Slobodian's Prayer Letter September - November 2004

Dear Pastors and Friends,

It is a blessing to once again greet you our dear co-laborers in the fields of Russia and Eastern Europe.  We praise God for encouraging news from these harvest fields.  Nearly 30 people have been saved in recent months in Fetesti, Romania where they have made considerable progress in the construction of the church building, which has now been raised from the basement through the first floor.  Another orphanage director where BIEM nationals are faithfully serving in the St. Petersburg area of Russia has come to Christ!  In the months of October, our fall class sessions for national missionaries and workers were conducted in Moscow and Kyiv.  Once again nationals took part in teaching some of the classes.  This went well enough for us to continue to shift some of the teaching from Americans to nationals who have gone through the program and who demonstrate an ability to teach.  The city of Kyiv has granted our homeless children’s ministry space in a public building at low-cost in an area well suited for this outreach.  Last month our newest ministry partners, Rick and Pam Barry moved in the area.  Please pray that they would soon be able to sell their home and raise the support funds needed.

I’m sure that many of you are rejoicing in the fact that our nations presidential election has concluded without the turmoil our nation went through in the year 2000.   Our missionaries and workers in Ukraine have requested prayer for their election that is heading toward a divisive runoff on Nov. 21 between the two leading contenders because no one achieved the required majority in the regular election.  There is much at stake since the scandal ridden government backed candidate (Victor Yanukovich) favors strong ties with Russia while the challenger (Victor Yushchenko) favors a more pro-Western direction for the country.  There is the unpleasant expectation of more corruption under Yanukovich whose criminal past has twice landed him in prison.  The election was marked by dubious results and intimidation, which have led to concerns of serious unrest.  There have already been protests and charges of election fraud.  Prices also have sharply risen and there is a great deal of fear.  Please pray for a clear and just election result that would provide Ukrainians with stability and progress and a government that would continue religious freedoms.

In our last prayer letter, we shared how God has enabled us to relocate our offices to a facility that will greatly enhance our effectiveness.  We are finally settled in and must now face the task of raising the additional funds needed to complete this purchase.  Please pray for a great response to an appeal that we will be sending out concerning this matter.  We could also use some decent office furniture as well as items for a guest room we will need to furnish.  If you think you can help with this please call us right away.  If you have not yet done so, please take the time to update our address and phone number which is on this letterhead.  May God bless you in your service for Him! 

  The Slobodians