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. 

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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

War Relief Updates - March 17, 2023

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

Dear Friends of BIEM,

1. Ukraine’s cultural program that permits men of military age to temporarily travel abroad also applies to various kinds of artists and pastors. However, two high-profile Ukrainians (a comedian and a filmmaker) abused the program by using it to flee. As a result, others may face stricter regulation of that permission. Our hope is that those tightening restrictions will not hinder BIEM from inviting our church planters to come and give firsthand reports to supporting churches.

2. Also concerning our Ukrainian church planters, Vitaly and Olena Yurchenko have been representing BIEM and their ministries in various U.S. churches. This Sunday’s services (Vinemont, AL, and Moulton, AL) will be their last before flying back to Ukraine. In one of those two cities, a local newspaper has already run a feature article on their coming, so we thank the Lord for this opportunity and the positive exposure and the visitors it may bring. May He be glorified in all that is said and done!   

3. Some time ago, we shared the exciting news that a new church was begun in Ternopil in a district that has become home to over 30,000 refugees. Previously, Sergiy and Karina Koop were heavily involved in war relief efforts of their church in Ternopil, where Karina’s father (Vitaly Bilyak) is the pastor and Sergiy the youth pastor. As they poured themselves into reaching out to refugees, this led to the idea of starting a new church in this area, which is called Druzhba (meaning “friendship”). They now report the wonderful news of a salvation decision from their labors and that they will soon be having their first baptism. Praise God!

4. The updated map from the Institute of Religious Freedom showing locations of places of worship destroyed or looted by the Russian military is sobering. It shows that no place in the country is truly safe from missiles and bombs. While we praise the Lord that, thus far, none of the churches built by BIEM have been destroyed, we do not want to be presumptuous. Please join us in praying for continued protection for all our workers.

5. After Russian forces were driven out of Bucha and Hostomel, where such destruction and atrocities happened, the church in Chervona Sloboda housed 18 electricians for 2 months as they worked to restore electricity in the region. Now the church has another opportunity: The Ukrainian military has asked them to house 20 soldiers as war relief for at least 3 weeks while their battalion is reformed. These 20 soldiers are half of 40 survivors from a battalion of 200 who were fighting in Bakhmut. Please pray for the salvation of these men during this time. Following is a link to this week’s video, where Vitaly Yurchenko mentions this development.

https://vimeo.com/809206502

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

War Relief Updates - March 10, 2023

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

Dear Friends of BIEM,

1. Our missionary Sasha Petrenko in Goncharivske, Ukraine, joined forces with some others to make yet another evangelistic aid trip, this time to soldiers near the eastern front. Because the Petrenkos live and minister in a military community, Sasha has personal ties with many soldiers, providing access to the same ones he has already preached to multiple times. Among the valuable items Sasha and others delivered to the front was a special large item. Learn more about that trip in our latest video update here.

2. The Ukrainian military asked the church that BIEM’s Vitaly Yurchenko planted in Chervona Sloboda whether they could house 20 soldiers who are to receive a 3-week leave while the battalion is rebuilt. (These men have been involved in some of the heaviest fighting and represent half of the 40 men surviving from their original battalion of 200.) This is a wonderful opportunity to share not just war relief but also the Gospel with these soldiers. Please pray for the Lord to open their eyes spiritually and that they will embrace Christ as Savior.

3. In December, we shared how a young man named Misha (the nephew of a BIEM missionary couple) survived numerous battles and put his faith in Christ. He is now being redeployed to the frontlines in Bakhmut, where life expectancy is very short. As far as we know, Misha is the only believer in his new unit. The family asks, “Please pray for him to stand strong in Christ and to return safely after the war.”

4. Today our website (BaptistInternational.org) was down momentarily.  This was due to a massive attack on the DNS service we use to host our website. Apparently, Russia is behind this as part of the cyber warfare they are conducting against many sites and services in the United States. Please pray that we will be able to continue our internet presence through our website, which has been an important tool in our War Relief efforts. If you have trouble connecting to our site, please try again later. So far, the problems our site is experiencing seem to be intermittent.  

5.  As BIEM continues to depend on local Ukrainian churches to distribute humanitarian aid to the needy, we try to monitor the overall situation among churches during the war. In February, the Institute for Religious Freedom released updated information that, across Ukraine, the number of churches destroyed, severely damaged, or looted by Russian occupation forces has risen to 494. (This figure includes denominations quite different from our own.) But, praise God, of the 50+ church buildings built by BIEM, so far none of them have been destroyed. Only some received superficial damage to windows, etc., from nearby bomb blasts.

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

March Video Update

Dear Pastors and Friends,

Greetings! This month’s video comes from the Muslim lands south of Ukraine and Russia. After our brethren felt impressed to pray for these areas, God provided opportunities for us to expand our church-planting efforts to these Muslim lands. Today we have about two dozen converted Muslims who have been called and trained to reach their countrymen for Christ. This video features Sasha, a BIEM national who also lives and works in this area.

https://vimeo.com/804437560

When the earthquake struck Turkey, Sasha, who was just 3 hours from the epicenter, sprang into action, providing relief to suffering ones there along with a clear Gospel message. Please pray that God will use Sasha mightily as he reaches out to these needy people. Pray, too, that the needed funds would come in for this effort. At least $30,000 is needed for the initial supply of food, tents, clothing, and other necessities.

In Christ,

Sam & Amy Slobodian

War Relief Updates - March 3, 2023

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

Dear Friends of BIEM,

1. Your donations to war relief are helping in ways you might not imagine. For instance, our people in Ternopil have developed close ties with local hospitals treating people injured in the war. Our missionary Vitaly Bilyak shares, “Thanks to your support, we have repeatedly helped the orthopedic trauma department. I have given them a lot of vitamins, multivitamin complex tablets, probiotics, other medicines, dressings… Our last help was extremely important – we purchased and donated a very important product called BoneVit. This preparation is used in treatment when part of the bone is missing. This happens often in war wounds, when shrapnel or a bullet shatters part of the bone into small pieces which are removed, but the limb is fixed. This product helps to restore bone function…. In addition to financial assistance, we try to give the Gospel to children in the hospitals. We have already made spontaneous visits to the wounded. Our brothers are organizing several teams to visit wounded soldiers in hospitals.”

2. When BIEM planted a church in the military town of Desna, it faced opposition from locals. An Orthodox priest warned people to have nothing to do with it. Others criticized, too. But due to the church’s involvement with humanitarian aid made from BIEM, local opinions are greatly changing. Igor Fomichov says, “One morning I received a call from the mayor’s office of our town. I was asked to gather everyone from our church who is involved with humanitarian aid and supporting people in this difficult time. We got together … and the mayor thanked us for our ministry and presented us with letters of thanks for our participation in service and support of the people. We are doing this primarily for God, but we know that in this way we glorify our Heavenly Father…. It’s a good reward and encouragement that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.”

3. Exactly as some Ukrainian pastors predicted, the mass exodus of so many Ukrainians fleeing the war is having permanent repercussions on the nation and on families. After finding safety in new countries, refugees naturally seek out jobs and more stable places to live. They’re making new friends. So, rather than uproot themselves all over again after the war, many have already announced they will not return to Ukraine regardless of the war’s outcome. Many Christian refugees have made the same decision.

4. A couple of days ago, two volunteers from among our brethren were driving a large bus to evacuate a group of children near Kerson. Just 50 meters short of the location where the children were to be picked up, their bus was demolished by a mortar shell. Miraculously, both men survived even though seriously injured. One is facing amputation. Ukrainian believers are praising God that these brave men remain alive. They also praise God the children had not yet boarded the bus.

5. Igor in Desna reports that people in need are reaching out to them after hearing that their church can provide aid to those in need. He shares the story of Natasha and Sergei, a couple who phoned because their disabilities prevented them from traveling. Igor delivered the food and supplies they needed, for which they were sincerely grateful and listened intently as Igor shared the Gospel. Ira, the wife of a soldier who has been battling on the front lines for nearly a year, phoned and asked for help because she was succumbing to alcohol. They have 3 children. Please pray for Igor and our other believers who are ministering to many families like these who need the Lord.

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

BIEMs of Light: March 2023

Praises – Rejoice with us!

• As you know, we at BIEM have been doing what we can to provide war relief for Ukraine. Praise God, we have now distributed more than one million dollars of war relief aid! Look for more details in our upcoming issue of our newsletter, The Challenger. (You can also view videos about distributions on our website – BaptistInternational.org – by clicking “View Video Updates.”)

• With your help, BIEM was able to purchase $250,000 worth of electrical generators for Ukraine. These provided crucial light, heat, and electricity for cooking, phones, and other applications. Praise God!

• The economic sanctions placed on Russia have the side effect of creating complications for BIEM as we endeavor to deliver funds there for ministry. But God has provided ways, for which we thank Him.

• Our relief activities, which include sharing the Gospel and distributing New Testaments, have created an opportunity to plant a new church with a core group of believers in Nezhylovychi. (This is slightly west of Bucha, and likewise suffered atrocities during the occupation.) Now a basic building for the new church is available to purchase for $10,000. Although this is also a prayer request, it’s a huge reason to praise the Lord, who goes before us and opens doors of opportunity!

Prayer – Pray with us!

• In December, we shared how Misha, the nephew of a BIEM missionary couple, survived numerous battles and put his faith in Christ. He is being sent to the frontlines in Bakhmut, alias “the meat grinder.” The family asks, “Please pray for him to stand strong in Christ and to return safely after the war.”

• A year into the war, we rejoice that souls come to Christ, but our hearts break at the countless tragedies and continuing destruction. Continue praying for the salvation of souls (on both sides of the border), and please continue giving to our War Relief Fund to glorify God through acts of Christian compassion.

• On March 1, Sasha Petrenko plans to lead another relief distribution trip to Donbas. There will be three vehicles loaded with food, warm clothing, batteries, and other supplies going nearly to the war front for soldiers in need. Please pray for their safety and for God to open hearts to the Gospel.

• In last week’s update, we shared that an opportunity to plant a new church has arisen in a town near Hostomel. This opportunity is more fruit from our relief activities, which include sharing the Gospel and distributing Bibles. Now a building for this new church has become available to purchase for $10,000. Please pray for these funds to come in so we can proceed with this project.

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War Relief Updates - February 24, 2023

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

Dear Friends of BIEM,

1. As you may have heard in the news, today marks the 1-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. At that time, “experts” predicted Ukraine’s collapse within days. But people prayed, people gave, and even civilians pitched in to help. Still, even after a full year, people ask, “Why did this happen?” A few days after the invasion, Sam Slobodian preached a message entitled “Why Did Russia Invade Ukraine?” which is on our website.  If you have not yet viewed it, here is a link:

“Why Did Russia Invade Ukraine?”

A year into this war, we rejoice to see souls coming to Christ, but our hearts break at the countless tragedies and continuing destruction. Please continue praying for the salvation of souls (on both sides of the border), and please continue giving to our War Relief Fund so we can glorify God through loving acts of compassion.

2. In last week's update, we shared that an opportunity to plant a new church has arisen in a town near Hostomel. This opportunity is more fruit from our relief activities, which include sharing the Gospel and distributing Bibles. Now a building for this new church has become available to purchase for $10,000. Please pray for these funds to come in so we can proceed with this project. You can see a video about this opportunity here:

https://vimeo.com/802040762

3. In December, we shared how Misha, the nephew of one of our missionary couples in Ukraine, survived multiple serious battles and eventually put his faith in Christ. He is being sent back into the frontlines in Bakhmut, alias “the meat grinder.” The family writes, “Please pray for him to stand strong in Christ and to return safely after the war.”

4. Sasha Petrenko plans to lead another relief distribution trip to Donbas on Wednesday, March 1. There will be three vehicles loaded with food, warm clothing, batteries, and other supplies going nearly to the war front, where they meet with military acquaintances who deliver these supplies to the soldiers in need. Please pray for their safety and for God to use this effort to open hearts to the Gospel.

5. Igor Fomichov in Desna requests prayer as there has been an upswing in conscripting citizens for the war in that area. Several church members have been conscripted, so there is much concern since conscription eventually leads to being sent into battle. Some from their area are already in Bakhmut, probably the most hazardous area at the present time.

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

War Relief Updates - February 17, 2023

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

Dear Friends of BIEM,

1. Here’s an exciting announcement—Thanks to the Lord’s blessing through your compassion and generosity, BIEM has now been able to distribute one million dollars of aid to assist victims of the war in Ukraine! Our upcoming Challenger newsletter will share more details, but we hasten to mention this milestone now so you can join us in praising God. “Great things He hath done!” The war and the needs are continuing, but your gifts are making a genuine difference in people’s lives. Thank you!

2. Earlier, we had requested prayer that Vitaly Bilyak would be able to exit Ukraine temporarily to visit supporting churches and bring updated, personal reports of ministry in Ukraine. He was granted that permission, so thank you for praying. This permission was definitely not guaranteed in these times of war when Ukraine is so selective about who it permits to leave and why. We trust believers will be edified and God will be glorified through this trip.

3. More spiritual fruit from physical seeds—In the formerly occupied area of Hostomel, Ukraine (near Bucha), BIEM workers had distributed aid and a generator. Now a small group of people is meeting regularly for Bible studies. There is potential for a new church plant in this needy area. Please pray for God to open people’s eyes. Please pray for God to open people’s eyes to their spiritual needs so they can embrace Christ.

4. A Ukrainian couple who has assisted in distributing aid since the beginning of the invasion suffered a traffic accident that caused major damage to the rear of their truck while on one of these missions of mercy. Through the video link below, you can hear them tell about this ministry along with their gratitude to BIEM for financial assistance to repair the truck to continue this vital work. In this particular case, BIEM served as the financial channel for a generous financial gift from The Carpenter’s Project, an independent Baptist ministry that facilitates church planting and church growth in unevangelized countries:

https://vimeo.com/799649329

5. The church in Ternopil, Ukraine, has provided war relief to thousands of war refugees. Through this outreach, church planter Vitaly Bilyak connected with a local hospital treating a steady stream of wounded soldiers. Although grateful for food, clothing, bedding, and basic medicines, the surgeons asked whether the church could obtain the specialized medical equipment needed to restore severely damaged limbs. We praise God for our friendship with Jan Milton at Operation Renewed Hope. A couple of months ago, that ministry provided a huge amount of these specific items. Just this week, they filled a second order of special requests for that hospital. This medical aid will enable hospital personnel to restore mobility to a good number of injured ones. As a bonus, Vitaly states this provision has established a warm relationship with the physicians and staff. Please join us in praying these efforts will also lead to the salvation of souls.

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM