May-June, 2006
“In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul”…Psalm 94:19
Dear Pastors & Friends,
Greetings from the Slobodians! By the time you receive this prayer letter several of us (Sam, Sarah, Sharon and Stephanie) will be in Ukraine working in one of the camps which we are sponsoring this summer. Our campsite will be a former Pioneer camp right on the Sea of Azov located in southern Ukraine. One of the churches from the group we work with has been able to purchase this camp which has been a great blessing. There will be over 200 youth attending this camp from churches that have been established in Ukraine. Though most of these are from the Kiev area this particular camp includes over 50 children from Ternopyl and Lutsk, which are in far western Ukraine.
This is one of several camps BIEM is sponsoring in Russia, Ukraine and Romania. Last summer our total from all the camps was 800 young people and this summer we may even surpass this. This type of undertaking involves a massive effort on the part of our national workers and church-planters. Nearly all of the pastors of the churches sending campers participate in the camps along with their families. Since, some of the camps include orphans and homeless children these camps are a rare opportunity to get away from their everyday difficult existence and enjoy the warmth, love and care they receive at these camps which point them to our wonderful Savior.
Regarding these camps we have some praises and prayers requests. We praise God for the dedicated workers and missionaries God has blessed us with that are willing to put so much energy to make this special ministry possible. We are also grateful for all those who gave to this summer camps project and praise God that we have received sufficient funds for these summer camps. Please pray for safety, health and traveling mercies since most of the campers and workers will be traveling hundreds of miles. Pray as well for souls to be saved and life-changing decisions, which are the goal of these camps.
In other news we are glad to report that our last container has arrived in Ukraine. Please pray for the men that are now battling the bureaucracy to clear customs and release all the contents of the container. Our homeless children’s ministry is eagerly looking forward to this shipment since it contains many beds, supplies and furnishings provided by supporters for this ministry which plans to house a number of homeless children. Besides the clothing and medical supplies which are always plentiful on our containers this shipment includes bicycles for needy children, wheel chairs and used computers which are in great demand.
Finally, we once again ask you to consider joining us for our 25th anniversary mission trip to Ukraine and Russia September 13-27, 2006. This trip will focus on Bible and literature distribution. Participants will see and join in a wide range of ministry efforts in Ukraine and Russia. Outreach is being planned for orphanages, public schools, hospitals, the homeless children’s center and a military base. A highlight will be BIEM’s 25th Anniversary Conference (Sept.19-21) at a Christian resort overlooking the Black Sea. This will be an unforgettable event as BIEM missionaries, workers and friends gather from various countries. Enclosed is a brochure that gives the details. In order to include a few more participants we are extending the July 17 registration date until at least the end of the month. May God bless all of you!
The Slobodians