Praises – Rejoice with us!
Vitaly Bilyak was enroute to the USA to speak in churches and promote the work of BIEM when he was spontaneously conscripted into the Ukrainian army. Although we would prefer Vitaly be allowed to return to his home and church for ministry, including war relief, he has had countless opportunities to share Christ with others conscripted at the same time. May God work in those men’s hearts! To receive weekly email updates on news related to BIEM’s War Relief, subscribe here:
https://www.baptistinternational.org/urgent-war-updates-sign-up
The most recent container of war relief shipped by BIEM has now arrived at its destination in Desna, Ukraine. We praise God for this smooth delivery, which will help and bless so many!
BIEM’s director for Ukraine, Eugene Buyko, has received permission from Ukrainian authorities to temporarily exit the country with his family for the purpose of coming to BIEM and visiting churches on behalf of the ministry. We are thankful and praise the Lord for this development!
Our last summer camps have now wrapped up. Many reports tell of youth who accepted Christ as Savior through the camp ministry. Praise God for working in hearts through these vital outreaches!
Prayer – Pray with us!
While in Ukraine, Sam Slobodian met with a group of pastors who suggested two different locations as prime possibilities for new church start-ups. Exciting though church-planting is, please pray for wisdom and direction from the Lord as all of us consider these possibilities.
Some time back, BIEM announced that a source has offered (for the second time!) to match funds for BIEM War Relief Fund up to $100,000 until December 31. Currently, we are at about $30,000 in donations, which have been matched up to $60,000. Would you join us in praying for the Lord to prompt others who are able to provide the other $70,000, which could also be matched?
The Brotherhood of Independent Baptist Churches in Ukraine, along with BIEM, are pursuing legal efforts to get Vitaly Bilyak’s conscription reversed. His service in evangelism and war relief make him more valuable as a pastor than as a soldier. Pray that he will be exempted from military service.
Although BIEM has shipped 2 weighty containers of war relief to Ukraine this year, the needs remain great. We would like to ship another one in October. Please pray for God’s people to donate much-needed items such as lightly used clothes & shoes, walkers, wheelchairs, canes, household items (blankets, towels, etc.) plus funds to transport these items overseas. Thanks for praying!
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