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Dear Friends,
We wanted to share with you about some of the recent work taking place in Lebedyn. You will also find a list of prayer items that we would be grateful if you could pray into with us.
An article recently written by Reuters News Agency stated that both the Sumy and Kharkiv regions received more missiles over recent days than in any other region destroying power lines, sub stations and water facilities. This true from what was witnessed over the weekend and sadly there were lots of sirens going off which meant that activities being held in the centre had lower numbers than booked. Those there had a great time and were thankful by all that went on in the children’s and youth clubs.
The team are continuing to plan many new activities through the autumn of 2022, including a camp programme at the end of October and at Christmas. The work does not stop. The need is greater than ever and the risk seems to be as high as ever. Please keep upholding them in your prayers for safety and energy.
During the week more groups will be meeting for youths and adults. The weekends will be more focussed on children’s and family activities as well as the church services.
One of the reasons for reducing the children’s work in the week is that schools are trying to get back to teaching the children in school. In Lebedyn, they have limited the number of children on site and therefore have created three sessions throughout the day, whereby they will attend just one of them.
It's been so wonderful to see the teenagers and older youth meet together at the centre, to come together for fellowship and discussions around faith. Furthermore, we've also been starting new home groups, plus study groups with the young people. Musical Sergey also hosts two groups mid-week as well with the children who help with the puppet theatre.
We are pleased to say that Luba has agreed to come and work with us on a full-time basis. She arrived from Kharkiv having worked with teenagers before. We will introduce Luba to you and Alla, who recently took over the children’s and family work in the next updates.
As well as all that is going on with the children and youth, Alla’s husband who has musical experience has helped to form a band with the young people. Bohdan said that they are sounding very good and are writing new worship songs! Here they are below having some practice together.
Our Mission Director Bohdan has informed me that the government want the children to go back to school, however, both parents and teachers are saying it is not safe as Russians are targeting schools and there is currently no provision of bomb shelters. Parents and teachers are angry and tensions are rising because of this. Please pray for wise decisions and for the protection of both the children and teachers.
Over the years we have held computer workshops to help the community since many do not have access to computers or Wi-Fi. Our computers are now very old and need replacing. To fulfil our vision we really need to raise around $20,000 to get this all back up and running. Please pray for the provision of this funding so we can continue run workshops with different members and groups within the community.
The team have been working hard distributing aid to those in need. However, the need is still as great as ever and we still need more clothes, so please join us in praying for this.
The team are being resourceful and reaching out daily into the local communities to help. They will be giving much needed aid to villages and help through the rest of August, whereby some villages have people living in horrendous living conditions.
Our youth grow is continuing to grow as its a place where youth are permitted to gather. Our registered list now approaches 100! We've recently have had to purchase a further 40 chairs this week to accommodate the growth. 2,000 Bibles have now been shared out. We hope to find a supply for more soon (possibly at the end of October/early November) but please pray into this with us.
Every blessing,
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
