Thank you for your concern and for praying for Ukraine and the Ukrainian People
1. In the Sumy vicinity of eastern Ukraine, the 158th Brigade had access to food. However, the soldiers serving there have experienced various sicknesses in their ranks, with no way to return home and rest. So, when believers inquired about their needs, those military men expressed one main request: over-the-counter medications, primarily for colds, flus, headaches, and for digestion. With aid from BIEM, believers were able to purchase a quantity of these basic medications and filled 4 large boxes with them. These were then forwarded to the 158th Brigade. A reply came back with sincere thanks to both the church and to the American believers.
2. In the western Ukrainian city of Zdolbuniv, the church sent warm greetings to you, their American brothers and sisters. With their greeting they included this message: “This summer, Pasha Usach and his team are planning a tent camp in Derman Druha, where brother Pasha ministers. The camp is planned for many children who have just arrived from occupied territories, such as Kherson, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions. These children are traumatized by the war. Supposedly, they left the war behind in the territories where the fighting is going on, but the constant bombs falling all over Ukraine simply wreak havoc on these children. Also, most of these children are non-believers. Summer camp is an opportunity for them to get away from military affairs and live with Christians, where they will hear about Christ. We kindly request your prayers, because this will be a difficult camp, with difficult children who have no less difficult parents. We ask for your prayerful support for these people and us.”
3. Last week’s video highlighted the ministry of roadside stations where believers offered free meals, conversation, and prayer to soldiers. As a follow-up, this week’s video emphasizes the vital role of Christian literature in these outreaches. New Testaments, Christian tracts, or a Gospel of Luke become spiritual food for the road. They are Biblical truth that members of the military can take and read later. In this brief video, Eugene and Natalia discuss the importance of handing members of the military literature that points their thoughts toward Christ:
https://vimeo.com/user37287229/foodtogo
4. BIEM missionary Sasha Petrenko and the church he leads in Goncharivske/Smolyn have channeled much humanitarian aid from BIEM to bless both soldiers and civilians. He says, “Last week, the commander of the 110th Brigade was killed. Previously he had been assigned to serve in this area. I knew him. It turns out he had three children. His deputy and chief of staff were also killed. He was a special person with his own story. Therefore, we need to pray for his family, for these three children, and for other families of wounded military men. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a regular soldier, a commander, a general, or just a civilian—you’re constantly under threat. Wherever you are, pray for the military, for their safety, and for us.
Sam Slobodian
President, BIEM