Praises – Rejoice with us!

v The churches in Nahabino, Russia, and in Fastiv, Ukraine (both of which BIEM helped in their building programs), now excitedly report standing-room only crowds at Sunday services! We praise God for moving people to come, and for these new houses of worship to meet in.

v     One of BIEM’s first Ukrainian church planters, Sergei Debelinsky, whose church has long been self-supporting, has become the new president of the Brotherhood of Independent Baptist Churches in Ukraine. This is an excellent opportunity to serve the Lord while providing leadership for other brethren, and he praises God for using him in this capacity.

v     In the town of Komorat in southeastern Moldova (near the Turkish border) a church planter has begun a brand new work in this mixed Muslim/Turkish/Russian city. Romanian Pastor Cristi is doing an excellent job in proclaiming Christ. Praise God for men willing to work in challenging areas!

v     Writing about the Bible institute in Chisinau, Moldova, Dr. Ron Brewer praises God for good decisions that resulted from the teaching and preaching during the winter session. Also, he had opportunities to deliver to local churches the funds that were needed to complete some building projects.

Prayer – Pray with us!

v     BIEM plans to load its next container for shipment on March 25. Please pray that the needed items will come in (see list below), funds for shipping, and for no troubles in the shipping or customs process.

v     Recent Bible distribution efforts have depleted our supply of Bibles and New Testaments in Russian and Ukrainian. Please pray for a good response to this need as we mention it with our upcoming Challenger newsletter.

v     Although summer may seem far off, our pastors in Eastern Europe are already making long-range plans for this year’s children’s camps. Please pray that sufficient funds for these will come in.

v     Missionary Tim Smith was at first frustrated when Russian politics required that he again leave for Ukraine to renew his visa. But frustration has turned to joy: Tim met a young, missionary-minded woman named Luda, and the two plan to wed on May 6. Praise the Lord for “messing up” human plans and replacing them with better plans! The couple would appreciate prayer as they prepare to return to Magadan to serve the Lord together.

Items needed for the March 25 container shipment:

PColoring books, colored pencils, crayons, felt-pens

PFolding chairs

PBed clothes (pillows, blankets mattresses, sheets)

PBunk beds with mattresses

PSoap & Towels & Laundry detergent

PAntibacterial gel for hands