Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People
1. Early in the war we shared the story of how we evacuated a family from the Bucha area in one of our most dramatic videos. Here is this video:
https://vimeo.com/687675622?share=copy
Since I had an opportunity to see this family on my recent trip to Ukraine, here is an encouraging update: They have returned to their home in Bucha and are very active in their local church. After spending a few months in Germany as war refugees, God clearly directed them to return. They told me they realized that since God preserved their home intact this was a sign from the Lord that they should return. They explained to me that during Russia’s brutal occupation many buildings and homes were destroyed. Therefore, many who fled have nothing to return to. They are certain that God preserved their home for them to continue to serve Him there.
2. In our updates, we have sometimes mentioned Misha, a young Ukrainian soldier who is a nephew of the Smiths, one of our missionary couples. Many of you prayed for this Christian soldier, who has survived some intense battles even though he was wounded and has been home recovering. Now comes this new request concerning Misha:
Please pray for Misha, he was sent to the front regardless of his broken ribs, on the way in they hit a mine! Another passenger landed on him after the explosion. He is in the hospital with bad shell-shock, broken ribs and extreme headache. He is on an IV but stable.
3. In the following video, Seminary student Sergei discusses the challenges and opportunities for a church in Sumy, which is extremely close to the Russian border. He also thanks BIEM and all of you donors for the aid that makes the church’s outreach to others possible. Difficulties abound, but Sergei concludes that they can still see God’s hand at work, both in and through the church. The church and people of Sumy need prayer as there is growing concern that the Russian army will try to occupy it once again since there are significant numbers of Russian troops gathering nearby.
https://vimeo.com/user37287229/godshand
4. BIEM church planter Vitaly Bilyak arrives today at our headquarters in Indiana, where he will be staying during the next few weeks as he is scheduled to speak in churches in Kentucky, Indiana, and Minnesota. He has much to share since he has made 17 trips to the war front delivering aid to civilians and soldiers. During his last trip he was targeted by a grenade-dropping Russian drone. We shared a video about this event in one of our recent updates. Praise God, Vitaly was uninjured. Please pray that the Lord would bless these meetings.
In Christ,
Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM