area by a lake or river. Such public baptisms often draw curious onlookers, who hear a clear Gospel presentation. Praise God for newly redeemed souls and for natural opportunities to proclaim Christ to spectators who still need Him!

4. BIEM has previously reported on Oleg, the brother of BIEM missionary Sasha Petrenko. We prayed for Oleg, who had been a POW in Russia for over 2 years before finally being released back to Ukraine in a prisoner swap. As an update, Oleg ended up in a hospital in Poltava, Ukraine. There, physicians began treating him for malnutrition and kidney and liver problems caused by blows to the body. When doctors discovered he also has some heart problems, they transferred Oleg to a hospital in Kyiv, where he arrived today. He remains in good spirits, thankful to be alive, and very glad to be out of Russia and back in Ukraine. He has begun to gain weight, which is excellent news. In case you missed it, here’s the video of Sasha giving Oleg a chance to glorify God and thanking those who prayed for him:

https://vimeo.com/showcase/9315861/video/974496643

 In Christ,

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

July Video Update

Dear Pastors and Friends,

For our July video, we decided to treat you to a slide show of pictures taken from several of the summer camps that have already taken place this year. Some of the camps are large ones, especially those that take place in or near large cities. But some day camps are held in smaller towns and villages for local children who crave the fun of camp as much as city kids but don’t have the opportunity to travel away from home—especially in Ukraine, where understandably protective parents might not permit their kids to go far from home during this time of war. But whether the camps are large or small, our personnel and volunteers strive to give these kids a fun time and nourishing meals while introducing them to the Gospel and crucial truths from God’s Word. In this slide presentation, we don’t attempt to explain all that’s happening in each picture, but we believe you’ll still grasp at least the essence of what’s going on. So, sit back and enjoy the show. And remember, the camps will continue into August, so please keep both the staffers and campers in your prayers for safety and for God to work in their hearts.

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/camplife

Blessings to you!

Sam & Amy Slobodian

War Relief Updates - July 9, 2024

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

Note: BIEM normally publishes our War Relief Updates on Fridays. However, because of the nature of events in Ukraine this week, we are releasing these updates earlier than usual.

1. In our BIEM’s of Light for July, we mentioned that the Buyko family will be visiting the United States to speak in churches about our war-relief efforts. Lord willing, they will arrive on Thursday, July 11. Praise God, just today Eugene received his official permission to temporarily exit Ukraine. Tomorrow they leave the Kyiv area and must drive all the way to Krakow, Poland, for their flights to the USA. We have two urgent prayer requests concerning this. First, please pray that the border guards will allow Eugene to leave Ukraine. (The official permission does state that, despite his permission, the border guards have the authority to deny any men between the ages of 18 and 60 to leave Ukraine. Even though this hasn’t yet happened to any of our missionaries, we still request prayer concerning this.) Second, please pray for the Buykos to have a smooth and quick border crossing into Poland. Lately, all of us crossing the border have managed to cross in 2 hours or less. However, such crossings have sometimes taken up to 9 hours due to long lines. That long of a crossing would force them to drive all night to reach Krakow to catch their flights, so please pray.

2. On Monday, July 8, Russia fired more than 40 missiles at Ukraine. Of those, 8 struck Kyiv, the capital. One missile scored a direct hit on Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital. Although not struck directly, the Temple of Salvation Baptist Church (which partners with BIEM and hosts our Seminary) was near enough that it, too, suffered damage. You can learn more about that damage to the church in this 3-minute video:

https://vimeo.com/showcase/9315861/video/980870828

3. Because Russia’s July 8 missile strike on Ukraine—and on Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in particular—was so massive and heinous, this attack is receiving particular coverage by worldwide news outlets. If you are interested in broader details of the event, here are several links. (Note: Some news articles may include graphic images.):

Voice of America: https://www.voanews.com/a/russia-hits-children-s-hospital-in-ukraine-s-capital-during-widespread-deadly-missile-attack-/7688979.html

Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/experts-challenge-russian-narrative-on-kyiv-childrens-hospital-attack-2024-7

US News: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-07-09/kyiv-mourns-as-rescuers-make-last-ditch-efforts-at-childrens-hospital-hit-by-russian-missile

France 24: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240709-ukraine-mourns-as-rescuers-clear-rubble-from-missile-hit-kyiv-children-s-hospital

4. Dasha is a schoolteacher in Bilogorodka, and she also faithfully teaches Sunday school in the church. Her father and another soldier were killed near the front lines when their vehicle came under fire. Please pray for Dasha and her family. Many people attended the funeral, which added significant cost, since it is customary to have a meal with a funeral. It was a blessing to help with these funeral expenses through our war relief fund.

In Christ,

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - July 5, 2024

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

1. Our Ukrainian brethren are reporting that, due to Russia’s continuing attacks on their infrastructure, they are losing electricity now more than ever before even though it is summer and not winter. Some of our folks say that they often are without electricity for 16 hours out of a 24-hour day. To date, we have spent over $250,000 providing generators for many of our people and churches that were totally without. However, running these generators for so many hours day after day is expensive. Please continue to donate to our war relief funds so we can assist with these extra expenses and provide generators to those churches that still need them.

2. The Christians who print our Challenger newsletter do a wonderful job, for which we receive many compliments. The current issue featuring last winter’s distribution of warm clothing and New Testaments may be their most attractive effort ever. We had so many photos and thank you’s that it was a tall order to fit a sampling even into 6 pages. Somehow they formatted a beautiful and informative issue featuring a creative, bulletin-board layout. We thank and praise God for the outstanding work on this newsletter. May it warm the hearts of all who gave and prayed for this project. If you haven’t yet seen this latest newsletter, you can view it online Here.

3. We have sometimes requested prayer for Oleg, the brother of BIEM missionary Sasha Petrenko, who is deeply involved in evangelizing through war relief. Oleg was captured by Russian troops shortly after they invaded Ukraine in February 2022. For a long while, his family did not know whether he was dead or alive, but they did not give up hoping and praying. Praise God, after 2 years and 4 months as a POW of the Russians, Oleg was included in a prisoner exchange and was returned to Ukraine. In this 3-minute video, he shares his gratitude for prayers and for God, who preserved him.

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/2years4months

4. Denmark now has a large population of Ukrainian refugees. These are mostly women and children. Sophia Buyko and the Buyko daughters have been invited to minister to these war refugee women for the second time. They are there now and report that 25 women attended their meetings, where they received counseling and Bible teaching. Groceries were also distributed to these needy women and children. Several of these women have now attended the church services.

In Christ,

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

BIEMs of Light: July 2024

Praises – Rejoice with us!

• We have requested prayer for Oleg Petrenko, the brother of BIEM missionary Sasha Petrenko. Recently, Russia returned Oleg to Ukraine as part of a prisoner-of-war swap. Oleg is weak and was taken straight to a hospital, but he and his family thank you for all prayers!

• On July 18 we received word from Central Asia of a family of 6 Afghanis who put their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior. Praise the Lord!

• The Christians who print our Challenger newsletter do a wonderful job, for which we receive many compliments. The current issue featuring last winter’s distribution of warm clothing and New Testaments may be their most attractive effort ever. We had so many photos and thank you’s that it was a tall order to fit a sampling even into 6 pages. Somehow, they formatted a beautiful and informative issue featuring a creative, bulletin-board layout. We thank and praise God for the outstanding work on this newsletter. May it warm the hearts of all who gave and prayed for this project.

• Various Ukrainian pastors whose churches helped to distribute winter clothing to soldiers have established ongoing connections with some of the recipients. In one case, a soldier asked the pastor if the church could post videos of church services online to watch them from the war front! May God work and bless through these new connections.

Prayer – Pray with us!

• The Christian camps for children and teens are continuing overseas. Through quick updates, we are hearing of salvation decisions and fun times. Please pray for God to give energy to the camp leaders and to work in the hearts of the campers.

• We have occasionally shared news about Misha, a young Ukrainian believer who is the nephew of a BIEM couple. He has been serving in the army since the early days of the war. His uncle writes, “Please pray for Misha. He is still on the front line, in the heat of battles. Hot, tired, filthy.”

• In mid-July, our missionary Eugene Buyko and his family plan to be in the U.S. for a month to visit supporting churches and bring updates. Please pray for smooth travels with no glitches.

• In the Republic of Georgia, the Pro-Russian parliament has passed a new law, which will severely restrict our missionaries. This is despite massive protests and warnings from the US government and many other nations that this law will end democracy and religious freedom. Please pray that elections in October will bring in a new government that will overturn this law and that God will direct missionaries there how to respond.

• Click here for a printer-friendly version.

June Video Update

Dear Pastors and Friends,

For this month’s video, we wanted to share a heartwarming moment recorded by one our missionaries. While between flights in the Istanbul Airport in Turkey, he and his family passed time by relaxing in a crowded airport lounge. There, one daughter spotted an unattended grand piano. Without asking, she simply walked over, sat down at the piano, and began to play Christian hymns. An adult might have hesitated to play Christian hymns in a spot where most listeners were Muslims. Nevertheless, many stopped and listened appreciatively. When this young daughter noticed Ukrainian travelers among the crowd, she switched and played a well-known Ukrainian hymn. Her music brought the Ukrainians to tears, and they expressed heartfelt gratitude for her “wonderful concert.” Praise God!

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/makingmelodies

Blessings to you!

Sam & Amy Slobodian

War Relief Updates - June 28, 2024

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

1. Much of the war relief that we provide for those suffering the consequences of the war in Ukraine goes towards expenses like food, clothing, medical supplies & costs, repairs to damaged homes, protective gear, and equipment for soldiers connected to our churches—generators, power banks, and coal and wood for heating. This week we received heartfelt thanks for war relief of a different type. Expressing thanks were several soldiers who received high-end First Aid kits and a Christian volunteer for whom we helped to purchase a vehicle (a used 4x4 Lada Niva), which he uses to transport wounded from the front lines to where they can receive medical care.

2. Sergiy Koop in Ternopil continues to stay in touch with numerous soldiers who were helped through our war-relief distributions. Several are now tuning into his church services online. Please pray for their salvation. One has been transferred to the Ternopil area, so he has been attending the church services. When the church has sufficient funds, they plan to upgrade their equipment to improve the quality of these broadcasts.

3. Shortly after Russian troops invaded Ukraine, Sofia Buyko accepted her husband’s wishes and departed for Poland with their 3 daughters. In Poland, and later in Germany, the 4 were safe from the aerial bombings and atrocities being committed by occupying forces. But as time passed, they decided to leave their place of safety and return to Ukraine even though war was still raging. Why would they do that? Listen to their own answer in this 3-minute video, “The Decision to Return.”

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/thedecision

4. More than once, we have requested prayer for Oleg, the brother of BIEM missionary Sasha Petrenko. Oleg disappeared soon after Russia invaded Ukraine, and for a long time the family didn’t know where he was or even whether Oleg was still alive. Praise God, Oleg was among the 90 POWs that Russia this week swapped soldiers that Ukraine had captured. Of those released back to Ukraine, Oleg was one of those in the worst physical condition. He was transported to a hospital, where Sasha was told that his brother faced a long recovery period. Of course, the family is rejoicing that Oleg survived his ordeal and that he is back in Ukraine again!

If you would like to see a mass media news article with a heartwarming video about this exchange, here is one such link:

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/russia-ukraine-each-return-90-prisoners-of-war/ar-BB1oTvDH

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - June 21, 2024

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

1. This year, we had to do something we didn’t want to do—raise our target goal for summer camps to $60,000. Although the war in Ukraine has driven up prices, making this change necessary, that amount seemed enormous. We had never set such a goal for camp. But, praise God, He provided this amount through all of you! (In fact, for once our spring Challenger newsletter—now in production—will not mention the need for camp funds because you all beat us to it!) Also, God blessed by providing quick passage of our most recent container of supplies to Ukraine. Since we included many items for use in camps, our Ukrainian missionaries were thrilled to receive it!

2. Igor Fomichov in Desna requests prayer for two members of the church who have been sent to the war front. Vova is a deacon, and Roma is a soldier. Both were both saved through this ministry. Since both men were heavily involved in war-relief distributions, their absence will leave a gap in the ministry. They have been sent to one of the most dangerous areas of the front, where daily deadly battles take place. This is devastating news for their families and the church. Please pray that God will protect them and use them to share Christ where they are.

3. In Ukraine, the town of Posad-Pokrovske became a key strategic front in the defense of Mykolaiv and in the fight to liberate Kherson. But relentless Russian shelling left 90% of its 940 houses severely damaged or destroyed, and residents can hardly imagine how to recover. BIEM missionary Pavel Usach and a team of fellow church members have made several trips from Zdolbuniv to Posad-Pokrovske in the south near Kherson. The church building, too, was extremely damaged. So, with aid from BIEM, Pavel and the others have been serving this community and helping the congregation to make a comeback!

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/posad-pokrovske

4. BIEM is grateful for the donations we receive for this ministry, whether they be funds, gently used clothing, medical supplies, or church furniture & equipment. This week, two extraordinary gifts especially blessed us. One was a deluxe weightlifting center, which will go to the Desna Drug and Rehabilitation Center. The rehabilitation program there emphasizes Bible study, counseling, and performing work, but it also includes physical exercise. As these men strive to build back bodies that have wasted away from drug and alcohol abuse, this equipment will get a lot of use. We also received a $12 gift from an 11-year-old named Maria. She designated her donation to help a child orphaned by the war. Maria’s gift really touched our hearts.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - June 14, 2024

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

1. Thank you for praying for Pasha Usach’s trip last week, when he was delivering war relief and sharing the Gospel near Kherson. Best of all, some listeners made salvation decisions during meetings as the Gospel was presented. Several youths from Pasha’s home church participated in this trip, so the team consisted of 12 people aboard multiple vehicles since they were transporting a large amount of aid from BIEM’s most recent container. Pasha reports that the trip went well and that they all returned safely. We will be posting a video featuring this trip in the near future.

2. We have been greatly encouraged by the pictures, videos, and thank-you messages that we have received from soldiers who received warm clothing, New Testaments, and Gospel literature during our special project in December - February. The upcoming issue of our newsletter, The Challenger, is an expanded version that features a sampling of testimonies and photos. Since it is at the printers, you should receive it soon if you are on the Challenger mailing list. If not, you have time to subscribe. This issue is particularly heartwarming and is sure to bless each one who gave and prayed for this project.

3. Our Ukrainian church planter Vitaly Bilyak often receives the question, “Can Ukraine Win the War?” In the following video clip, he addresses that exact same question. We encourage you to watch, listen, and then to pray!

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/canukrainewin

4. Please pray that God would continue to bless our War Relief fund with donations. (And perhaps you can be a partial answer to that prayer?) Already this month, we have distributed close to $20,000 in war relief to various serious needs. Though the media do not provide much war news these days, the war continues. In fact, over the last several weeks Russia’s attacks have intensified and knocked out 50% of Ukraine’s power supply. As a result, we are getting more requests for generators, and those who have already received generators often repeat their gratitude, mentioning how these generators have been vital to their ministries. (To date, BIEM has distributed more than $250,000 just for generators. May God be praised!)

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM