Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People
1. For some time, our pastors, missionaries, and workers have been busy preparing Bible lessons, games, supplies, and equipment for another year of exciting summer camps. Our camps are now in full swing and will continue through August. Even before the war, summer camps were highly valued as excellent tools for ministering to both unsaved and saved youth. During war time, they are even more important because they give youth a break from the realities of the war around them. It is a goal and a blessing that most of our camps include hurting refugee kids whose worlds have been violently flipped upside down. For them, a Christian summer camp is an especially joyous opportunity to learn about our loving Savior while having a lot of fun with other youth through camp activities.
2. The 40-foot container of war relief aid and church planting equipment we shipped to Ukraine in early April arrived at the Polish port. It is now on a railroad car and will soon arrive at a location in Ukraine from where it will be trucked to the receiving church. Please pray that our Ukrainian brethren will be able to clear it through customs without undue difficulties.
3. BIEM often sponsors various teams that make trips to the warfront to share the Gospel while distributing aid. Many times, Sofia Buyko has joined her husband Eugene with a team of volunteers from the Kyiv area. This particular team has made 50 such evangelistic trips. In this video, “Through Sofia’s Eyes,” Sofia shares some thoughts and stories from the times in which she has participated in these trips:
https://vimeo.com/user37287229/sofia
4. On Wednesday, July 1, Russian forces launched a large-scale, overnight, missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s capital. The intense attack, which lasted into early Thursday, bombarded civilian apartment buildings and infrastructure that ear-shattering explosions that shook Kyiv for hours. According to news reports, at least 22 individuals died in those attacks, and 85-100 others were injured. When such attacks hit the news, we at BIEM often receive messages asking about the welfare of our coworkers. Praise God, all our missionaries are alive and well. They often express gratitude for those who daily pray for them and their ministries. Your prayers for our dedicated servants are needed and not in vain!
Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM