War Relief Updates - July 31, 2026

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

1. At the time of this writing, Sam and Amy Slobodian have arrived in Poland and are heading toward Ukraine. They will be working in children’s camps, surveying various BIEM projects— including our war-relief efforts—and visiting our BIEM missionaries. Because Russia has not scaled back their missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, please pray for safety, for God’s blessings on the camps, and that they will be an encouragement to our Ukrainian coworkers and friends.

2. Last week we requested prayer for the Levtseniuk family in Lviv, Ukraine. Violetta had been rushed to the hospital for bleeding, and there was danger of her losing her baby. Although she was subsequently allowed to return home, she did lose the baby after all. Here is a message of condolence that we sent to them:

Dear Yura and Violetta,

We were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of your little one. There are no words that can truly ease this pain, but please know that you are in our hearts and prayers during these difficult days.

Your baby was already very loved, and that love doesn't go away—it just changes form. We pray that God will surround you with His comfort, give you strength for each day, and remind you that you are not alone in this journey.

“For you created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb . . . and my bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret.”  —Psalm 139:13, 15

Please lean on God, on us, and on each other during these days. We are here for you, whatever you need.

With love and prayers,

The Slobodian family and everyone at BIEM Mission

3. In the Druzhba district of the city of Ternopil, Ukraine, Sergiy & Karina Koop (along with their two kids) continue all the various outreaches that go into starting and growing a new church. As many will recall, this church was born out of BIEM’s war-relief efforts. While ministering among the 30,000 refugees who settled in their city, Sergiy & Karina felt God’s calling to start a new church to reach them with the Gospel. In this video, Sam Slobodian interprets as Sergiy brings us up to date on their recent activities. Please watch, but also please keep the Koops in your prayers... Here’s the link:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/catchingup

4. In and around the eastern city of Sumy, Ukraine, in recent weeks, Russian attack drones have started targeting gas stations. (Evidently, this is a reaction to the fuel crisis that Ukraine has created all across Russia with its attacks on Russian oil depots and refineries.) To alleviate some of the need, local Ukrainian authorities have been rolling out mobile gas station/refueling units. This news is significant to BIEM because the Baptist church in Sumy is a key partner with BIEM. The pastor and church members depend on their vehicles for evangelistic and humanitarian-aid outreaches among their countrymen. Please uphold these brothers and sister in prayers as they remain in the dangerous eastern zones to perform ministry before the Lord.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - July 17, 2026

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

1.  On July 16, sixteen people from Calvary Church in Plainfield, Indiana, traveled to BIEM’s warehouse to sort and pack clothing as war relief for Ukraine. We had received a large amount of donations in recent weeks, but this group performed a heroic amount of work in the hours they were with us! Their efforts brought us closer to being able to ship another 40-ft. container to Ukraine.

2.  Our missionary Yura Levtseniuk in Lviv, Ukraine, has sent us an urgent plea to pray for his wife, Violetta, as he had to rush her to a hospital with unexpected bleeding. She is expecting, and this is the second time she has experienced health issues while bearing this child. In recent days, she has been on doctor-prescribed bedrest. Yura just now messaged us to say, “Thank you very much for your interest in our experiences! I’ve just come from Violetta. The situation is not comforting. Most of all, we could lose the baby.” Please pray for the health of both mother and unborn baby. (Yura could use prayer, too, as he manages the other children and oversees the regular ministry of the church plus the ongoing construction project in their church building.)

3.  For over 4 years, while her husband serves in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Anna K. has helped BIEM to extend its war-relief outreach in a variety of ways. In this week’s video update, Andrei Sovenko interviews Anna about the activities she performs with BIEM's assistance and also provides voiceovers so that you English-speaking friends can get a glimpse of why the recipients of our aid are so grateful! Here’s the link:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/anna

4.  Hallelujah, our $77,000 goal for sponsoring Christian summer camps has been met! Thank you to all of you who have prayed or given to make these camps possible. This is particularly exciting because the organizers of each camp especially seek to invite refugee children who have had to flee their former homes with their parents. With both adults and children, when their previous life has been flipped upside down and wartime developments have threatened their very lives, many are much more receptive to hearing Scripture’s teachings on spiritual topics, including the matter of salvation and everlasting life. May the Lord work in young hearts through these summer camps!

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - July 2, 2026

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

War Relief Updates - June 26, 2026

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

1. One of the most-requested items from Ukrainian soldiers connected with our churches are tourniquets. These are life-saving devices that every soldier should have with him at all times. Unfortunately, the tourniquets available in Ukraine—which are mostly imported from China or Japan—are not reliable. Soldiers are always asking for those made in the USA. Church members often seek to obtain these for their loved ones serving in the war. The most desired is the North American Rescue C-A-T Genuine Gen 7 model, which we have often purchased on Amazon. Now, however, we have located a supplier who has a better price. During the course of the war, we have supplied over 1,000 of these units. Recently, thanks to donations to our War Relief fund, we have just purchased another 100 of these tourniquets.

2. BIEM thanks the Lord for volunteers who donate time and energy to help us out. For instance, just recently a group of ladies from a church in a nearby town came to help examine, fold, and pack donated clothing into boxes categorized as “Men’s,” “Ladies,” “Children’s,” etc., for shipment as humanitarian aid to Ukraine. This ministry is not difficult but is so vital. When churches in Ukraine receive a 40-ft. container of aid, they bless their members with a portion but also distribute goods among unbelievers who have been rendered needy due to the war. Donated clothing opens doors and opens hearts of people who formerly had no interest in church or the Lord! If you might like to be part of a future sorting/packing day, just contact our receptionist Patty at missions@baptistinterational.org.

3. On the evening of June 7, Angelica Buyko (daughter of BIEM’s Director for Ukraine, Eugene Buyko) conducted a choir and a small orchestra in “A Musical Evening,” a public evangelistic concert in Kyiv’s largest independent Baptist Church. This event was in conjunction with an evangelistic outreach sponsored by BIEM. English speakers might not understand the Ukrainian words, but we invite you to listen to a compilation of sample video clips from that evening’s concert. Here’s the link!

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/concert

4. Many of you will remember a previous video about a Ukrainian congregation that meets in a forest, what we call “the forest church.” Their meeting place is a basic, light structure Ukrainians would call a palatka (literally “tent”). Because these believers have reached many for Christ, they outgrew their palatka. BIEM was able to help them with an expansion project. They recently requested help to purchase 100 chairs to use in this building. About the same time, BIEM was offered 150 auditorium chairs from a church in Wisconsin. When we sent pictures of these chairs to the Forest church informing them of their availability, they were thrilled and said they would gladly accept all 150. We hope to put them on our next container shipment. The Ukrainian government recognizes church furnishings like these chairs (and many other items for church use) as humanitarian aid, so we can ship them to Ukraine duty-free. Please pray that we can find a way to get them from Wisconsin to our headquarters in Indiana.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - June 19, 2026

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

1. Update on our container of humanitarian aid that left BIEM on April 6: This shipment arrived safely at the Polish port. However, at this time it was not practical to have it trucked into Ukraine as hoped. Instead, the shipper arranged for the container to be placed onto a railcar and from there was sent into Ukraine by rail. Please pray that there will be snags or delays in this delivery.

2. Today, through BIEM’s War Relief Fund that many of you have contributed to, we were able to cover the cost of rebuilding the front-end suspension of a minibus that Pastor Sergii in Vysokopillia, Ukraine, uses for ministry. The roads in that part of Ukraine are particularly bad; they quickly wear out vehicle suspensions. The brethren there have painted red crosses on this white minibus since, besides church ministry, they also often use the vehicle to transport wounded victims of the frequent bombings in the area. The vehicle is also used in their ministry to the many war refugees around Vysokopillia, which is very close to the front lines. Many of you will remember Pastor Sergii from previous updates. He is the pastor whose granddaughter lost her leg when his house was bombed.

3. Pasha Usach faced a dilemma. As a Christian minister, how could he help a small town full of people living in the shadow of the war? The war had destroyed their businesses, their jobs, and rendered their fields practically unusable. To help these impoverished ones, he hit upon a simple idea... Potatoes! Watch a brief video in which Pasha shares about this ministry...

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/taters 

4. Now that June is here and our summer camps are starting, we are excited that we are now within $5,000 of our $77,000 goal for camp funds. Even before the war, we and our partner churches overseas highly valued summer camps as great tools for ministering to both unsaved and saved kids. During wartime, they are even more important since they draw hurting refugee kids whose worlds have been violently flipped upside down. If you value ministry to young souls, would you consider a donation of any size to help us reach that $77,000 goal?

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - June 12, 2026

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

1. Igor, a neighbor of some of our friends in Ukraine, is the commander of an elite drone force that has been defending Ukraine. A while ago, a friend of BIEM provided funds to meet a need he had for some specialized equipment. This last week Igor was on leave, which gave our folks a chance to visit with him. He was raising funds for a much-needed vehicle for his unit and was about $2,000 short. When we heard and shared about this, the same friend provided these funds. Best of all, this interaction provided more opportunities to share the Gospel with Igor. Please pray that this man would come to a saving knowledge of Christ.

2. A couple weeks ago, we shared an update about Vitaly Bilyak, how he had an amazing opportunity to accept a position for a chaplaincy role with a strategic division of the military, which will give him broad ministry opportunities. Since legal attempts to reverse his conscription had ended unsuccessfully, Vitaly accepted this invitation as God’s will. (He explained this in a video we shared on May 22.) After two weeks of intense military vetting, he has arrived at his assigned location, which cannot be shared for security reasons. I spoke with him yesterday, and he is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead to share the Gospel. He also shared that his oldest son David, who is in the US, had just gotten engaged. The wedding will be at the end of August. Vitaly’s new commander has given him leave to attend the wedding. Yet, in order to travel to the wedding, Vitaly needs to renew his US visa and prepare other documents. Please pray that he will be able to do this so that he can attend his son’s wedding.

3. For this week’s video update, BIEM church planter Anatoly Kosyanchuk wanted to express his personal appreciation to the mission and also to all of you who make this ministry possible. Thank you for upholding Anatoly and all of our missionaries overseas with your prayers and donations. Here’s the link:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/kosyanchuk

4. Last week we requested that you pray for an evangelistic concert that was to take place in Kyiv on the evening of June 7. We’re happy to report that the Lord greatly blessed. During the day before, volunteers from the church held a special outreach in the nearest park to meet neighbors, chat, and to pass out invitations with New Testaments. As a result, the next day a large number of locals turned out for the concert, including some people who used to come to church but had not been there in a long time. May God warm these hearts and instill a desire to draw closer to Him!

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - June 5, 2026

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

1. During Sasha Petrenko’s many war-relief projects, he got acquainted with Mykola, the chief of the local fire department in his area of Smolyn/Goncharovsk. This week Sasha received news that Mykola has been diagnosed with a stage 4 cancer and did not have long to live. Sasha, burdened for Mykola since he was not saved, arranged to visit him. He also asked that all of our Ukrainian brethren pray for Mykola to respond to the Gospel. When Sasha met with Mykola yesterday (Thursday), God answered prayer and Mykola received the Lord. Sasha soon sent out a message to our Ukrainian brethren, thanking them for their prayers and sharing that the angels in heaven are rejoicing as another soul has come to Christ!

2. For this weekend Angelica Buyko (oldest daughter of Eugene Buyko) has organized a special evangelistic concert entitled “A Musical Evening.” On Saturday, June 6, a group of volunteers will be distributing invitations and New Testaments for this special meeting, which will take place at the Temple of Salvation Baptist church in Kyiv on Sunday evening. Recipients of invitations include many contacts in the area whom our people have become acquainted with through our war-relief distribution efforts. Please pray that God would bless this special event. You can see one of the invitations being distributed here:

3. Last month, with financial aid from BIEM, Ukrainian believers organized a special camp for mothers, widows, and children of Ukrainian men and women who died fighting to defend Ukraine from invaders. The speakers emphasized that hope is not gone, for our true hope is in the Lord. It’s just another of the many ways this campground is being used to help, uplift, and evangelize for the glory of the Lord. In this video, missionary Pasha Usach shares briefly about this moving camp.

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/ourhope

4. Yesterday we received the following video clip of a low-flying, Russian Shahed drone passing over the Petrenko’s area in Smolyn. Because it was flying so low, Ukrainian radars did not catch it, so there were no attempts to shoot it down. Thankfully, it went on its way to some other target, but as you can imagine from the video, such a sound and sight strike a lot of fear into hearts. Please continue to pray for the safety of our missionaries and workers in Ukraine.

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/smolyn-drone

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - May 29, 2026

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

1. In recent weeks Russia has intensified its aerial attacks on Ukraine. While these attacks have taken place all over Ukraine, the cities of Kyiv and Lviv have been hit especially hard. Since we have just returned from Ukraine—which included time spent in both cities—friends have asked how our people there are doing and what life is like during these times. Despite the increase in bombings and drone attacks, it is amazing but clearly evident that Ukrainians are dealing bravely with such attacks. As much as possible, they continue their normal activities. No doubt, Putin hopes to demoralize Ukrainians through these horrific attacks on civilians, but instead the attacks are merely strengthening the resolve of the Ukrainians. (This is like World War II, when Hitler heavily bombed England in hopes of beating the British into submission but only galvanized their determination.) The following article from the Kyiv Post does a good job of describing the current situation in Ukraine and the resilience of the Ukrainian people.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/76867

2. This week Eugene and Michael Buyko traveled to Kherson Oblast to deliver war relief to 3 different locations. One stop was a load of potatoes to be shared. A second stop included delivering funds for the repair of Pastor Andrei’s van, which was recently damaged by a drone strike. A third stop was in Nova Odessa, where we are helping the church with their bread-baking ministry, which serves many people. For this trip (as with so many similar projects) the men drove BIEM’s 15-passenger Ford diesel van with its passenger seats removed. Other examples of how this van is used include the trips to the warfront for the Bograch roadside evangelism outreaches. Shipped overseas in one of our containers in August of 2007, the 2001 van has served as a BIEM workhorse for almost 20 years and has approximately 400,000 miles. When the van experienced mechanical problems on this most recent trip, this trouble brought the age of the vehicle to our attention. The fact that our coworkers are both mechanical and resourceful has enabled this vehicle to last as long as it has. The van still has some life left in it, but we do need funds for the increasing costs of repairing and maintaining it. Eventually we will need to replace it with something newer. Please pray that the Lord will provide.

3. Another Ukrainian church with which BIEM partners is the one in Boryslav. In this week’s video, Pastor Pavel shares about how their local congregation reaches out to alleviate physical needs and to evangelize needy ones in their area, especially refugees who have fled from the fighting in the east. Here’s the link:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/boryslav

4. Update on children’s camps: Now that summer is nearly here, our workers in multiple countries in Eastern Europe are preparing all the Bible lessons, games, supplies, and equipment to make another year of exciting camps possible. In addition to evangelizing local kids, these Christian camps invite the children of refugees who have fled the fighting in the east. However, as donations for camps continue to arrive, our personnel in Ukraine especially have been contacting us with concerns. It seems that Russia’s war on Ukraine continues to inflate prices of food, gasoline, and other commodities. So, even though giving toward camps has reached $59,760 (praise the Lord!), our coworkers overseas are cautiously urging us to bump up the overall goal from $65,000 to $77,000 due to these escalating prices. That said, we are within $17,240 of our new goal. May the Lord move in the hearts of His people to help however they can.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - May 22, 2026

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

1. Our latest container of humanitarian aid that shipped on April 6 is due to arrive in the Polish port next week. Please pray that the transfer of the container to the shipping yard and then further onto a truck that will haul it into Ukraine goes well.

2. Earlier, we mentioned that Sam Slobodian and 2 pastors from the US were departing on a trip to Ukraine. The focus of the trip was to be our Spring seminary session, but a secondary purpose was to view personally BIEM war-relief efforts taking place in various areas. We’re happy to report that all three men have now returned safely. The three wish to thank you for your prayers regarding safety, especially since the time they spent in Ukraine included some of the most intense bombings and drone attacks from Russia to date. Drones appeared near the location where the men were teaching, as well as near where they were staying. (One time while they were in downtown Kyiv, they had to join thousands of Kyiv residents in hurrying into the subway because of an air-raid siren.) Nevertheless, the seminary session proceeded uninterrupted and concluded with this year’s graduation.

4. During Sam Slobodian’s recent travels to Ukraine, the Lord granted him a chance to meet personally with Vitaly Bilyak. Many of you prayed for our church planter Vitaly after the Ukrainian military compelled him into the army. In this video Vitaly gives you the latest news on his status and his plans for ministry from this point forward. Please watch the following video to learn how the Lord has created for him a new position that will not only allow him freedom to share the Gospel but even to start a church while in the military!

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/vbupdate

4. When Sam Slobodian and the two pastors were in Lviv, they had an opportunity to visit some of the injured soldiers who have attended Yura Levtseniuk’s church. Most were amputees. One, a 21-year-old who lost a leg (among other injuries) was sporting a new prosthesis. This outreach came about after Yura and Violetta passed by a cafe and noticed a group of soldiers seated, many of them wearing leg and arm prostheses. Yura approached them, thanked them for their service and offered to pay for their tea or coffee. When they replied that they had already ordered and paid for theirs, Yura offered to buy a cake they could enjoy, too. They gladly accepted and invited Yura and Violetta to join them. This provided an opportunity for Yura to invite them to church. While they were non-committal, one of them declared, "You know what? This man is the pastor of this church!" That being the case, they changed their minds and declared, "We will come"—which they did! Please pray for the salvation of these men.

BIEM

War Relief Updates - May 15, 2026

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

War Relief Updates - May 8, 2026

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

1. On November 1, 2024, we shared a video from New Odesa, Ukraine, where a group of believers bake for the needy in conjunction with BIEM’s war-relief program. They bake 250 loaves of fresh bread at a time for people left in desperate straits due to Russia’s war on Ukraine. (The link to that video is https://vimeo.com/user37287229/bread.) More recently, their oven went out and was beyond repair. This week BIEM was able to provide funds from our war-relief donations to purchase a new oven so this ministry can continue.

2. Our missionary Vitaly Bilyak, who was unexpectedly conscripted into the Ukrainian Armed Forces, had been praying for God’s wisdom and guidance. As a pastor, he had no desire to bear arms or kill anyone. Yet, his court case requesting to be released from the military was stalled and going nowhere. Then a high-ranking official in the Ukrainian military summoned him for a discussion. That man made him an offer: If Vitaly would voluntarily remain in the military and relocate to a base in the east of Ukraine, that official would give him a non-combatant role. It would involve genuine chaplaincy ministry, including opportunities to minister to the wounded and to high-ranking officers and even establishing a church on the base. After much prayer and contemplation, Vitaly saw in this offer God’s hand moving him to a place of ministry he could not have before. He accepted the offer. If friends of BIEM would like a detailed account of these events, Vitaly has written a lengthy one that is available from BIEM upon request.

3. For a long time, the believers in Goncharovsk, Ukraine, held evangelistic children’s meetings in the local school. But not anymore. Russian missiles have reduced the school to ruins. In this week’s video, “In the Ruins of a Ukrainian School,” church planter Sasha Petrenko leads us on a tour through what’s left of the building where 2 women perished. Here’s the link:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/ruins

4. Russia’s ongoing aerial attacks on Ukraine add daily stress to life in that country. But despite the challenges of the war, by God’s grace and with His blessings, our Seminary sessions for the fall, winter, and spring have been able to continue regularly. In fact, next week we will be graduating seven students. Praise God for more laborers for the harvest! We pray that these graduates will apply what they have learned as they go forth to minister to their countrymen, both spiritually through the Word of God and physically through war relief and other forms of much-needed aid.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - May 1, 2026

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

1. Next week, BIEM president Sam Slobodian will be joined by a couple of pastors from the US on a trip to Ukraine. The focus of this trip will be our Spring seminary session, where we are training nationals called to Christian service as pastors, youth pastors, Sunday School teachers and missionaries. In addition, these men’s itinerary will provide ample opportunities to view firsthand BIEM war-relief efforts taking place in various areas. They would appreciate your prayers as they travel.

2. Longtime readers of BIEM’s updates will recall the church in Posad-Pokrovske, which is in the Kherson region. (This is the town where the 2 elderly ladies started a church in their home, eventually growing into a congregation of 70+.) This church’s pastor is named Andrii. While on his way to a church service, Andrii’s vehicle was attacked by a Russian drone. Just like our church planter Vitaly Bilyak, Andrii survived the attack but his vehicle sustained considerable damage. Praise God, BIEM was able to cover the repairs from our war relief funds.

3. Last week we shared the video, “God Bless You a Hundredfold!” It featured the most recent roadside-evangelism outreach by our co-workers, the Buykos, and other Ukrainian friends of BIEM. While that ministry is still fresh in mind, we would like to share another video about that same trip. The Buykos’ second daughter, Solomia, created her own video about that outreach. Her version includes additional comments and impressions from various men and women who were there that day. After we reviewed the video that Solomia sent to us, we decided to share it with you, too. So here is our weekly video update—“Evangelizing on the Roadside.” As you watch, we invite you to join us in praising God for each serviceman who stopped to enjoy a free meal and also heard the soul-saving Gospel. Here’s the link:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/solomia

4. We at BIEM have been greatly blessed that none of the many churches the mission has built in Ukraine have been directly hit by Russian bombs or drones. (Some have had windows blown out due to bombs exploding nearby, and some also suffered damage from shrapnel.) Unfortunately, a church in Zaporizhia that belongs to the Brotherhood of Independent churches of Ukraine that we partner with suffered a direct hit and suffered major damage. We will be sharing more information as we endeavor to provide assistance to this church. Please pray for this congregation as this is a devastating blow to their ministry.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - April 24, 2026

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

1. Last year, numerous refugee children in Ukraine attended BIEM-sponsored summer camps and heard the soul-saving Gospel. This year, our camp leaders will again make a special point of inviting kids whose lives have been turned upside-down because of the war. Praise God, friends like you have already donated $31,000, which is nearly half of the $65,000 needed! As we continue praying for the remaining $34,000 needed, would you (or someone you know) like to contribute to this wonderful cause of introducing young people to Jesus and the Gospel?

2. In our March 27 updates, we introduced you to a Ukrainian soldier named Sasha. (He is called “The Evangelist” since he constantly shares the Gospel.) Sasha serves in a hotly contested area where 8 Ukrainian soldiers were killed trying to stop an advance of Russian troops. There was a call for volunteers to attempt to extract their remains so the families could bury them. This would be an extremely dangerous mission performed on foot at night. Sasha volunteered. However, his commander blocked him from going, telling Sasha he was needed much more in his communications role. In this way, Sasha’s life was spared since the men who received that mission did not return and likely perished. Praise God for His protection. Please keep praying for believers like Sasha who are serving in dangerous areas.

3. Once again, BIEM’s Eugene Buyko teamed up with friends Vitaly and Natalia of Cross Ministries to bless Ukrainian servicemen with physical and spiritual nourishment. Supported with funds from BIEM, they and other volunteers traveled eastward for a 3-day evangelism event. They understand that men going into battle are often more willing to listen to God’s Word than people at ease. Such outreaches are much needed, but these servants of God know they couldn’t conduct such work without your financial aid. They send great thanks along with this wish... “May God bless you a hundredfold!”

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/hundredfold

4. Many of you know about the church established on Ukraine’s largest military base, Desna. God is blessing this church with growth as it reaches people for Christ. In fact, we are in a large building program, constructing an auditorium on their second floor since they have outgrown their current auditorium on the first floor. The brethren there have requested prayer regarding a situation of concern. When the war began, among the soldiers and officers there were 100 believers. Gradually, more and more of these hundred have been sent to the war front. Some have perished in battle. This past year, the pace of losses has increased, and now out of those 100, only 20 remain. This church is active in distributing the war relief aid BIEM provides, and these Christian servicemen are instrumental to these efforts. Their prayer request is that no more of these believers be sent to the front.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - April 17, 2026

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

1. Today (April 17), our director for Ukraine, Eugene Buyko, and his wife Sofia join Vitaly and Natalia Khmelnitsky and other believers on a 3-day evangelistic outreach near the war front. As in the past, they plan to set up tables and stands where soldiers can enjoy a free, hearty meal of bogrash soup and also pick out various helpful supplies for themselves. While ministering to these soldiers’ physical needs, believers will also engage them in conversations about the Lord and their spiritual needs. BIEM supports these evangelistic outreaches from our war-relief funds and considers them an excellent opportunity to witness of Christ to souls heading into danger. Will you pause even now and pray for the Lord to bless and save souls through this ministry?

2. Yura and Violetta, our church planters in Lviv, Ukraine, have been visiting a nearby hospital where numerous wounded soldiers undergo treatment. Many of those soldiers have extremely serious injuries. As Yura and Violetta share Christ and try to encourage these patients with words and prayers, their efforts have been very well received. This past Sunday, several of these patients were well enough to come to the church. Although some were without arms or legs, they still came to worship and hear Yura preach. May each one open their heart to the Lord’s way of salvation.

3. As friends of BIEM know, the mission regularly collects funds and used clothing in the U.S. for churches in Ukraine to distribute as humanitarian aid. But our workers inside Ukraine also are active in raising funds among their countrymen for special needs. BIEM church planter Alexander Petrenko joined the mayor of the town of Smolyn to spearhead a drive to buy a used van for a military unit composed of men from their own city. Alexander and Mayor Vitaly had promised to take a dip in icy, winter water if donations reached the goal of $5000. In this lighthearted video, they live up to that promise!

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/plunge

4. On April 4, a Russian missile exploded into the top of a building in Kriukivshchyna, Ukraine. Sadly, Russian missiles wreaking destruction have become a common occurrence. But for BIEM this instance was significant because House of Peace Baptist Church stands nearby. Structurally, the church building remained intact. However, it suffered damage to doors, windows, and parts of its roof. Thanks to your donations to our War Relief Fund, BIEM was able to provide finances to repair the damage.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - April 10, 2026

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

1.  Our Director for Ukraine Eugene Buyko and his family have concluded their 4 weeks of visiting BIEM. While here they spoke and sang in a variety of churches in Pennsylvania, New York, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Indiana. Praise God, the generous responses to these services have boosted our War Relief efforts.

2. In these updates 2 weeks ago, we requested prayer for safety and for a good number of volunteers to help load our next container of humanitarian aid. We’re happy to report that no fewer than 25 volunteers showed up, and the loading process went smoothly! Thanks for prayers!

3. On April 6, the afore-mentioned 40-ft. container of war relief items began the long journey to Ukraine. Although there is a wide variety of items aboard, the bulk of the contents is clothing and household goods donated by people like you. This video titled “Your Donations, Now on the Way” shares more details about the contents and the volunteers who loaded it. Here’s the link:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/donations

4.  Please continue to pray for the safety of our people and their families. As an example of the danger, today Vitaly Yurchenko sent us a video he made of a Russian drone passing over their home outside of Kyiv. The video ends with the sound of the drone exploding ? mile from their home. Later, Vitaly learned that this drone had struck outside a school just before the children were to exit. Had they exited just a minute or two earlier, many kids would have been killed. Here’s a link to Vitaly’s video with a voiceover in English:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/drone

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - March 27, 2026

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

1. As the church in Lviv, Ukraine, steadily reaches out to refugees with war relief and the Gospel, the church has experienced growth. It’s quite timely that last year we began a construction project to transform their building’s spacious second floor (which had been unfinished) into a large auditorium. In these next few days, the workmen are entering a phase of their auditorium construction that requires 4 laborers to work at very high heights. Because of the dangers involved, Pastor Yura has requested special prayer for their safety.

2. Yesterday, on March 26, BIEM accepted delivery of an empty 40-ft. container. On Saturday morning, a crew of volunteers will help us to load most of the war-relief goods stored in our warehouse into that container for shipment as aid to churches in Ukraine. Please pray for the safety of our volunteers as there are plenty of possibilities for accidents.

3. In this week’s video, BIEM church planter Sasha Petrenko introduces us to a brother from his church who is also named Sasha. Other church members refer to this brother—who currently serves in communications in the Ukrainian military—as “Sasha the evangelist.” Please watch and learn why our church planter says, “Sasha hardly ever calls and asks for something, but when he asks for something, we know that it is very, very important.” You will also learn how financial gifts from believers just like you enabled BIEM to bless not only Sasha himself but also the untold numbers of men in uniform who depend on him for their very lives. Here’s the link:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/sasha

4. On Tuesday, May 24, Russia launched its most massive attack on the western Ukraine city of Lviv and other areas. According to news reports from multiple channels, within a 24-hour period, Russia launched nearly 1,000 drones and 34 missiles at Ukraine. Dozens of deaths and injuries resulted, not to mention physical destruction to properties. What was particularly unusual was that the attack occurred in broad daylight, which is a departure from the norm. Our church planters Yura and Violetta Levtseniuk live in Lviv with their children. They tell us that in recent weeks they had gotten accustomed to a lot of sirens but no bombs. Suddenly—this happened. Please pray for Yura, Violetta, and the church as they have opportunities to share the Gospel while helping those in need.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - March 20, 2026

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

1. Past experience has demonstrated that bringing Ukrainian church planters to the U.S. to speak in churches is definitely an effective method of raising awareness of the needs in Ukraine. It is also effective for raising funds for war relief. Because our foreign nationals are never guaranteed entry visas from the U.S. Department of State, we especially rejoice that two of our missionaries—Vitaly Yurchenko and Pasha Levtseniuks—have been granted renewed visas.

2. During Ukraine’s severe energy crisis this past winter, the generous gifts from friends of BIEM enabled us to bless scores of churches there with gifts of $1,000 apiece to aid in heating their church buildings. We praise the Lord that the number of churches aided this way has now surpassed 100. We will share more details about this in the next issue of our quarterly Challenger newsletter.

3. Recently, using finances from BIEM, the church in Lviv, Ukraine, once again prepared portable meals in hermetically sealed packets. This time some of the believers personally delivered them to the 37th Brigade. These compact food packets can be delivered to soldiers even on the frontlines of battle by drones. In this brief video, an excited representative of the 37th Brigade praises the quality of the food packets and thank BIEM for financing them. Here’s the link:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/37thb

4. Among the many scores of thank-you letters from Ukrainian churches arriving at BIEM is this one. It comes from the Brotherhood of Independent Christian-Baptist Churches and Missions of Ukraine:

“Unfortunately, the shelling of Kyiv continues. Almost every night and every day, we not only hear sirens, but we even see our military shooting down deadly drones and missiles. Energy facilities, homes, heating plants, and businesses are being destroyed. Adults and children are dying… and all of this is happening right before our eyes. We hate war and pray to God for protection and peace. War is the quintessence and manifestation of all the evil that can possibly exist… Thank God that He is especially with us in these times, that He does not abandon us—and through you He demonstrates that He does not abandon us! Because of your love and support! Thank you once again!”

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - March 13, 2026

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

1. We at BIEM are praising the Lord for a group of ladies from a church in one of our neighboring towns in Indiana. When unsorted and unpacked clothing donations were mounting in our warehouse, these ladies came this past Wednesday and served alongside the Buyko family. Together, they categorized and boxed donations for our upcoming shipment of aid to churches in Ukraine. Thank you again, ladies!

2. Concerning war relief for Ukraine, we have a second blessing to share. We received as a donation entire pallets loaded with adult-sized, disposable diapers—nearly 6,000 of them! These are particularly valuable for the elderly and for severely injured victims of the war. We praise and thank God for the generosity of this donor.

3. Alex Abramtsov lives in Zhitomir, Ukraine, along with his wife and children. Despite being legally blind, he pastors the church in nearby Korotysheva. In this week’s brief video update, he expresses great thanks for the heating aid BIEM provided for this congregation during the brutal winter when Russia destroyed so much of the Ukrainian power grid. You can see the video here:

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/timely

4. Violetta Levtseniuk, wife of BIEM missionary Yura Levtseniuk, leaves Monday with a team of 5 transporting homecooked, stewed and canned meat they have prepared (called Tushonka) to a division of soldiers who have connections with the church. Because the group is traveling to a dangerous area of Dnipropetrovsk, they are requesting prayer for safety and open hearts among the soldiers who will be hearing the Gospel from them.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - March 6, 2026

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

1. In a previous update we mentioned that Sergiy Koop had traveled to Latvia to pick up the car Vitaly Bilyak purchased. Along the way, Sergiy spent the night at a Ukrainian church, which is now interested in helping his ministry. The church got an idea of how to help when he showed them pictures of how he packs his little Toyota Yaris for war relief trips to the front as well as for other ministry needs. The church responded by obtaining a fairly recent model minivan worth around $20,000! But there is a condition—Sergiy needs to come up with the $10,000 required to pay customs duties when bringing it into Ukraine. Please pray that funds for this will come in as we share this need.

2. Last week, we explained how our Director for Ukraine, Eugene Buyko, was scheduled to come to the U.S. with his family. Here, they were scheduled to speak and sing in American churches, plus help extensively in the final stages of helping us prepare our next load of humanitarian aid for shipment. But we requested prayer, because in wartime Ukraine, crossing the border is not always an easy feat. Praise the Lord, He has answered our prayer for smooth travels. Not only did the Buykos cross the border, but they did so in the amazingly quick time of 45 minutes! As of today, they are in the BIEM office.

3. Because of the extensive amount of aid for heating that BIEM was able to provide, we have received Thank-You notes from over 90 different churches in Ukraine. In Kyiv, the large Temple of Salvation Baptist Church sent us not only a letter but also a video of thanks from Pastor Sergei Volosenko. In the video, which we have titled “A Warm Welcome, Thanks to You,” will let him explain how the aid you provided through BIEM has protected their church building and kept people warm during the brutally cold winter while Russia was blowing up Ukraine's power grid...

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/welcome

4. We are grateful for all of you who read these weekly updates and rejoice with us over God’s blessings and pray about the needs that we share. We would like to take this opportunity to let you know that these weekly updates are one of several publications we make available. You can subscribe to any of these by contacting us and requesting them. Here is a list:

- War Relief Updates (You’re reading one now. These include specific developments in our War Relief program, plus a link to a weekly Video Update)

- BIEMs of Light (A monthly list of Praises & Prayer Requests)

- Monthly Video Updates (Brief monthly videos of a general ministry nature)

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM

War Relief Updates - February 27, 2026

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

1. This past month, we in the home office of BIEM were blessed to have our missionaries Vitaly & Olena Yurchenko visiting and living in our guest quarters. The churches where they spoke paid specially close attention and gave a wonderful response. Because the Yurchenkos’ home is in the suburbs of Kyiv, which has regularly been bombarded by Russian missiles and drones, they often mentioned how strange it seemed to sleep through the night without sirens or explosions waking them. (Pause and think... Have you ever thanked the Lord that you got to sleep through a night without bombs exploding nearby?) This couple departed yesterday on the first leg of their journey home. May God bless and protect them!

2. Following the departure of the Yurchenkos in #1 above, our Director for Ukraine Eugene Buyko and his family are the next guests on BIEM’s schedule to visit American churches and bring updates in person. However, due to wartime restrictions, for a Ukrainian man to exit the country—even temporarily and with official permission—is not necessarily a simple feat. On top of traveling in wintertime conditions, there remains an element of uncertainty and stress. Regardless of official permission to exit, the border guards make the final determination of allowing or not allowing a man to cross out of Ukraine. Once before, Eugene got as far as the border and was denied. He had to return home. Please pray for this family, that the Lord will bless and protect during each stage of their journey as they leave home at 5 a.m. their time on March 3 (which in the U.S. is 10 p.m. on Monday, March 2, Eastern Time).

3. It’s easy to designate a certain time and location for roadside evangelism. It’s more complicated to organize the food preparation, to order tracts and Scriptures, to travel to the chosen spot and set up tents, tables, and chairs, and then to spend long hours standing in the cold and connecting with those who stop in order to talk, share the Gospel, and pray with them. This week’s video gives you a peek into the truth that such ministry requires many people’s contributions - including yours!

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/many-hands

4. In April 2024 we shared a video that we titled “1 + 1 = 70.” In it, our missionary Pavlo Usach shared how God used two senior sisters in a war-battered area near Pokrovsk, Ukraine, to open the doors of their home for church services during the war in Ukraine. They began with just themselves, but in time God multiplied the number of people coming for worship to 70! (The link is https://vimeo.com/user37287229/oneplusone.) Today Pavlo has shared that the sister named Anna (who appears on the left in the video) is experiencing severe health challenges and has become bedridden. He requests that the BIEM family pray for this worthy sister in Christ.

Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM