Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People
1. According to news sources, within 24 hours Russia launched nearly 1,500 drones and missiles against Ukraine, setting a wartime record. Much of the attack targeted Kyiv, the capital. In one district of Kyiv, a 9-story apartment building collapsed, destroying 18 apartments. Rescuers have been recovering both survivors and bodies from the rubble. Sam Slobodian was not in the exact area attacked, but he and the two American pastors traveling with him were close enough to hear explosions and to see flashes in the night sky. These men thank you for praying for their safety and ask that you continue praying for them and our Ukrainian brethren as such attacks continue.
2. These days, Ukraine continues to be plagued by blackouts. The bombing mentioned above resulted in a widespread loss of electricity. The church housing our current seminary session and the building where I (Sam Slobodian) and the two brave pastors who traveled here from America to teach the classes are staying lost electricity for many hours. Praise God that, due to the generosity of BIEM supporters and friends, both were outfitted with back-up power generators strong enough that all activities and sessions continued without interruption. Since the war began, BIEM has supplied over $300,000 worth of generators and power stations to many churches as well as our Ukrainian missionaries. This continues to be a need, so donations for generators and power stations are always welcomed.
3. On April 16, 2026, a Russian guided bomb demolished “House of the Gospel Baptist Church” in Zaporizhia, Ukraine. The attack struck during a prayer meeting, resulting in deaths and injuries. The building suffered major damage and is currently unusable. Now this church family, which has been a source of help and hope in their community for many years, is in need of help themselves. BIEM is joining churches across Ukraine as we contribute war-relief funds to help rebuild. Some other mission agencies are likewise expressing interest in sending donations. The following video, “Bombing the Baptists,” shares more information about this bombing.
https://vimeo.com/user37287229/bombing
4. Thanks to the kindness of friends in the Elkhart, Indiana, area we have received more adult-size disposable diapers. This time 6 extra-large boxes. In Ukraine these are extremely expensive items, so they are a huge blessings for those who care for the many elderly, handicapped, and wounded in Ukraine. In fact, this is one of the priority items requested for our containers of aid we ship to Ukraine.
Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM