Praises – Rejoice with us!

v Two groups of volunteers from America traveled to Desna, Ukraine, to assist with reconstruction of the vacant building purchased to use as a church. They were able to complete the drywall on the half the building that will become the sanctuary. This has been a tremendous help and blessing to the local believers there.

v     In Bordusani, Romania, Adrian Neagu praises God for the salvation of three young men named Cosmin, Adrian, and Costel. They have trusted Christ and now regularly attend services. In Tandarei, Romania, Iulian Stoian also praises the Lord for several new church members who were baptized in August.

v     Camp leaders in Russia, Ukraine, and Romania report wonderful blessings from this year’s summer camps! More than 800 children and teens attended, and of those more than 150 made professions of accepting Jesus Christ as Savior. A number of others reported making significant decisions through the Bible lessons and preaching services. Praise the Lord for working in young hearts and lives!

v     Vitaly and Alexandra Keller in St. Petersburg, Russia, rejoice over the arrival of a baby daughter, Anita (born August 22). While visiting supporting churches in the U.S. this past spring with Vitaly, Alexandra experienced serious complications with her pregnancy. For a time doctors thought she might lose the child, but God answered prayer and allowed a normal delivery! He also provided for their substantial hospital bill. A warm welcome to little Anita!

Prayer – Pray with us!

v     Tim and Luda Smith have been forced to leave Magadan, Russia, by the FSB (secret police). When Tim met with the local department head and asked on what grounds he was forcing them out, that man replied, “I have been trying to get you expelled from Russia for five years, and today my dream is coming true. I hate you, I hate your church, and I hate all you Baptists!” Pray for the Smiths as they seek a new place of ministry in Ukraine, and pray for the churches they leave behind in Magadan.

v     September 19-21 will mark BIEM’s 25^th Anniversary Conference near Yalta. Please pray for the safety of attendees coming from at least five different nations. Also pray for God to use this time to refresh and encourage everyone involved for further ministry for the Lord.

v     The upcoming Challenger newsletter will announce a new matching-funds opportunity through which BIEM could pay off the last $150,000 of its mortgage. Please pray that enough people respond to meet this need.

v     Immediately after our Anniversary Conference, training sessions resume at BIEM’s Bible Institute near Moscow and the Theological Seminary in Kiev. Please pray for the men and women who will study, either to become future church planters or active laymen in their churches.