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