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

1. Recently several of our church planters who are serving as volunteer chaplains participated in the first meeting of volunteer chaplains from the Brotherhood of Independent Baptist churches of Ukraine. As these men shared experiences, discussed challenges, and prayed together, they received encouragement in this unique ministry. Chaplaincy is an important way our pastors can serve the Lord and their country of Ukraine. It opens doors of opportunity to share the Gospel with Ukrainian soldiers, most of whom are very open to hearing God’s Word and are glad to talk and pray with these pastors.

2. Olga Volostnova, who directs “The Hub” (a warehouse that receives and distributes war relief provided by BIEM) writes, “Dear friends, thank you for the opportunity to serve with our warehouse. We are grateful for the aid we have received to help the families of fallen soldiers. During this Christmas season we were able to distribute to many war victims through volunteers, chaplains, and pastors. Praise God!” Of course, that gratitude extends to all of you who have donated clothing, walkers, wheelchairs, and so much more.

3. In the past, our church planter Sergiy Koop had traveled to the war-torn eastern regions of Ukraine with his father-in-law, Vitaly Bilyak. Their goals had been to bless the needy with humanitarian aid and to evangelize along the warfront. But as we’ve reported, Vitaly was scooped up by the military and was told he’s in the military even though he’s a pastor. So, in this week’s video update, Sergiy makes the long drive eastward alone. But this time his primary goal was to visit and encourage specific men from his church who serve on the frontlines. He took them Christmas gifts and war relief, for sure, but with each man he spent special time in fellowship and prayer. Here are glimpses from Sergiy’s trip, which he titled, “Trip to the East.”

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/trip-east

4. Recently we shared that pastor Vitaly Bilyak, who was conscripted into the military (mentioned above in #3) requested help in purchasing a used vehicle through a special opportunity where those in the military can obtain used cars from neighboring European countries like Germany. Military status provides a special exemption from customs duties, which saves about 50%. He has begun this process, but apparently it’s not so easy. He writes, “I would like to buy a vehicle in more or less normal condition. This is turning out to be more difficult than I expected.” Therefore, as you pray for Vitaly to be released from the military, also please pray that he will be able to make this planned purchase.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM