Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People
1. Ruslan, a member of our new church plant in Ternopil, has been stationed on the war front for his military service. He has been serving in the military since the beginning of the war. He is one of the soldiers occasionally visited by our teams who have been providing war relief for civilians and soldiers in these war-torn areas. On a recent trip, our ministers noticed that the tires on Ruslan’s car were worn bald. Last week BIEM was able to purchase a new set of tires. Here is his translated reply: “Thank you very much for providing the new tires I so badly needed. I’m speechless. I can now travel much more safely. I thank God for your warm and generous hearts. May God bless you all!”
2. The war has had a sad effect on children and youth in Ukraine. Many cannot even remember a time when they could live normally without constant bombing and drone attacks, which continue to descend upon all of Ukraine. Essentially, they have been robbed of their childhood having to experience the reality of war at a young age. This weekend BIEM is sponsoring a special conference in Kyiv for children and youth to encourage them by turning their thoughts to the wonderful hope that is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. About 20 churches are planning to bring children and youth. Between 120 to 140 are expected to attend. Please pray that this conference will result in many troubled youths giving their lives to Christ.
3. As Russian missiles and drones wreak havoc on Ukraine’s electrical grid, homes and churches have been plunged into frozen darkness. In reply to urgent requests from partner churches, we have sent $1,000 dollars each to 60 churches to provide firewood or fuel for generators. The churches, in turn, become warm havens for desperate people in need. Here’s a video “Thank You” from one such church. Thank you for helping us to help them!
https://vimeo.com/user37287229/heat
4. Last month we mentioned that Vitaly Bilyak, our pastor who has been conscripted into the Ukrainian army, had an opportunity to purchase a used vehicle duty-free from Europe. Such a vehicle is needed so he can turn over his current vehicle to another BIEM church planter in need. Purchasing duty-free is a great savings of at least 50%. However, a bit later we requested prayer because Vitaly was having difficulty in locating a suitable vehicle. But now, praise God for answered prayer! A 2006 Volvo SUV that would meet this need has been located in Latvia. After this Sunday’s services, brother Sergiy Koop will leave for Latvia to obtain this vehicle. Traveling there involves two train rides, an airplane flight, and finally public transportation. Driving the Volvo back to Vitaly will take another 2 days. Please pray for Sergiy. Winter roads can be treacherous in Ukraine, especially now, when the country is in the grip of an extremely severe winter. Sergiy will then be the recipient of Vitaly’s current vehicle, which Sergiy will drive home after delivering the Volvo. Thank you very much to all who prayed and gave for this need.
Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM