Slobodian's Prayer Letter: May - June 2003

Dear Pastors and Friends,

 This summer finds us rejoicing in the work of God as we continue to see souls saved and churches established in the harvest fields of Russia.  We would like to begin this prayer letter by sharing a couple of answers to prayer. 

One of the great blessings we enjoy is that many dedicated folks continually bring our family and ministry before the Lord in prayer.   We gratefully realize that our health and safety are included in these prayers.  Last week saw a dramatic answer to these prayers when Amy, Sarah and Sharon were spared serious injury in an accident outside a church where they were preparing to speak in a ladies' meeting.  A truck somehow failed to stop and totally demolished the rear end of our car as they were waiting to turn into the church driveway.  Looking at the damage (the car looks totaled), it is surely an answer to prayer that they were not seriously hurt.

Another obvious answer to prayer came in answer to a need we had printed in our monthly prayer and praise sheet, BIEM’s of Light.  The item of concern was a parcel of land that had been donated to our ministry so that we could build a much needed office facility.  However, not only did it become apparent that zoning would not permit such a building, but major legal problems surfaced to tie up the property, making it impossible to sell.  Just when the legal issues were resolved, our governor announced a major highway development nearby.  This led real estate experts to predict that it would make the property in this area difficult to sell.   We immediately realized it might take many months - if not years! - to sell this particular property, and we decided to request prayer for this situation in our last issue of our BIEM’s of Light.  Within a week of publishing this prayer need, not one, but two buyers surfaced!  As a result of this amazingly quick answer to prayer, we hope to close on the sale by the end of July!  Please pray that this sale would conclude successfully and that the Lord would supply direction and the funds needed for relocating our office.  (By the way, please let us know if you would like to receive our monthly prayer bulletin, BIEM’s of Light.)

In other news, we rejoice in the new graduates of the BIEM schools in Kyiv and Moscow.   Twenty-five graduated from Kyiv and our first class of three graduated from Moscow.  Pray with us that these nationals would have effective ministries for Christ as they serve in Ukrainian and Russian churches.   Our summer camping programs are in full swing as children and youth from orphanages and new churches gather in several locations.  This is the second summer that we will include camps for homeless children.   Sam, Sarah, Sharon and Stephanie will be in Ukraine during much of July and August working in three of these camps.  Please pray for safety, good weather, and spiritual fruit as many young hearts will be challenged with the Gospel.

May God bless and encourage each of you with a safe and fruitful summer as you continue serving Christ.  Thank you for your prayers!

 Your Missionaries,