Praises – Rejoice with us!   

v     Charles Hoblitz in St. Petersburg, Russia, writes, “In connection with our sister church … we recently held a baptism service. What a wonderful day it was…. There were six people baptized, two of whom were from our congregation.” Also Nina has begun teaching English classes and has opportunities to witness. Also near St. Petersburg, 4 more people received Christ at Otradnoye Baptist on Christmas.

v     On December 15 the government-owned building that the church in Desna, Ukraine, had hoped to buy went to auction. The church was the only bidder. As a result, Vitaly Sychov’s bid of $20,000 was accepted. Much of this amount has either been received or promised. Another 5 to 10 thousand would cover the remainder needed, including legal costs and other expenses. What a blessing!

v     Bruce Tuttle reports that a graduate of International Baptist Bible College in Bila Tserkva, Ukraine, named Igor Langfrid plans to leave this month to start a new church in Latvia. What a blessing to see trained men leaving to obey the Great Commission!

v     Thanks to some much appreciated year-end gifts, BIEM was able to pay for new software and office equipment. This has greatly streamlined our accounting procedures and other regular tasks.

v     Although Rick Barry’s support level is at about 50%, we praise God for friends and churches that have supplemented his account with love gifts. Thanks to this help, Rick has been able to minister through the BIEM home office for over a year now. The Barrys thank everyone for this aid.

  Prayer – Pray with us!   

v     Dan and Marcia Escobar are pressing forward with plans to move to Romania. Before that can happen, however, they must raise missionary support for living on the field. As they are in the initial stages of their pre-field ministry, they would appreciate your prayers.

v     Visas remain a need for several BIEM missionaries. Oleg Vladyko and the Kellers are applying for visas to come to the U.S. and visit churches here. Also, Tim Smith had to leave Russia once more and now ministers in Ukraine as he waits for a new visa to return to Magadan.

v     After Igor Fomichov in Goncharivske, Ukraine, received permission to hold weekly Sunday school classes in a public building, a Russian Orthodox priest visited the man in charge of the building and said, “Why do you let these antichrists in? Shame on you!” Despite opposition, the Fomichovs are holding the children’s classes. They ask us to pray for more children and the salvation of parents too.

v     Political tension is growing between Russia and Ukraine. Please pray that this will not hinder any of our workers or their churches.