From Crisis to Christ: Bart Rybinski on Global Aid and Unity, and EEM’s Work in Ukraine and Beyond
When crisis strikes, people search for hope. In Eastern Europe, where war, displacement, and uncertainty affect millions, that hope often comes through the living Word of God. Eastern European Mission (EEM) has been at the heart of this work—providing free Bibles in Ukraine and Europe, strengthening Christian unity through Scripture, and ensuring that God’s Word reaches those who need it most. In this conversation with Bart Rybinski, EEM’s Vice President of European Operations, we see how faith, resilience, and unity continue to shape the mission of Bible distribution in Eastern Europe.
EEM’s Mission: A Response to God’s Call
Bart Rybinski’s path to EEM was a winding one, guided by faith and surprising turns. After studying business management in Warsaw and working as a project manager in the IT industry, God led him to Oklahoma Christian University to earn degrees in biblical studies and ministry. Though he fully intended to return to Poland to serve, a series of personal challenges and a failed mission trip left him feeling burned out. Just as he was about to step away from full-time ministry and re-enter the business world in Colorado, a phone call from EEM’s president, Mike Armor, presented an unexpected opportunity. This was a clear sign from God, and a testament to the idea that our plans are not always His plans.
The Journey from IT to Full-Time Ministry
Bart’s initial attraction to EEM was the unique fit it offered, combining his business experience and his biblical studies. The role of Vice President of European Operations was a perfect match, calling for someone who understood both Eastern European culture and American churches. But over the years, his initial interest has grown into a deep and abiding passion. He now sees EEM’s work not just as a job, but as a calling to combat the division that so often dominates our world. He believes the media, in its quest for clicks and views, fosters a sense of being “against each other”. However, through God’s word, Bart sees a call to be “radically inclusive and loving and kind,” a stark contrast to the divisive noise. The mission to provide free Bibles in Europe is a direct response to this need for unity and hope, a vital part of EEM’s Christian charity Europe efforts.
From Business Acumen to God’s Provision
Bart’s business background has been invaluable in his role, which involves everything from financial reporting and logistics to quality control and project management for EEM’s Scripture distribution. This blend of practical skill and spiritual purpose is a hallmark of the organization’s approach. In fact, Bart shares a remarkable story of God’s provision that highlights this perfectly. In 2022, EEM was offered the office space next to their Vienna location, a move they hadn’t budgeted for and didn’t have immediate plans to use. But the landlord’s offer of first refusal prompted them to take it, trusting it was the right decision. Just two months later, the war in Ukraine broke out. This seemingly small decision became a monumental blessing, providing crucial space for EEM to evacuate their team from Kyiv and coordinate humanitarian aid and Bibles for thousands of Ukrainians. In this crucial time, EEM switches to relief as refugees flee Ukraine. This powerful example of God’s foresight demonstrates how the EEM Bible mission is a faith-based organization built on God’s provision and wisdom.
(Photo from EEM church partner in Ukraine)
Expanding Bible Distribution in Eastern Europe Amid Crisis
EEM’s Bible distribution in Eastern Europe has grown exponentially, especially in response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Bart Rybinski EEM emphasized how Scripture distribution has become not just a spiritual mission but a form of Christian relief work.
Responding to Crisis with Compassion
The war in Ukraine has profoundly impacted EEM’s ministry, forcing the organization to step beyond its usual focus on global Bible outreach. Families fleeing violence asked not only for food and shelter but also for hope—found in the pages of Scripture. EEM ministry responded by printing and distributing hundreds of thousands of Bibles, including trauma-informed resources for children and adults.
While EEM is not typically a humanitarian organization, the board and executive team felt it was imperative to get involved. The Ukrainian people, who had been such a blessing to EEM for many years, were suffering, and the team couldn’t simply provide a book while people lacked food and shelter. This decision was both humbling and profound for Bart, reinforcing that people are at the heart of the mission.
This Bible-based trauma healing initiative reflects EEM’s commitment to holistic care. By partnering with local churches and faith-based organizations, EEM ensures that humanitarian aid and Bibles go hand-in-hand, offering both physical and spiritual nourishment.
The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Scripture Distribution
As a Christian charity in Europe, EEM collaborates with a vast network of partner churches to facilitate Bible distribution international efforts. These partnerships are built on trust, shared mission, and a deep understanding of local needs. Bart shared how EEM’s Vienna office became a hub for coordinating aid and Scripture delivery, especially after relocating Ukrainian staff due to the war.
This expansion has led to new opportunities in Bible translation and publishing, allowing EEM to serve diverse linguistic communities across 35+ nations – free Bibles in more than 30 languages.
A New Depth of Partnership
The crisis has also led to new and deeper partnerships. Just days after the war began, EEM was on a call with partners like Biblica, quickly developing a plan for printing and distributing resources for Ukrainian refugees. This level of trust and collaboration, cultivated over years of relationship-building, allowed EEM to respond with incredible speed and effectiveness. The people receiving aid have expressed a profound appreciation that EEM has not fled or retreated, and that they have their back. This commitment is a hallmark of the EEM ministry and its dedication to the people it serves.
Building Christian Unity Through Scripture and Service
Christian unity in Europe is not just a theological ideal—it’s a lived reality through EEM’s work. Bart Rybinski described moments where groups historically divided by politics or denomination came together to distribute free Bible resources.
Missionary Support in Europe: A Unified Front
EEM’s global Bible ministry thrives on missionary support in Europe. Bart’s own journey—from Poland to Oklahoma to Vienna—mirrors the cross-cultural nature of EEM’s mission. His story illustrates how faith-based organizations can bridge divides and foster unity through shared purpose.
Whether it’s Shiite and Sunni Muslims studying the Bible together in Greece or churches across denominations collaborating in Ukraine, EEM’s work proves that Christian unity through Scripture is not only possible—it’s powerful.
Free Bibles Europe: A Testament to Generosity
One of the most moving aspects of EEM’s mission is its commitment to providing free Bibles in Ukraine and Europe. This generosity is made possible by donors who believe in the power of God’s Word in Eastern Europe and beyond. Bart shared how EEM’s decision to expand office space in Vienna—just before the war—was a divine provision that enabled rapid response to the crisis.
EEM’s 2024 impact report shows that over 2 million Bibles has been distributed in 30+ nations in Eastern Europe and in their heart language that year. These stories remind us that when we invest in Scripture distribution, we’re investing in healing, hope, and unity.
Reaching the Next Generation with Bible Printing Ministry
While Ukraine remains a focus, EEM’s mission stretches across more than 30 nations. The Bible distribution international effort continues to grow, reminding us that God’s Word transcends borders. EEM’s Bible printing ministry isn’t just for adults—it’s designed to reach children, teens, and young adults with age-appropriate resources that speak to their hearts and minds.
Bible Translation and Publishing for New Generations
EEM is developing new resources such as young adult Bibles and children’s activity books. These projects combine Bible translation and publishing with culturally relevant designs, making Scripture accessible and engaging for every age group.
Bible Activity Books: Coloring Hope into Young Lives
EEM’s Bible activity books are more than coloring pages—they’re tools for literacy, evangelism, and healing. Bart shared how these books are used in Roma communities and public kindergartens, helping children learn to read while absorbing biblical truths. This initiative reflects EEM’s innovative approach to Scripture distribution, combining education and evangelism in a way that’s accessible and impactful.
Young Adult Bible Series: A Fresh Take on Faith
Another exciting project is EEM’s young adult Bible series, designed with elegant simplicity to engage older teens and young adults. These resources are being translated into Ukrainian and Czech, offering a fresh entry point into God’s Word for a generation seeking meaning and direction. By investing in Bible translation and publishing for younger audiences, EEM ensures that the next wave of believers is equipped with the tools they need to grow in faith.
Looking to the Future: Expanding the Global Bible Outreach Beyond Ukraine
Despite the ongoing challenges, EEM is looking forward with hope and excitement, developing new projects and expanding its reach. Bart is particularly excited about several upcoming initiatives that will further EEM’s mission of providing free Bibles in Europe and beyond. While Ukraine remains a focus, EEM’s mission stretches across more than 30 nations. The Bible distribution international effort continues to grow, reminding us that God’s Word transcends borders.
Partnerships That Strengthen Christian Unity in Europe
Through collaboration with other organizations, EEM fosters Christian unity through Scripture. Leaders from diverse backgrounds come together around a shared mission: to ensure that no one in Eastern Europe is left without access to God’s Word. This unity stands in stark contrast to the division often fueled by politics and media.
Reaching New Regions with God’s Word
The mission is expanding into Central Asia and Turkey, places where professing faith can be dangerous. Yet the hunger for God’s Word is undeniable. With every door God opens, EEM steps forward in courage, exemplifying what it means to be a Christian charity in Europe committed to global impact.
New Ways to Bring God’s Word
EEM is in the final stages of developing a new series of books for young adults. Designed to be simple and elegant, this new series will target older teens and young adults in their twenties, with initial translations into Ukrainian and Czech. Another project is a new edition of their Bible activity book. This simple but powerful resource is used by partners in creative ways, from teaching literacy to people in Roma communities to reaching children in public kindergartens. The Bible printing ministry continues to evolve to meet people where they are. Additionally, EEM is bringing Lagarde Smith’s daily reading Bible into Serbian and Romanian this year, providing a wonderful tool for individuals to engage with the whole story of God’s word.
Reaching New Frontiers
EEM is also making exciting new connections in the former Soviet republics of Central Asia, specifically in the “stans” and Turkey. These are areas where professing Christ can be dangerous, yet there is a hunger for God’s word, particularly for New Testaments. While details are limited for safety reasons, EEM is working to fulfill these requests in what will be a significant step in their Bible distribution international efforts. This is a reminder that the need for Scripture is a global one, and that the Christian ministry Europe extends to places of great spiritual need. The passion for providing God’s word to people who don’t have it is what drives this faith-based organization.
Bart Rybinski’s story is a testament to God’s incredible guidance and provision. From a personal crisis of burnout to a global stage of ministry, he has seen firsthand how God uses our past experiences and our willingness to trust in His plan. The work of EEM is not just about distributing Bibles; it’s about providing hope, fostering unity, and responding to God’s call to care for those who are suffering.
As Bart said, “We want to bring unity to this world. We want to bring love. And I don’t know a better source than God’s Word.”
The journey is ongoing, and the needs are great. As Bart reminds us, we must continue to pray for peace in Ukraine, for the well-being of the EEM staff and the people they serve, and for open hearts desiring to receive God’s word.
The passion that fuels EEM is the belief that God’s word is the ultimate solution to the world’s problems. By providing Scripture, we are giving people the most powerful tool for hope and transformation. We invite you to partner with us in this vital mission. Your support helps us to continue our free Bibles in Ukraine efforts and ensures that EEM can provide God’s word for free to all who need it, bringing light to even the darkest of times.
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