War Relief Updates - January 16, 2026

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. Sasha Petrenko recently traveled to the east of Ukraine. Because he is well known by the military due to his repeated trips and distribution of humanitarian aid, the military asked him to deliver a vehicle, which had been sent for repairs. While at the front, Sasha discussed the local situation with military men there. They told him that there is a shortage of men. Many soldiers have been killed our wounded. Therefore, Sasha requested increased prayers for an end to the war. He concluded, “In our town, many people have already given their lives for Ukraine.”

2. Eugene Buyko, BIEM’s Director in Ukraine, shared this: “My duties for the mission include maintaining the mission’s vehicle. It’s a large, Ford Econoline. It requires very large tires, and I always keep some of these tires on hand. When I drove to Bilohorodka to change to winter tires. members of the Shevchenkove church met with me. (They are very active in helping the military with gifts of food and supplies.) They saw my old tires that I was planning to throw away and asked me to give them for the front. They explained that the military has a shortage of such large tires, so they even accept worn-out tires. So, I took them four old ones plus two old spare tires, for vehicles that will serve the military at the front. Thank you for your support.”

3. Many of you are praying for our missionary-pastor Vitaly Bilyak, who was unexpectedly drafted into the Ukrainian army. In this video, which he filmed both on and off the base where he is stationed in Western Ukraine, Vitaly gives an update and an overview of his situation and how the Lord is giving him opportunities to minister despite Vitaly’s desire to be back at home, fulfilling the role of pastor for his congregation in Ternopil.

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/pastor

4. Sergiy Koop, our church planter in Ternopil, was burdened for 4 soldiers who had been reached through his ministry but are now serving on the front. He wanted to visit them to encourage them through prayer and fellowship; plus, he wanted to take them a variety of items they needed, especially food. Doing so was a formidable challenge since those 4 are serving in different places on the warfront, all very far from Ternopil. He requested finances from BIEM to make such a trip, a request we happily fulfilled. Praise God, he was able to drive safely all the way there and back, a trip that yielded many blessings and opportunities. We will soon add a video about this trip to the other collection of videos on our website (BaptistInternational.org).

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

Merry Christmas from BIEM! - December 24, 2025

Dear friends of BIEM!

As our staff spends extra time with friends and loved ones during this week from Christmas to New Year’s, we hope that you, too, are able to spend time with your own loved ones. Please accept our sincere wishes for a blessed time of reflecting on God’s awesome plan of sending Jesus to earth to open a way of salvation for all who believe on Him. 

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - December 12, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. Our latest container of war relief, which we shipped on October 21st, has cleared the Polish port where it entered Europe and has arrived in Derman, Ukraine. It is now being unloaded by Pasha Usach, Eugene Buyko, and a host of other Ukrainian believers who have been looking forward to receiving it. They are praising God that—in answer to their prayers—Ukraine’s weather is unusually warm right now. Therefore, they have been unloading in warm sunshine! Another bonus of the unseasonably warm weather is the welcome relief it provides for those living in bombed areas with little or no electricity. Plus, it helps people in Ukraine who struggle to cover the costs of heating during their severe winters.

2. The church in Shevchenkove sent us this interesting news: “As always, we prepare a lot of food for our soldiers and send it to the front, to hospitals, or wherever our soldiers request. Now we’ve had a big event: A marine brigade sent us a letter of gratitude thanking everyone involved in this ministry of food preparation. This is a big thank-you document, delivered to us by a volunteer to express the gratitude of the military and all the volunteers whom we help. In addition, we have a church member named Ivan who has been a believer for a long time and serves on the front lines. He came home on leave. God protects him. And as he serves there he has opportunities to tell people about God. Thank you for your prayers and support.”

3. Many people offer to help when there’s a need, but some special individuals go above and beyond in demonstrating Christ-like compassion. Such is the case with Anna Korbetskaya, founder of a Ukrainian charity called True Freedom. In this week’s video update you’ll learn how this sister in Christ uses funding from BIEM to bless and assist those in need.

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/helping-heart

4. Last week we happily informed you that we have reached the required amount of $100,000 donated for war relief to receive the same amount in matching funds that had been designated for the year 2025. Now more good news, yesterday another gift of $100,000 was designated to be used to match war relief gifts in 2026 as well as the remainder of 2025! Such a thing is unprecedented in BIEM’s history, and we praise God for this wonderful development.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - December 5, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. From church planter Sergiy Koop in Western Ukraine: “You may have heard that last week our city of Ternopil was hit by heavy shelling, and unfortunately, many people were injured. Our city is relatively far from the front line, so our region is rarely bombed. And even when it is hit, usually very little reaches us because, as I said, we are far away and most of the missiles are shot down on the way.

“However, there was a direct missile hit, and not just one. It happened early in the morning, when the city was still quiet, so every movement could be heard. As of now, 33 people have died in Ternopil because of that Russian attack, including six children. According to various news outlets, 94 people have been injured, including 18 children. Forty-six people have been rescued, including 7 children. Several more people are still under the rubble and cannot be found. Some people from our church live in that area, but one young man lives right beside the [apartment building] that was hit. First, our church went to help our brother. He was in shock, but he was not seriously injured physically. He had some bruises; maybe he hit something, but he is alive, for which we thank God. The apartment building next to his was completely destroyed. We took him away, prayed with him, fed him, and gave him something to drink. Then we went back, thinking maybe someone else needed help. Unfortunately, the impact was too powerful, and civilians were not allowed in. But we stood there and prayed for those people. This terrible missile strike, with many deaths and injuries, cannot be anything good. But we used this opportunity to tell people about Christ and provided help to those who needed it. Thank you for your prayers. Please pray for peace in our country.”

2. Sergiy Koop also shared the following experience about ministering to a brother on leave from the war front: “Friends, I want to share something that is very precious to me. Recently, a soldier from Eastern Ukraine, from the occupied region, came to Ternopil. He has been in the service for ten years. He said he just needed a change of scenery, something besides war, and to rest his soul.

“We spent his leave together. We had many conversations—not formal ones, but real, heartfelt talks. There were many questions, painful topics, things that he had been carrying inside him for a long time. We prayed together more than once.

“I took him on an excursion around western Ukraine: mountains, landscapes, silence, normal life—all the things that often simply do not exist on the front lines. I saw how he gradually let go inside, how peace came to him. It was an honor for me to be there not just as a pastor, but as a brother in faith, as a person he trusted.”

3. With the financial support of BIEM’s War Relief fund, Awakening Baptist Church in the Obolon district of Kyiv, Ukraine, reaches out to the large number of Bakhmut refugees who fled to the capital when Russian attacks destroyed their city. Through the church, refugees are receiving groceries and clean clothing. Some are finding jobs. Best of all, some are finding salvation and new hope in the Savior...

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/offering

4. Earlier this year, we announced at matching-fund opportunity for BIEM: Until the end of December 2025, all donations for our War Relief fund would be matched up to $100,000. Praise God, we have now reached that amount of $100,000, thus giving this important fund a totally of $200,000 for 2025. Thank you to each one who gave and and enabled BIEM to benefit from the full extent of this opportunity! (War Relief funds continue to be needed. We hope those who can will still give as we go into 2026.)

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

Thanksgiving Greetings from BIEM

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

Dear friends of BIEM!

Because the Thanksgiving week is already a busy week for so many, and since BIEM will be closed for November 27-28, in lieu of posting our usual War Relief Updates, please accept our sincere wishes for a blessed time of giving thanks to our wonderful Lord. 

Sam Slobodian and all of us at BIEM

War Relief Updates - November 21, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. Pasha Usach, together with a team from his church, visited the frontline areas of the Kherson region. The situation there is extremely difficult: from April to September practically no rain fell, so hardly anything grew. Therefore, using finances from BIEM’s War Relief Fund, Pasha and fellow church members purchased a huge load of potatoes and filled a rented semi to haul them to Kherson. The team also carried donated clothing and other necessary supplies, which became an immensely appreciated support for the locals. We sincerely thank the Lord for each one of you who made this ministry possible by your donations to War Relief.

2. A Ukrainian pastor named Sergei Kostin has repeatedly delivered aid to his countrymen, driving through areas of gunfire at risk to his life. However, in the Kherson region a Russian FPV drone struck the minivan he always used to ferry supplies. Unfortunately, because of the severity of the damage to the vehicle, he has lost his ability to deliver aid directly to the homes. But even if his vehicle had not been targeted, Russian encroachment into the area would have made further deliveries too dangerous. (Some of you might recognize Brother Kostin's name as the same pastor whose granddaughter lost one leg when Russian artillery shells blasted their home. Since that time, he has continued to minister to others undergoing trials due to the war and related conditions.)

3. Unexpectedly drafted into the Ukrainian army, BIEM’s Vitaly Bilyak continues to serve the Lord while fulfilling the requirements of his commanding officer. Lately, that officer has increasingly assigned Vitaly to duty driving injured soldiers to the hospital and officers to various locations. Although such chores could be mundane, Vitaly uses his vehicle and these assignments to share God’s Word with a captive audience! In this brief video, he brings an update in his own words…

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/steering

4. Two days ago, on November 19, deadly Russian attacks on the city of Ternopil were the worst in the western part of Ukraine since Moscow’s full invasion in 2022. According to news reports, at least 26 people are known to have been killed (including three children) in a Russian missile and drone attack that struck two apartment buildings. Over 140 others were wounded in the attack, and still others are missing. Neighboring regions were also struck. A member of one of our Ternopil churches lives next door to one of the demolished apartment buildings. In addition, our church planter Sergiy Koop personally knows the manager of one destroyed complex. Because of that connection, Sergiy is receiving numerous requests for specific items as aid. The church is busy meeting victims’ needs and plans to do more as funds become available. Please consider donating to our War Relief fund, which we use in situations like this. Although such events are tragic and horrific, they do provide opportunities for believers to demonstrate Christian compassion on victims and to share the Gospel. Please pray for believers rendering aid and for the victims.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - November 14, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. BIEM’s Sasha Petrenko sent us the following message:

Right now there’s a lot of tension around Goncharovsk — constant stress. But God is faithful. He is with us—helps, blesses, and guides.

“I want to tell you an interesting story. I was planning to go to Goncharovsk to see an electrician named Serhiy about connecting a generator. He was expecting me. I was about to leave when a friend from Desnyanska called. We talked about seven minutes.

My friend said, “Maybe it’s not worth going right now. The situation is tense.”

I replied, “We’re used to it. We still need to get this done.”

After our conversation, I got in the car and set out. When I was nearly to my destination, I saw smoke rising just a few meters from where I was supposed to go. It turned out that a “shahed” drone had just struck there.

The electrician’s son Oleksiy showed me where shrapnel had flown right past his heart. It had sliced through his jacket, sweater, and tee-shirt, but it didn’t even touch his body. Not a single scratch! He said, “This is the second time this has happened.”

When I arrived, the electrician Serhiy was in shock. He showed me his hand: A fragment had slightly wounded him, but he had wrapped it up, and we went to connect the generator anyway.

These are the true miracles of God. A third miracle is that I always drive along the same road the shahed had followed. But this time, God had stopped me with that telephone conversation — and saved my life.

Praise God!

We often don’t even realize the Lord is protecting us, but when something like this happens, you realize how completely dependent we are on Him.

Once again, thank you very much for your prayers!

2. The Buyko family has returned safely to Ukraine. This week, we welcomed Vitaly and Olena Yurchenko, who look forward to updating American congregations in Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey and Alabama. Please pray for these meetings and that God would use their firsthand reports to encourage many to pray for and give toward our War Relief efforts, which continue to reap a harvest of souls.

3. In the Obolon district of Kyiv, Ukraine, BIEM is helping Awakening Baptist Church to organize and distribute war relief through a warehouse they call “The Hub.” From this building, supplies travel outward in various directions to meet different kinds of needs. Of course, the Gospel accompanies each gift. Operated by Olya and Andrei, The Hub is a true blessing. We invite you to watch the brief video to learn more!

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/hub

4. Today I was able to Facetime with Vitaly Bilyak. He is in good spirits and keeps busy since the Army commander continues to assign him to drive officers who need transportation into town to do military business as well as taking injured soldiers to and from the hospital. This duty gives Vitaly excellent opportunities to share the Gospel. His court case filed to request a reversal of his conscription has now been assigned a case number. Vitaly believes this development shows progress in what can be a long process. Vitaly Facetimed me from a coffee shop in town where he and another soldier had stopped for tea. (He commented that they had also stopped just to look at people. On their forest base, all they have to look at are trees!) Vitaly requests special prayer for Sasha, a member of his church who is serving with a unit that must withdraw from an area which they can no longer defend against the Russian forces. Withdrawing is highly dangerous, since it exposes men to heavy fire. Please pray for Sasha.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - November 7, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. From church planter Sergei Koop: “Right now I’m in the middle of preparing a special event. A small group of Ukrainian soldiers is coming tomorrow for an evangelistic retreat I have organized for them in the Carpathian mountains. These men have endured difficult trials at the front, so the purpose of the trip is to give them an opportunity to rest their bodies and souls, to be among Christian men, to regain strength, and to feel God’s care. We will visit churches, participate in meetings, fellowship, and share testimonies about how the Lord works in their lives even in the most difficult moments.

“On Sunday, they will spend the night at our home. We will fellowship and pray together and have dinner. This will reinforce the fact that God is near, and they are not alone. Please pray that this time of rest will be a true spiritual renewal for them and that their hearts will be filled with peace and hope in Christ. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. It’s because of you that we can serve these people and bring God’s love to where it is needed most.”

2. For the past 5 weeks, the visiting Buyko family has had wonderful church services in several states as they updated congregations on BIEM War Relief efforts. It was a blessing to share how God is using these efforts to save souls and lift the testimony of the church. On weekdays, the Buykos accomplished a tremendous amount of work in BIEM’s warehouse and helped load our latest aid container to Ukraine. On November 4, they left to begin the long, two-day journey home. We thank God they could be with us and that they have arrived home safely!

3. With assistance from BIEM, Natalia and her husband Vitaly regularly lead Christian volunteers to set up free, outdoor soup kitchens for active Ukrainian servicemen near the eastern battle zones. But these outreaches deliver much more than food. They bring the Word of God to soldiers who know very well there’s a good chance they will never return home from battle. For many such soldiers, these evangelism bases provide a final opportunity to hear the way of salvation explained and to pray with caring believers. Please watch the following brief video to learn more about these vital efforts to reach hearts while they are still beating...

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/finalchance

4. Vitaly Bilyak received a two-day leave to attend the funeral of Pavel, the brother of his wife Katya. Pavel recently perished in the war. After returning to the military, Vitaly writes:

Yesterday I returned to the military base. Today I was back to driving patients to the hospital. The funeral was wonderful, if I may say so. The Lord sent good weather. There were many unbelievers. There were many military men. There were guys I know. They served with Pavel. I preached an evangelistic sermon. The main service was at Christman Baptist Church, where Katya’s parents go. Pavel had also been going there since childhood. I attended the funeral with Sergiy and Karina Koop and, of course, the grandchildren.

There are no developments to report regarding his court case to have his conscription reversed. Please keep praying for this.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - October 31, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. The youth at the church in Bilogorodka took the initiative to collect items to donate as aid to an orphanage-boarding school. The BIEM mission, and a few individuals donated money for this drive. When the youth arrived, orphanage workers showed them conditions in which the children there live. Thanks to the state and individual patrons, the conditions were quite good—including a roomy bomb shelter. (One family had bought and donated 5 blankets, which was exactly the number of blankets lacking in the shelter.) Each day, the children weave camouflage nets and make various things for the military, because nearly 20 graduates of this boarding school serve at the front. The director of the orphanage tearfully thanked the young people for this money and aid. She said they will use part of the funds to repair the washing machine, part to buy household cleansers, and part to purchase various items for the military, because the first people they help are their graduates. The youth went home glad for the chance they’d had to help others.

2. At Temple of Salvation Baptist Church in Kyiv, a tragedy recently occurred: a Russian drone exploded into the house of one of the pastors. The pastor and his wife survived, but their home was badly damaged. This tragedy became a great opportunity for the church to serve—not only did people begin raising funds for repairs, but others came to offer hands-on help. This pastor had repeatedly driven gifts of war relief to the front to help the military; now others are repairing his house. Instead of windows, there are wooden boards, but so far there are no other options. The church helps as much as it can, which is also a great testimony that believers care for each other.

3. After Russian forces were pushed out of Bucha, Ukraine, the world learned of appalling atrocities the occupiers had committed against Bucha’s townspeople. Survivors were left traumatized and in need of aid. Sergii Anokhin and his wife Alyona were among those who distributed war relief to survivors. But they wondered… would the Lord have them do even more? In February 2025, they felt God’s call to start a new church in Bucha. By April 3, they found an excellent location for rent. There, they planted Lamp Light Baptist Church. They believe this is just the beginning of a new story filled with multiple ministries. The following video provides a few glimpses of this new congregation:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/lamp-light

4. Our recent Challenger featured a camp for disadvantaged kids from Kherson, which was severely ravaged by Russian occupation. To further help the Kherson church reach out to this community, BIEM’s Pasha Usach solicited potato donations from his area. He asked, could BIEM help transport potatoes to Kherson? Yes! As it turned out, the potato donations filled a huge semi-truck! Pasha and volunteers personally delivered this valuable cargo, which helped the needy and brought praise to the Lord. Praise God!”

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - October 24, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. For a long while, the church in Bilogorodka, Ukraine, has prepared special food as a ministry to soldiers and others in need in the eastern battle zones. However, in seeking other ways to serve both the Lord and fellow countrymen, this congregation sought out refugees living in the capital city, Kyiv. They discovered a whole group of refugees from the obliterated city of Bakhmut. The church formulated a plan to reach out to this group in several ways at once. They organized an event in their church where they would tell people about God, distribute Gospels, provide directions to church, distribute aid, and inform them about employment opportunities. That church’s auditorium can comfortably seat 100 people, and 90 refugees responded to the invitation. These were people who knew nothing at all about God or the church. Believers sang, preached, and provided aid. Now they are hoping at least some of these refugees will come to church. One church member says, “Thank God that even in this way we can serve people and testify to God’s love.”

2. The eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy faces incredibly difficult circumstances. Because it sits right on the Russian border, missiles and drones appear without warning. There’s no time to shoot them down. People constantly suffer. Many have fled the city. One time, after several days of continuous shelling, the chief of police went to the church and urged, “Do something for us and our children. Hold an event so we can be in the church and calm down a little. We feel something here; it makes us feel better.” The church has a basement, so they began organizing special evangelistic meetings for unbelievers seeking shelter. During such meetings, people who carry weapons and serve on the front lines, where life is grimly arduous, simply weep and repent. Many attend the meetings, and they send their children to children’s and youth clubs. Praise be to God, who works even in such difficult situations.

3. In addition to speaking, teaching, and singing in American churches, the Buyko family helped tremendously in preparing all the aid YOU provided for ministry outreach in Ukraine. Before they head home, they wanted to say a few words of appreciation to all of you for caring, praying, and sharing. To let you see and hear about some of the Lord’s blessings, we offer this video, “More Aid Is on the Way!”

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/on-the-way

4. When Vitaly Bilyak left his home in Ukraine, he intended to travel to the U.S. to speak in churches for BIEM. But when military agents stopped him at the border and suddenly inducted him into the army, those plans evaporated. In this video, Vitaly gives a glimpse into his life as he now serves both God and his country from inside a military base.

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/god-country

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - October 17, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. The pastor of the church in Lutsk, Ukraine, shared this with us: This week we had our monthly meeting with people who are united by one tragedy—war. Some of them have lost loved ones—parents, husbands, children—while others were left destitute, without homes, money, property, or jobs and were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in our city and our church.

The last meeting was based on the story of Job and his family’s suffering. We understand how important it is for these people to find spiritual support at such times. During the discussion, everyone had the opportunity to warm up with hot tea and cookies. At the end of the meeting, everyone received gifts of food. (Most of these people live in conditions where it’s not possible to cook a full meal.) We feel the need to hold such meetings more often, both to offer spiritual support and to assist them with food, hygiene products, and other household items. Unfortunately, prices are constantly rising. We would be grateful for your continued prayer and financial support for this ministry.

2. BIEM is thankful to the Lord and to friends in South Carolina for a special gift we received yesterday, on October 16. One couple had learned of an opportunity to obtain over 100 high-quality, stackable auditorium chairs in excellent condition for FREE. In addition, the same company that was phasing out the chairs also offered quite a few excellent-condition, solid tables with removable legs. Praise the Lord, that couple asked if they could receive all these chairs and tables to donate to BIEM, and that request was granted! Next, another couple volunteered to help pack all these items into a trailer and haul them to us, over 550 miles. Today, all these items are already loaded onto the 40-ft. container of aid we’re shipping to Ukraine next week. The chairs especially are an answer to prayer: The church in Bucha, Ukraine, has grown quickly. According to our church planter, Sergei Anokhin, they don’t have enough chairs to seat everyone coming. Worshipers are standing throughout the services. So, he has been praying specifically for God to provide chairs for the congregation—and God has answered!

3. Many friends of BIEM have been praying for our church planter, Vitaly Bilyak, since he was suddenly conscripted into the Ukrainian military. In a video interview, his son-in-law Sergiy Koop (also a BIEM church planter) joins Sam Slobodian to give an update on Vitaly’s situation. You can see that video here:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/vb-update

4. The church in Desna operates a variety of evangelistic outreaches. The war has affected many of the members and friends who attend there. Here’s a recent example: After a Christian man from Cherkasy was called up for military duty and sent to Desna for training, he began attending this church. While there, he learned that his brother-in-law had been killed. His sister—the widow—has 4 children, all of whom are quite young. To help her out, the church in Desna collected many useful household items. This is just one more example of this church’s continuing generous spirit in a time when so many have needs. The church also tries to evangelize the many newly conscripted men who get sent to the training facility in Desna. However, many of these new recruits are sent their forcibly, against their will, and are resentful of it. Such men are very difficult to evangelize. So, the church requests prayer for all of Ukraine and specifically for the mission field right around them.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - October 10, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. A Christian brother from the church in Desna, Ukraine, has been in the army since the Russian invasion in 2022. With aid from BIEM, the church has provided Roma with thermal underwear and other supplies. The last time Roma was permitted to go home for a rest, he tearfully shared a story of God’s protection: While walking toward a target on the front line, Roma and his brothers-in-arms heard a buzzing sound overhead. It was an enemy drone. The drone dropped a grenade, which thudded to the ground among them. They dropped to the ground, and Roma jumped atop a comrade to shield him. Roma also blurted a prayer. Then—nothing. By God’s mercy, the device failed to explode. The men heaved themselves to their feet and hurried forward. Roma misses Christian fellowship, but he tells his comrades-in-arms about God, and the Lord can work through a believer’s words and actions.

2. In Ternopil, Ukraine, BIEM church-planter Sergiy Koop says, “I’m in regular contact with two soldiers. From afar, I try to uphold them and provide them with spiritual care. There are few Christians [in their unit], and morally it’s very difficult for them. Last week, our church sent them a large batch of camouflage nets. We deliver these nets through soldiers who are connected to the church. Such actions provide a powerful form of evangelism. After receiving such helpful supplies, soldiers are more open and more inclined to pray and give thanks together. Please pray that God will give us strength and wisdom in supporting our soldiers.”

3.  In the city of Desna, Ukraine, BIEM missionaries Sergei Anokhin and Sasha Krapchuk thank the mission’s supporters for caring, sharing, praying, and providing for their hurting homeland. Please listen to how your generosity is touching lives and what kinds of needs are ongoing...

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/thanks-for-love

4. On October 9, Heritage Baptist Church of Frankfort, Illinois, blessed BIEM in a special way: Their church had held a drive to collect new or lightly used clothing for BIEM’s upcoming shipment of war relief for Ukraine. So, the pastor and 10 church members came as a group to deliver personally the 85 boxes of clothes that they had gathered, inspected, sorted, packed into cartons, and labeled. As if that weren’t blessing enough, the group also gave us a large batch of empty cardboard boxes (which we always need!), along with many wheelchairs, walkers, and other medical supplies. Then they spent hours working to sort, box, and seal all the other donated clothes that have been piling up in our warehouse. A couple of them even volunteered to prepare envelopes for our calendar mailing. The day was a huge blessing, and we publicly thank again everyone who came and invested their time for the ministry!

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - October 3, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. The young ladies of the Bilogorodka church decided to do something useful for the military. Together, they bought nuts in honey and other treats. Then, about a hundred girls from various churches in Western Ukraine developed a coordinated plan to do more—they prepared a load of special energy bars. The girls included a brief message and a Bible verse to each one. When evangelists headed to the East, they distributed these bars among grateful soldiers. Seeing the guys receive such personalized gifts was a beautiful and touching sight—a true testimony of love and care from Christians.

2. From the Lutsk church: “Now we are experiencing many diverse trials. Although we are not close to the front, and we do not feel what our brothers and sisters there feel, we have our own trials here. One of these trials is powerful night bombardments. In one such shelling, many people suffered. We immediately help with what we can: we give someone temporary aid in the form of groceries; we help another find housing. But the main thing is that we tell about Christ. At such times, people ask, ‘Where is God?’ ‘Why did He allow this war?’ ‘Why are innocent people and children dying?’ Such moments give opportunities to witness of the Lord. Not everyone listens, but some do. For instance, there are 3 women who lived together in one house. Their house was badly damaged. We as a church came to help them and tell them about Jesus. Of course, they wanted to accept help more than they wanted to hear the Gospel. Still, the Gospel touched them. Now they go and help do different things at the front. They even visit church after church, ask questions, and attend various church events. Therefore, we ask you to pray for sisters Elena Petrovna, Nastya (daughter of Elena Petrovna) and Tatiana. May the Lord continue to work in them.

3. A church deacon from the northeast Ukraine city of Sumy, Andrei Sovenko is also a student in Kyiv Theological Seminary. He sends this message of news and thanks to all friends of BIEM. Please watch!

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/situation-sumy

4. Many of you are praying for Vitaly Bilyak, a BIEM church planter who was spontaneously inducted into the Ukrainian military. He appreciates your prayers and sends this message: “As soon as I realized that I no longer had a choice and that I was a soldier, the Lord showed me confused men whose lives had suddenly and unexpectedly changed. They were full of anxiety, shock, excitement, and hatred for those who inducted them... I think it’s very similar to what Jesus described as ‘sheep without a shepherd.’ So already at the reception point, where they told us, ‘You have no choice—you’re a soldier now’ … I preached my first sermon about Jesus loving the tax collector and the sinner. The introduction to this sermon was the stories of the men around me—how they were grabbed up by the recruiters, how no one was interested in their health, and how in some places there was no medical exam at all. I told them that in the time of Jesus there was an equally hated category of people: tax collectors. From there, I began talking about the love of God revealed through Jesus Christ. When we arrived at our training division, I was assigned to live in the 1st tent. There, for about 20 days, I preached the Gospel to 36 boys and men every day. There was only 1 evening when there was no sermon because of special circumstances. As soon as it was time to go to bed, they would say, ‘Priest Vitaly, you can say a word.’ I never abused that opportunity. I spoke for no more than 20 minutes. In these sermons, I spoke about the value of the Bible and about faith. We examined the Lord’s Prayer, discussed what the Gospel is, talked about why there is suffering, and many other topics. Many spontaneous general and individual conversations sprang up. When those boys were taken away for further training, I received many thanks and regrets: ‘We miss your sermons.’ I believe the Lord will lead each of them further. I think that nearly all of them accepted a New Testament. I gave many of them an audio New Testament as a gift. It was very encouraging to see: I would enter the tent, and here and there various guys had turned on a flashlight and were reading their New Testament or were listening to the New Testament with headphones.”

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - September 26, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. Two days ago, on September 24, Russia launched an aerial strike on the territory of the Army training base in Goncharovsk. The attack included 2 Iskander ballistic missiles and attack drones. One Shahed drone soared right over the church and exploded into a nearby power station. Sadly, lives were lost. Other victims needed emergency medical aid. BIEM’s church planter there, Sasha Petrenko, requests prayer as both believers and unbelievers are shook up. This congregation is well known for repeatedly distributing war relief, but now its very building is seen as form of aid: locals swarm to the church building during attacks because they feel safer there. Sasha personally filmed 39 seconds of the attack, which includes an intercepted drone, for which he utters, “Praise God.” You can view that clip here:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/attack-drones

Drones videoed by Sasha Petrenko during Russia’s September 24 attack on Goncharovsk.

2. In September, our 46 students attended our Seminary session in Bilogorodka. This good number is encouraging, especially considering numerous recent aerial attacks. Praise God, although the air-raid sirens blared in nearby Kyiv, our seminary classes in Bilogorodka were undisturbed, and our people did not need to run to the bomb shelter. Also, we were able to fellowship with students from some of the war-torn areas that BIEM has helped with war relief. Soon, we will share more about our war-relief in those districts.

3. Sound plays a huge role in most church services. Sermons are typically spoken and often amplified with microphones and speakers. Uplifting special music depends on sound. Joyful congregational singing likewise is a form of sound. But what’s a church to do if its acoustics are horrible? That was the problem of a congregation in Odesa, Ukraine, that approached BIEM for help. The acoustics in their house of worship made listening to sermons and hearing their fine church orchestra difficult and even unpleasant to the ears. Could BIEM help? Yes! To show how, we present this video, “Sound Matters.” Here’s the link:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/acoustics

4. Many of you have been praying for our drafted church planter, Vitaly Bilyak. Thank you! Today we were able to talk to Vitaly by FaceTime. He reports that the food in his new location is much better. Plus, in this location the men can shower twice a day instead of twice a week, which is a cause for gladness even though it’s with cold water. Vitaly has earned such a high level of trust from the commander that they are assigning him to pick up wounded soldiers from various areas and drive them to hospitals. On Wednesday, I [Sam Slobodian] was able to meet one of the officials working on reversing Vitaly’s conscription. He was encouraging and thinks that eventually this will happen.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - September 19, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. In Ternopil, Ukraine, Sergiy Koop tells of a Christian man who had lived in the eastern town of Kostyantynivka. A Russian shahed drone struck his yard. The explosion caused him serious multiple shrapnel wounds, fractures of both legs, and a punctured lung. Caring people rushed him to a hospital in Dnipro, where doctors operated and managed to stabilize his condition. Yesterday, he was transported to Ternopil for further treatment and rehabilitation.  Although the man did not want to leave his home, the situation forced him to leave. He is currently under medical supervision, and his family and church are hopeful for a successful recovery. Using aid from BIEM, believers of the Koops’ Choose Life Baptist Church are assisting this victim and his wife. Sergiy adds, “We are very grateful for the help and ask you to pray for his recovery!”

2. Also from Ternopil: “A brother in our church serves as both an army officer and combat medic. He serves on the front lines. His tasks often involve great risk to his life, as he pulls wounded comrades out of the line of fire and renders First Aid. During one mission, a difficult situation arose. While pulling the wounded out of the landing zone, necessity forced him to remove his bulletproof vest to work the guys’ chests and save their lives. At the instant of evacuation, there was no time left. To save himself, he had to leave the bulletproof vest behind. It was impossible to go back for it.

“When our brother shared this need, we appealed to BIEM for help. Thanks to their quick response and sincere desire to support us, we were able to purchase a new bulletproof vest. This was a real blessing and tangible answer to prayer. We are extremely grateful to BIEM for the mission’s sacrifice, sensitivity, and willingness to help with such important and practical needs. Their assistance is not merely material support; it is a testimony of brotherly love in Christ that saves lives.”

3. In the Western Ukrainian city of Ternopil, BIEM worker Sergiy Koop rejoices for multiple reasons: because of his new congregation’s larger, more spacious location; because of souls coming to the Lord; and because children and teens are coming to services out of their personal desire to be there... The fact that over 40,000 refugees from Russia’s invasion were resettled there played a huge role in Sergiy’s heartfelt desire to start a new church in this district. With aid from BIEM, the church is not only functioning but reaching out to those refugees in various ways. To hear directly from Sergiy in his own words, you may click the following link:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/more-fruit

4. Vitaly Bilyak has been transferred to a different military location, where there is a total of 115 such men who refuse to take the military oath, to bear arms, or to wear military uniforms. Most of these are pastors; some are deacons. Ordinary church members may perform military service when called up; however, Ukrainian congregations typically hold negative views of pastors doing so. This week, Vitaly led a service that 40 of these men attended. He’s still waiting to find out what’s going to happen to him (as are all the others). Please keep praying that his conscription would be reversed. In the meantime, he feels upbeat and says he is exactly where God wants him to be. He busies himself by sharing the gospel and giving out New Testament and gospel literature. They’ve had some rainy days, so until yesterday, all their clothes were wet. But yesterday the weather dried sufficiently for them to hang their clothing out to dry, so they’re doing much better in that regard. Tomorrow, Sergiy Koop plans to visit him, so we should receive more details after that visit. (Internet service is poor in Vitaly’s current location. Also, the military permits these men only limited access to their cell phones, which is a downside of the new situation.) ~ Newsflash! Vitaly just now let us know that he is being permitted a 2-day pass to go home. Praise God!

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - September 12, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. Lutsk is the location of one of our church plants in Western Ukraine. This church has been extremely active in providing BIEM war relief to that area. Recently, food packages were purchased for 80 families who suffered from Russian attacks on the city. In addition to material assistance, the brothers and sisters of the church personally met with these people, talked with them, handed out packages, prayed together, and invited them to join the daily community meetings. This was a good opportunity to share the Gospel and demonstrate the practical side of Christian love and support.

Also, the youth of this church organized a fair in the city park, where they sold homemade delicacies to passersby. The proceeds went toward purchasing a vehicle for a soldier they know who is serving at the front. Such activity showed that even the youngest members of the church can make a significant contribution to the common cause. Even the youth of the church can participate in sharing the love of God with others.

2. Ilya, the son of one of the families in the Kodra church, has been injured and is going through rehabilitation. He sends the following thank-you letter:

I would like to sincerely thank the BIEM mission for your support. I have received help from you on several occasions, and each time it has been very appropriate. Thanks to the allocated funds, I was able to buy a helmet, and there was also great support in collecting money for a car. Special thanks for the help with underwear for our guys – it may seem like a small thing at first glance, but such things are very valuable on the front. For us, your support is not only material assistance. It gives us the feeling that we are not left alone, that we have brothers and sisters behind us who pray and care. This gives us strength and motivates us to hold on even stronger. We also sincerely thank you from the entire brigade for your prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! May the Lord bless everyone involved in this endeavor.

3. When BIEM missionary Pasha Usach first visited the large tract of land for sale outside his city of Zdolbuniv, it was basically empty land. But Pasha envisioned a Christian campground. Today, that vision is coming true. Even though the facility isn’t yet completed, youth are coming for camping ministries here. Among those are young people from the battle-scarred region of Kherson, kids who had never prayed before. In this video, Pasha Usach tells how this camp touched hearts and transformed lives:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/hope

4. Vitaly Bilyak continues to faithfully share the Gospel with soldiers willing to listen. There are many of those since, under their circumstances, they cannot escape the reality of the uncertainty of life on earth. He sent us a short video of him meeting with other pastors in the same situation as he is in. No doubt, it helps him to know that he is not alone in such a difficult predicament. They pray together and encourage one another. Also, from the Bilyak family comes the tragic news that the youngest brother of Vitaly’s wife (Katya) was killed in battle while serving in a tank brigade. As some of you know, the parents were in the U.S. visiting Katya. We quickly changed their tickets to return to Ukraine early this week. Please pray for this family.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - September 5, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. Sasha Petrenko is our Ukrainian missionary serving the military base of Goncharovsk, Ukraine. Therefore, his church is made up of mostly military people. The Ukrainian military often transfers soldiers stationed there to battlefield locations. The reality of eternity has made these men much more receptive to the Gospel than they were before the war. Sasha is requesting prayer for two high-ranking men (both named Sasha, which is a nickname for Alexander) who were saved in this ministry since they both have been assigned to the very front line in Sumy, where there are intense battles. Both are serving in tank units that have recently been badly damaged. Sasha Petrenko states, “At the same time, the brothers testify that the Lord has preserved them both. They ask that you pray and continue to support them in your prayers.”

2. Sofia Buyko and her daughters once again are in Denmark, where they are reaching out to the large concentration of Ukrainian refugee women located there. Sofia has relatives there, and they have been instrumental in organizing evangelistic meetings for these women. The meetings feature a Gospel presentation along with a distribution of relief supplies provided by BIEM.

3. As summer winds toward its end, BIEM’s last camps for kids and teens took place in Bilogorodka. Once again, young people played games, learned Christian songs, heard Bible lessons, enjoyed tasty meals, created crafts--and some came to Christ! As usual, war relief from BIEM played a role in making the camp possible. In this video, some of the key workers share about these camp experiences.

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/lastcamp

4. Thank you for your prayers for Vitaly Bilyak. There is no news regarding the legal efforts to have his conscription reversed. Please continue to pray about this. In addition to the fact that his daughter’s family, which includes Vitaly’s two grandchildren, were allowed to visit him, Vitaly shared two other blessings. One is that he was allowed to leave the base and travel to a relatively nearby church for services last Sunday. Receiving permission was not easy. It took two days and visits to 4 different officials to obtain this clearance. Another blessing was that he received boxes of New Testaments from 3 different people after letting his church know that he needed some. Lately, he has been giving out 5-7 New Testaments per day to folks who are open to the Gospel and have been listening to him share Christ.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - August 29, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. As BIEM posts these updates, Sam & Amy Slobodian are on their way back from Ukraine, where they ministered in camps and surveyed our war-relief efforts. They report that God has blessed this year’s camps with many saved! Furthermore, they share that a special blessing was having children and youth of families whose fathers are serving Ukraine in battle. Although Russian bombing and drone attacks continued while the Slobodians were at camp, only once did an attack come so close that the campers and leaders needed to run to the church basement for shelter. A bonus blessing was that their border crossings into and out of Ukraine were quick and smooth—just 1.5 hours each time.

2. Join us in praising God that our most recent container shipment of war-relief donations has arrived safely in Desna, Ukraine. The Slobodians were on hand when the container was joyfully opened. Soon, we will post a video and pictures of this exciting event on BIEM’s website.

3. Like other BIEM missionaries, Sasha and Ira Petrenko not only host a camp in their own area but also visit other communities to conduct Christian camps for the youth. In this video, titled "Sowing Seeds in Sokolivka," they talk about their most recent camp, where 100% of the children and teens came from military families at a nearby military base. With each child having a father and/or mother actively serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, these young people are keenly aware of the dangers, both to their country and their families, from Russia’s war against them. So, the Petrenkos conceived of this special camp in nearby Sokolivka to plant Gospel seeds in the minds of these kids from military homes. To watch, here’s the link:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/sokolivka

4. Many of you have been praying for Vitaly Bilyak, who was conscripted into the Ukrainian army while enroute to the USA to promote the work of BIEM. Here are 3 updates from the Slobodians:

a. We were able to Facetime Vitaly from Ternopil while visiting the Koops. He is doing well and in good spirits. The whole unit of “volunteers” who were conscripted with him have been sent off for training, after which they will be sent to the war. Vitaly requests prayer that the Word of God he was able to intensely share with them will work in their hearts and lead to the salvation of these soldiers, many of whom will undoubtedly lose their lives defending Ukraine.

b. The next day, Vitaly’s son-in-law Sergiy Koop, Karina, and the two grandchildren were allowed to visit Vitaly for one hour.

c. We have not heard back concerning the joint, formal appeal the Brotherhood of Independent Baptist Churches and BIEM submitted to have Vitaly’s conscription reversed. If there is no response after 10 days, lawyers advised that we begin legal proceedings in a Ukrainian court. Please continue to pray that Vitaly will be exempted from military duty so that he can return to his family and ministry.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - August 22, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. Our missionary-pastor Vitaly Bilyak—who remains in great spirits despite being conscripted into the Ukrainian army—continues to have numerous opportunities to share the Gospel with soldiers. He meets with them singly and in groups concerning spiritual questions many have. This has led to regular evening services in his tent. He states that he is not there by an accident, but that God has a divine purpose for putting him where he is. He also requests prayer for these soldiers he is reaching out to. But he also asks for prayer that his conscription be reversed. The Brotherhood of Independent Baptist churches of Ukraine has submitted to the Ukrainian government an official request for his release from military service. A formal letter from BIEM accompanies their request. An English copy of what we wrote in Ukrainian is at the bottom of these updates.

2. For the second time, our new church planter—Sergei Anokhin of Bucha, Ukraine—has been invited to a presidential breakfast in Kyiv. An invitation to such an event with President Zelinsky is considered a special honor, and the event will provide opportunities for Sergei to establish contacts with notable community leaders. We hope these contacts will eventually open doors for evangelism and more avenues for delivering war relief. The breakfast will take place this Monday, August 25th.

3. During the Covid days, God prompted Pastor Pavlo to start preaching to a handful of people in the forest southwest of Kyiv. There, they constructed a light, temporary shelter for services. As word of the fledgling congregation spread, the group grew to standing-room only. BIEM began helping with summer camp funds and aid. They, in turn, gladly help in distributing war relief from BIEM among needy ones in their area. The new church attendance is now up to 40. Praise God for this wonderful growth! BIEM has provided financial assistance to build a bigger structure to accommodate the number attending. In this video, BIEM's Eugene Buyko introduces Pastor Pavlo and lets him share about “Forest Baptist Church.”

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/wildwood

4. In light of current events on the world stage, many of you friends have been asking Amy Slobodian and me our opinions of the various rounds of high-level talks taking place. Since we are currently in Ukraine participating in camps and surveying our war-relief outreaches, we in turn asked the Ukrainians for their opinions on the summits between President Trump and Putin and possibly Putin and Zelinsky. After listening to many replies, I composed this general summary:

“So far, we have not found anyone [in Ukraine] who is optimistic about these meetings. All Ukrainians we speak with think that nothing will come of these meetings and that this is just a stall tactic by Putin to delay more severe sanctions. In the meantime, Russian attacks are increasing. In fact, Wednesday night we were awakened by the sound of Ukrainian air defenses shooting at a drone that had flown into our area. According to media reports, in one of the largest overnight strikes since the war began, Russia unleashed some 614 drones, ballistic and cruise missiles across Ukraine, killing one, injuring dozens and destroying an American-owned electronics company less than an hour from two NATO borders. Then again this morning at camp, we and all the campers had to take shelter in the church basement when an alarm announced that another shahed drone had appeared over the church’s area. Praise God, we heard no nearby explosions.”

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - August 15, 2025

Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People

1. In the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, the well-known Temple of Salvation Baptist Church has long partnered with BIEM in evangelism, in operating the Seminary, in distributing war relief, etc. As Russia stepped up its missile and drone attacks on Kyiv, one night a missile exploded into an apartment building where 2 Christian sisters from the church lived. Their apartment was demolished. Miraculously, the sisters survived! However, their apartment was no longer habitable. Men from the church helped to salvage whatever personal property was useable. Their congregation took up a collection to help these sisters live elsewhere, at least for the short term. The church praises God for their survival but also requests prayers for these women, who face many decisions since the destruction of their home.

2. Please pray concerning the Ukrainian city called Dobropillia. It is located north of the larger city of Pokrovsk. For months, Russian troops have been striving to advance and capture these key positions. As of this week, some elements of the Russian forces are reportedly within 6 miles of Dobropillia. Of special concern to us, not only do some of our Seminary students live in that area, but the church there has been active assisting BIEM in distributing war relief and evangelizing. Please pray for the Lord’s protection on these believers and their city.

3. For years, BIEM church planters Sasha & Ira Petrenko have been ministering, first in Goncharovsk and later also in the village of Smolyn. At first, citizens in both locations resisted the Gospel. In time, however, working through BIEM’s war relief and other means, the Lord has opened doors for ministry, even to the point of holding Christian day camps for local kids on the properties of the public schools! In this video, the Petrenkos share about these two camp outreaches. We invite you to watch the brief video “Where Faith and Fun Collide: Two Summer Camps Changing Lives” via the link below:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/funandfaith

4. This weekend, Sam & Amy Slobodian are leaving for Ukraine. Although their focus will be on children’s camps, they will also check in on several of our ongoing war-relief efforts. They will be making stops in both Western Ukraine as well as the regions of Bucha, Chernihiv, and Kyiv. Please pray that God would bless the camps with spiritual fruit and with safety for all the campers and workers. Also, pray that Sam & Amy can be an encouragement to our war-weary brothers and sisters diligently serving the Lord.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM