In 2015, BIEM took on a record number of building projects overseas. Some projects involve building from the ground up, and others are pre-existing buildings that have been purchased to refurbish for the Lord’s work. Join us in praising God for these opportunities!
Currently BIEM is active in seven projects involving buildings in 5 different countries—Ukraine, Russia, the Republic of Georgia, Peru, and an undisclosed location in Central Asia. Four of these projects are church-building programs, one is a Christian Drug and Rehabilitation Center for men, and the last is Soroon (“Be Comforted”), a Christian shelter for abused women and their children.
We are amazed and thrilled as God has both opened the doors for each of these wonderful opportunities and provided the resources to launch these projects. Each building has great potential for reaching souls for Christ and becoming a beacon of light and hope in the needy communities where they are located.
Up to this point, BIEM had been involved in 44 building programs overseas. These six projects will bring the total to 50 overseas building projects for the Lord’s glory. Praise God! It is amazing that God would lead BIEM in such an expansion of building projects when our economy here in the United States is so weak. When the economy of a support base fares poorly, human reasoning wouldn’t expect such giving. However, God is not limited by human reasoning. We praise Him for prompting friends to give and support such wonderful opportunities.
Also noteworthy, in the fields where BIEM is working, the value of the dollar has risen dramatically compared to local currencies despite our struggling U.S. economy. As a result, each dollar stretches further than a short time ago, which helps greatly when purchasing building materials or paying for specialized construction work.
Therefore, you friends who invest in these building programs are receiving a tremendous value for each dollar you contribute. Funds are still needed, though. Can you help to push these efforts to completion?
Thank you, brothers and sisters in Christ, for helping us to create “light houses” of the Gospel!
Church in Bilogorodka, Ukraine
Currently under construction, this church building has a full basement, a first and second floor, plus an attic level. The basement will be used to house seminary students as well as temporary lodging for conference and mission groups.
When this project began, the population of Bilogorodka was 30,000. However, large housing developments are underway. Since the beginning of church construction, Bilogorodka’s population has already grown by 5,000, and the projected population is up to 120,000. Many new residents will live in the vicinity of the church. BIEM’s Ukrainian director, Eugene Buyko, will be the church planter of this new work.
Church in Ternopil, Ukraine
Apartment buildings surround this former store/café. The church’s program for children has doubled in attendance since it began holding children’s meetings in the new location. The building features a main level auditorium, restrooms, a kitchen, and classrooms. A roomy basement level with separate entrance offers area for more classrooms, much space to store BIEM humanitarian-aid shipments, plus a room suitable for youth outreach. Refurbishing and remodeling continue. The church has also contracted an architect to design a possible new façade/entrance to set apart the church from similar buildings. BIEM missionary Vitaly Bilyak shepherds this congregation.
Church in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia
Georgian National Lasha Siradze and BIEM missionary Micah Tuttle lead this ministry. From the outside, the building may not impress. Yet, it’s in the middle of a square through which pedestrians constantly walk. Some 300,000 people dwell in the surrounding area. The inside has been renovated and is being used for church services. Plans are underway to give the exterior a facelift as well.
Church in Shakhovskaya, Russia
Peter Rumachik is spearheading the church plant in Shakhovskaya, Russia. He has recruited an experienced church planter who grew up with his sons and other younger preachers. Families from the mother church in Moscow will form the nucleus of this church. (The mother church is pastored by Benjamin Khorev, son of the famous prisoner of faith Mikhail Khorev, who is with the Lord.) The fact that Shakhovskaya sits along one of the electric-train lines spreading out from Moscow gives this community easy access to the capital.
Christian Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Center, Ternopil, Ukraine
Following the September 30, 2014 fire in the residence portion of the Rehabilitation Center, repairs continue as time and finances permit. Simultaneously, the formerly long-range enhancements to the space over the shop were sped up to provide emergency accommodations that have met the current need. After the main residence is completed and again habitable, the living quarters over the shop will revert to their original purpose of providing temporary lodging for men who have successfully completed the rehabilitation program but as yet have no other home.
Soroon Shelter for Abused Women, Central Asia
Much progress has been accomplished in repairing and remodeling since the purchase of the building that has become the Soroon Women’s Shelter in Central Asia. The facility now houses battered women with children. However, some work remains to be done: The roof needs to be repaired (rainwater drips into the building); the windows need replacing; and because the front door does not shut tightly, it needs to be replaced with a security door to better protect the women residents. In addition, the property should have a security fence. As it is, men walking past look into the yard and can easily observe the women when they are gardening, etc.