July 2003

P raises - Rejoice with us!

v Those who have been blessed by Pastor Peter Rumachik’s book A Path Not Lined With Roses will want to rejoice with us that this work is finally being produced in Russian.  This is an answer to prayer for many Russian believers who have been requesting a copy of this book in their own language.  Please pray with us that the book will be completed soon to spread the light of the Gospel throughout Eastern Europe.

v Since our last letter when we requested prayer concerning BIEM’s Greenwood, IN property, the Lord  brought us two potential buyers.  We thank you for your prayers.  Please continue praying regarding the sale.

v Five more believers - including one former drug addict - followed the Lord in baptism on  June 29th at Yubileynaya Baptist Church.  Please pray for these people as they minister at this Moscow area BIEM church plant, and pray also for Olya, a young woman recently saved in the ministry of Missionary Tim Smith.

v Recently, BIEM Missionaries on their way to minister in Zgurovka, Ukraine held “impromptu” evangelization in Chistopolie.  When they stopped in this small town along the way, our workers discovered that people had gathered for a concert where the musicians were running late.  They seized this chance to preach the Gospel to a packed hall, and all listened attentively.  Even the musicians heard the Gospel, as they were unwilling to break up the service when they finally arrived.  Praise God for this wonderful opportunity!

v God recently moved miraculously for Tim Smith’s ministry in Magadan, Russia to purchase the $20,000 building they were bidding on for on $1,000!  While considerable costs are still involved in remodeling the facility and buying the parcel where it is located, this is a great step forward and an answer to your  prayers for that work.  Please continue praying for the remaining funds needed for this new church building.

P rayer - Pray with us!

v Your prayer is needed for Yubileynaya Baptist Church, which has received an official ultimatum to vacate the cultural center where they have been meeting by the end of September.  Please pray that the $51,000 still needed would come in to allow them to complete their own church building in time for winter.

v Please continue to pray for our August 25-29 “Barnabas Conference.”  Though many have already sacrificed, funds are still needed for this strategic event.

v As the resources of the church are being drained through construction, please pray for the small group outreach in Tanderei, Romania.

v Continue praying for bureaucratic issues to be resolved regarding our next container shipment.  We are hoping that this next container will be our first to go to the needy field of Moldova.

v Please be remembering BIEM’s various camp ministries this month as children will be faced with decisions for Christ, and our counselors and administrators will be challenged with details and bureaucracy.

v     After many hard miles of faithful service, the minibus used in Dr. Sasha’s St. Petersburg ministry has breathed its last.  Please pray with us that the Lord would provide the $11,000 approximately needed to replace this vehicle essential to Dr. Sasha’s outreach with orphans and other needy groups in Russia.