War Relief Updates - September 22, 2023

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

1. One of the important features of our war-relief efforts is to include Bible distribution along with humanitarian aid. These Bible and New Testaments are being gladly received. Our workers say they have not seen such a hunger for God’s Word since when the Iron Curtain suddenly fell. Likewise, today in Ukraine there is an openness to receive God’s Word that most likely is one effect of the war since people do tend to turn to Heaven during difficult times. Sadly, plenty of people react to the war in the opposite way: instead of turning to God, they blame God for allowing such a calamity to happen. Many of the New Testaments our people are distributing to soldiers have a camouflage cover, which certainly blends with their surroundings. What is within these special covers is the greatest power we know—the wonderful and precious words of our Lord.

2.This week we are concluding meetings we have scheduled in churches with Vitaly Bilyak, who has made 12 trips to the warfront delivering aid and sharing the Gospel with civilians and with the military. He receives special access to some divisions since men from his church serve in them. These trips to the warfront are dangerous, as evidenced by the artillery fire you can hear in the background of some of his videos we have been showing in churches. That sound of artillery prompted one believer to ask, “Vitaly, was there a moment on these trips when you felt in serious danger?” “Yes,” replied Vitaly, “several times.” When asked for an example, Vitaly recounted a time when he and his son-in-law Sergiy traveled to Bakhmut. After two long days of distributing aid and sharing the Gospel, Vitaly and Sergiy drove with the local pastor to retrieve several cans of gasoline that were stored in the church building. When they arrived, Vitaly noticed the building was well shot up. That fact made him wonder exactly how close they were to the fighting. He didn’t have to wonder long—as they were loading canisters of gasoline, a Ukrainian tank pulled up right in front of the church and began firing at a nearby Russian position. After numerous rounds, the tank sped away. Vitaly realized why the tank left in a rush. Obviously, the crew expected return fire! Vitaly said, “I think we have enough gas for now. Let’s go!”

3. In this week’s video update, BIEM's Sasha Petrenko is joined by the local mayor, who sincerely thanks BIEM for all the humanitarian aid you friends are providing for Ukraine during this time of war and special needs.

https://vimeo.com/user37287229/physical-spiritualaid

4. We have just heard from a church group in the Chicago area that plans to come soon to deliver aid and supplies for shipment to Ukraine. Another blessing—they plan to spend time helping to sort and pack much of the donated items we have accumulated in our warehouse. Yet a third blessing—they say they have collected 5 wheelchairs, which they will bring. Praise God! Wheelchairs are among the most requested items in Ukraine these days.

5. Next week Sam Slobodian and BIEM board member Pastor Kevin Gaugler will be in Ukraine for our Fall Seminary session and to survey our war-relief distribution. Please pray for safety and God’s protection since Russia continues its bomb, missile, and drone attacks all over Ukraine. Please pray for the safety of the seminary students and staff as well.

Sam Slobodian
President - BIEM