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

1. Yesterday a fellow Christian ministry delivered to BIEM 4 pallets stacked high with boxes of adult disposable diapers. Because the pension for a retired Ukrainian is only about $30/month, a gift of these is invaluable for those who need them. We praise the Lord for directing this aid our way!

2. BIEM’s newest church planter is Sergei Anokhin. He and his family live in Bucha, the city that was horrifically brutalized when Russian troops occupied it. Because many BIEM supporters have never had an opportunity to see one of our church presentations in person, we’re sharing this June 15, 2025, presentation by Sergei, with Sam Slobodian interpreting. Here’s the link:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/anokhin2

3. The church in Bilogorodka, Ukraine, was blessed and a bit surprised when a famous Ukrainian war hero attended their Sunday service. Vladislav Stotsky (call sign “Vogon”) was highly decorated after surviving being surrounded by the enemy for 67 days but still managing to escape with his men back to friendly lines. He was seriously wounded and is undergoing rehabilitation. He thanked the church and the “Cross” charity (with which BIEM partners in war-relief efforts) for the encouragement, food, and supplies he and his men have received during evangelistic trips to the warfront. His thanks were a special encouragement for the ladies of the church, who cook food for the military. One church member said,

For our sisters from the church, this [food preparation] is an important ministry. They spend all day preparing such food, but normally the only thanks they see are brief video clips from the front. Then this highly respected military hero of Ukraine showed up in person. This made an impression. Unbelieving grandmothers join our sisters in the church as they do this work. Because, for the military, many women are willing to assist. Our sisters from the church talk with them personally, and this is the best form of evangelization. Thank you [BIEM] for helping our church….

4. Although Lutsk in western Ukraine is far from the ground combat happening in the East, like most of Ukraine, this city has come under Russian missile attacks. Our church plant there (whom we have been supplying with war-relief supplies) recently reached out to a location where an apartment building had been devastated by such a missile. The believers provided food, clothing, and water to victims who had lost everything. This ministry provided a wonderful opportunity to share the Gospel. The church especially requests prayer for one family who received them warmly (grandmother Olena, daughter Svitlana, and grandson Nazar).

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM