BIEMs of Light: October 2023

Praises – Rejoice with us!

  • On October 1 the church in Bilogorodka, Ukraine, used their pool to hold yet another baptism for souls saved during the war. Joining them was a congregation from Lubyanka. The Lubyanka church normally baptizes in nearby lakes or rivers, but landmines from the Russian occupation plague their shores. So, two congregations baptized their converts, together. Praise God for working in souls!

  • One of the neediest churches we have helped with war-relief is in Lubyanka (mentioned above). While occupying that area, Russian troops ransacked buildings to haul away anything of value. After BIEM sent that church a 40-foot container of supplies, the church demonstrated Christian love by distributing to the needy. The church gained 10 new attenders. Some have trusted Christ. Praise God!

  • In September, Vitaly Bilyak traveled here from Ukraine. After many wonderful services in U.S. churches, is on his way home to Ukraine. To see a brief video expressing his gratitude and farewell thoughts, visit BaptistInternational.org and click View Video Updates. Thanks for prayers!

  • BIEM Board Chairman, Pastor Greg Wahlberg, recently traveled to Tajikistan and taught in our Afghan refugee Bible School. It was an amazing time. Through that experience, God has led him to join the Central Asia team as BIEM’s representative for that region. Praise God!

Prayer – Pray with us!

  • In Belarus, BIEM church planter Nikolai Ryzhuk held an evangelistic event on the theme of Harvest. Although no unbelievers made a public profession, the Gospel seed was planted. He says, “Let’s pray to the Lord that the Word and singing that sounded will work in the hearts of the listeners.”

  • BIEM missionaries in the nation of Georgia have been overseeing the translation of biblical resources into the Georgian language: “With the help of (4) national translators, we have been picking away at this project for some time, and by recent counts have over 50+ commentaries, devotionals, textbooks, evangelistic resources and curriculums already translated.” However, each translation must be edited linguistically and theologically. Please pray for more experienced individuals who can help!

  • Praise God for growth in Nizhylovychi, where the new church established through our war relief recently had 39 in attendance. They meet in a leaky old tent while the building purchased for the church undergoes renovations. A cement floor is being installed over heated tubing, which is the most economical form of heating there. Please pray they can move out of the tent before winter.

  • In October we hope to bring Igor Fomichov to the U.S. to speak in churches, followed by Eugene Buyko. Please pray that these Ukrainian pastors will receive the permission needed to exit Ukraine.

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