News, Home Headers
Nate Crouch
Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

HOW CAN I HELP UKRAINE?

Further down on this page you can view some war updates from some of our missionaries. You will notice how grateful they are for the prayers of God’s people. These war updates will be updated as we hear from more of our Ukrainian pastors and friends and receive more information. This is a good way to get acquainted with Ukrainians directly who receive and distribute the aid that is sent.

Ukrainian War Relief & Updates
News
Missions BIEM
Sound the Trumpet at Christmas CD is now ...

Sound the Trumpet at Christmas now available for purchase!

Sound the Trumpet at Christmas CD is now available!

News

,

War Relief Updates Email - May 27, 2022

,

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

Dear Friends of BIEM,

1. Last week we mentioned that, just a few hours after a container of humanitarian aid was unloaded in Desna, the city was bombed and that there were 8 fatalities. That figure has been revised by the government to 87 fatalities. Folks in Desna now say the real figure is even higher. This was the largest military loss for Ukraine to date in the war, according to an article by Fox News which you can access at this link:  

https://www.foxnews.com/world/ukraine-reveals-worst-military-loss-of-russia-war

2. Purchasing fuel is becoming more difficult. Yesterday our church planter Sasha Petrenko had to wait in line for over 12 hours to buy fuel for delivering humanitarian aid. The cost of fuel is now $8 per gallon in many places.

3. BIEM missionary Tim S. is in Ukraine for the third time to assist with humanitarian aid shipments. The first time, he went with his wife Luda. The second time he went alone. This time Sarah, his oldest daughter, is with him. Please pray for their travels and for God to bless their efforts.

4. We have now received a 4th full container of humanitarian aid, which has arrived in Bilogorodka in the Kyiv area. This is in addition to nearly 100 van loads of goods distributed to needy areas.

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

,

May Video Update

,

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/705504223

Dear Pastors and Friends,

Warm greetings in Christ! This month's video update comes from the many we have posted on our website. You can view these by clicking on the "View Video Updates" section on our home page.


In case you do not already know, we have added a new email update called Ukrainian War Relief Updates. This will keep you updated on events in Ukraine and informed on how to pray. Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we lift up our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

You can subscribe to this new mailing by clicking on the following link: https://www.baptistinternational.org/urgent-war-updates-sign-up

In Christ,

Sam & Amy Slobodian

 

,

War Relief Updates Email - May 13, 2022

,

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

Dear Friends of BIEM,

  1. Pray for our displaced BIEM personnel who have been scattered across various places in Europe. We have folks in Poland, Switzerland, Germany, as well as a good number in Western Ukraine. Those who were displaced from the Kyiv area are contemplating and praying about returning since the situation in Kyiv has improved after the Russian army withdrew. However, this is not an easy decision since rocket and missile attacks continue.

  2. One BIEM missionary family (Vitaly & Alexandra Keller) likely will not be able to return to Ukraine for ministry purposes. Since Vitaly has Russian citizenship, the current anti-Russian climate will likely necessitate a change of field for the Kellers. Please pray for wisdom and direction in this matter.

  3. Pray as well for our application for BIEM to be a sponsor for the “Uniting for Ukraine” program. This would enable us to sponsor Ukrainian refugees who want to come to the United States. With the likely upcoming change in mission field, the Kellers especially are considering their need to come to the United States to touch base with supporters they have not reported to for years.

  4. Praise God, BIEM has surpassed $400,000 directed to Ukraine for our War Relief efforts. This has purchased hundreds of tons of aid, plus covered the cost of transporting and distributing this aid. It has also enabled the evacuation and care of many hundreds of refugees.

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM

, , ,

Ukrainian War Relief & Update

, , ,
Ukrainian War Relief & Update

Joy and Tears

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners,

We rejoice in Jesus, and we weep with Ukraine. God is very kind to us and to all Ukrainians who were able to flee from the war. Thank you for your prayers! We hear so many testimonies of God’s grace and mercy from the Ukrainian people around us here in Switzerland.

April Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/695815490

Dear Pastors and Friends,

Warm greetings in Christ! This month's video update comes from the many we have posted on our website. You can view these by clicking on the "View Video Updates" section on our home page.


In case you do not already know, we have added a new email update called Ukrainian War Relief Updates. This will keep you updated on events in Ukraine and informed on how to pray. Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we lift up our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

You can subscribe to this new mailing by clicking on the following link: https://www.baptistinternational.org/urgent-war-updates-sign-up

In Christ,

Sam & Amy Slobodian

 

, ,

Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

, ,
Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

New Letter from a Christian College Interpreter

LETTER #3 (Day #41 of the War)

Traditionally, each year, I make a summary of last 12 months and the spiritual lessons associated with it. In December, I shared with my Telegram channel subscribers my thoughts that if I were asked to describe 2021 in one word, I would say “acceptance”.

· Acceptance of my age.

· Acceptance of my place of residence.

· Acceptance of my unmarried status.

· Acceptance of His will for my life because He is my Master.

I didn't come to accept these things because I understood something previously unknown to me; rather, because of the realization that obedience is more important than understanding my situation. God’s word IS ENOUGH for me to be assured of the goodness of God.

The other day I realized that this lesson is still relevant for me. I need to accept the will of God without understanding it, without asking questions, without being indignant.

, , ,

Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

, , ,
Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

Thank you from Borschiv

Peace to you, dear friends.

Thank you for praying and for financially supporting our ministry in Borschiv.

“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Psalm 91:2

In recent days, these words from the Word of God have become very relevant, our God is our protection, our stronghold. And the church in the town of Borshchiv has become a refuge for many people, both adults and children. We are very grateful to our Lord that He is with us, giving us strength to serve our brothers and sisters who fled their homes during the war.

, ,

Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

, ,
Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

Lost in Switzerland

Our dear prayer warriors,

Greetings to you! We feel your support and your prayers. Many of you have become friends with us on Facebook and we appreciate each of your comments under the posts about Ukraine. We are grateful for every prayer. The Lord also hears your prayers and He answers.

As you know, we are in Switzerland now. It's strange to find ourselves in a country where everything is calm and peaceful. We are tormented by a sense of guilt and a desire to be among our people, where the fighting is going on. Pray for A's sister L. She stayed in Kyiv where she helps people with food distribution, shelter in the basement of the church and sending them out of Kyiv by bus. Pray for a young man Vitaly has been discipling named Zhenya. He is now in the military and is guarding a checkpoint in Kyiv. Please continue to pray for a turning point in the war. Pray that Ukraine will endure and have the victory. Pray against Satan who controls Putin. Beg God to intervene and protect our Ukrainian people!

, , ,

Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

, , ,
Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

Thank you Letter from Mikhail

Greetings in the Love of the Lord Jesus Christ!

At this difficult time for our country, and from each of us we and I personally want to express our gratitude. In some photos you see elderly people. When you don't have food, you have to make an effort to find it, and for the elderly who find it difficult to walk, it is a big problem. Therefore we thank you for the money provided so that we can buy food and fuel to deliver it to these needy people. We also thank the brothers from Western Ukraine who brought this food, putting themselves in danger. We are grateful to God that there is an opportunity to help by such means. But most of all we are grateful for your prayers. Now more than ever we feel them. Right now we are all whole, healthy and alive. In each of our journeys, and in any business in general, we see the Hand of God truly and guiding us. God continues to protect our home and so we hold youth meetings online, and there we read the Word of God, pray for our country, and support each other as much as we can.

March Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/686472802

Dear Pastors and Friends,

Hello from the Slobodians! This month's video update is different from our typical monthly updates which usually feature our national missionaries reporting on recent events in their ministries. We have been posting many such video updates on our website. You can watch these by clicking on the "View Video Updates" section on our home page.

Instead, this month's video update is specially designed for you to share with others. It is a 1-minute video that tells how people can help BIEM's war relief efforts along with a very brief introduction to BIEM. In all of BIEM’s history, we have never faced a crisis so enormous. The needs are overwhelming. Please share this video with as many people as you can.

In Christ,

Sam & Amy Slobodian

 

, , ,

Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

, , ,
Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

Thank you from Pastor NR

Peace be with you! We sincerely thank you for your prayerful and financial support during this difficult time for us! We rejoice that in Christ Jesus we are one body, and all respond to the pain of one member of the body.

We work in Kyiv. About 80 members of our church remained in the city. We deliver food to those who need it (not only to church members, but also to unbelievers). We feed people with hot food in the basement of our church building which is equipped as a bomb shelter where not only believers, but also non-believers find shelter. We hold 2 prayer meetings a day: we sing, we preach, we pray…

, , ,

Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

, , ,
Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

BIEM Update on Help and Aide to Refugees

We are so grateful for the concern and prayers so many have expressed for Ukraine and for the many Ukrainian national missionaries we have there. We are also very grateful for the kind and generous donations many of you have contributed to our Ukraine Relief fund. It’s a fund we never expected to create, and it’s one we wish we had never needed to create. However, in light of all the destruction, displaced persons, and hardship now happening in Ukraine, we believe this fund will be crucial. By the end of the banking day today we will be approaching $150,000 that has already been wired to those in Ukraine positioned to provide assistance. We will resume when banking opens on Monday.

, ,

Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

, ,
Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

Statement from BIEM concerning Russian Christians

Many have contacted us asking about the status of our church planters and ministry partners in Russia. We are purposely limiting our contact with our Russian personnel to just absolutely necessary details. They are certain that they are being monitored and have reason to believe so. Keep in mind that as Putin cracks down on opposition, jailing thousands who protest and banning the use of the words "war" or invasion, our people are in danger. That is because anybody with connections to the United States is suspect and could be targeted. Therefore, our people are very, very vulnerable. Following is a statement from one of our pastors who needs to be anonymous.

,

Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

,
Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

An Open Letter to American Churches

On February 23, I felt that this history was repeating itself in the life of my country. Ukraine is sinking while the whole world stands and watches it, not trying to save it, only because we are not in NATO. That day, I woke up around 5 AM to the sound of explosions. Thinking that someone was merely trying to scare us, I began to get ready for college. The first call from relatives, however, dispelled my naivety: a voice on the phone said that Russia was bombing airports and aiming at strategic objects - Ukraine is on fire. Nobody could believe it. Life turned upside down in an instant. We fell asleep on February 22 in the world, and woke up on the 23rd in a new reality that no one wanted.

,

Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

,
Ukrainian War Relief & Updates

HOW CAN I HELP UKRAINE?

Further down on this page you can view some war updates from some of our missionaries. You will notice how grateful they are for the prayers of God’s people. These war updates will be updated as we hear from more of our Ukrainian pastors and friends and receive more information. This is a good way to get acquainted with Ukrainians directly who receive and distribute the aid that is sent.

Please Pray for Ukraine

Please Pray for Ukraine

As we write this letter our hearts along with everyone else are deeply concerned over the developments we are watching on the news as Russia has launched an invasion of Ukraine. We are especially concerned for our missionaries whose lives are in danger as Russian forces advance. Currently, we have many Ukrainian families supported by BIEM and numerous Ukrainian partners American in Ukraine as well as one American (Bruce Tuttle) that need your prayers.

February Video Update

Watch this video on Vimeo by either clicking on the following link or by copying and pasting it in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/674585167

Dear Pastors and Friends, 

Greetings everyone!  Currently, Ukraine is in the news and not in a good way.  You have probably seen the images of the Russian armies gathering at the borders.  We are deeply concerned for that nation and especially for our people there.  We have had many conversations with many of them and they are calm and firmly trusting in the Lord.

 This month's video features Eugene Buyko and Vitaly Yurchenko mentioning specific items to pray for regarding the present dangerous and serious situation.  Our February prayer and praise sheet called the BIEM's of Light also contains a list of what to pray for regarding Ukraine.  

 Following Eugene and Vitaly there is a song that is a prayer for Ukraine.  The song is sung by Eugene's daughters Solomia, Angelica, and Ivanka (from left to right). During the song, you will see pictures of our Ukrainian families that need your prayers.

In Christ, 

Sam & Amy Slobodian

 

, ,

BIEMs of Light February 2022

, ,

Praises – Rejoice with us!

  • One of our BIEM missionaries has a fresh opportunity to travel within a restricted-access Muslim country to share the Gospel and distribute Gospel media. We praise the Lord for providing this opportunity. May He bless this evangelistic outreach with safety and spiritual fruit!

  • In the nation of Georgia, our missionaries the Hoblitzes rejoice for a new opportunity: “We have acquired land in a completely Muslim village with a campground on it and a house for a potential church plant. We are praying for a young couple to come and work with us to develop this church plant and camp ministry.” Praise God for such vision and for making this property available. May He continue to lead and provide for this new ministry location!

  • Praise God for opening doors. Over the course of time, the various needs of one of our Ukrainian national missionaries have enabled him to get acquainted with the mayor of their town. Recently, that unsaved mayor and his wife wanted to spend time with this missionary couple who state “It’s interesting that this couple doesn’t let anyone into their lives, yet they want to fellowship with us. Our request is that you pray for this couple and for God to help us speak about Him always and to everyone.”

  • Despite recurring restrictions and concerns about covid, our missionary Vitaly Yurchenko rejoices that their church’s puppet team continues to receive invitations to put on evangelistic performances. The most recent show was in Kyiv, Ukraine, for adults and children with disabilities. Vitaly says, “Puppet performances are interesting for all ages. This is an accessible message of truth for everyone, regardless of age and intellectual development.

Prayer - Pray with us!

  • Although an unresolved military conflict continues in Eastern Ukraine, recent tensions threaten the possibility of a major invasion of Ukraine.  Regardless of whether the threat is real or a bluff, please pray no new war will come to this land and that the existing conflict will be halted.

  • Pray for the peace of God to rule the hearts and minds of believers in Ukraine. Pray that churches and believers will perceive and act on opportunities to share Christ with fearful, unsaved ones around them and that no restrictions the government adopts would interfere with having services.

  • Please pray for those nations behaving in a hostile way toward Ukraine and pray that the peace of God would rule in our hearts despite the circumstances.

  • Please pray for our civic authorities, that those in positions of authority will have wisdom in this crisis, and that they will not adopt any laws that are contrary to the Bible.