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Dear Friends,
The situation remains tough in Sumy Oblast as they have now been put on “high alert” throughout the region as tensions still keep rising. Sumy city, once a bustling city centre filled with commuters and commerce with queuing traffic, lies relatively empty with many shops closed, and people queuing at the station everyday with their belongings waiting to leave. Farmer Sergey has a shop in the city centre and he has noticed a big shift in trading and people flow. Many come to Lebedyn.
Bohdan visited Pastor Andrew in Samotoivka where he was shown the devastation of the village. Bohdan informed me that most buildings have had some significant damage, some have been totally destroyed, but it was a miracle nobody was killed. Pictures are below….
Sadly, there are to be no large group gatherings now in Samotoivka, so schools, churches, community centres all remain closed. Pastor Andrew’s church now meets in homes. Bohdan took some aid with him to help in the community.
Daily refugees still come to our Centre. Blankets and bedding sewn by people in the church are given, along with food supplies as they can be obtained. Many refugees come to the services at the Centre for help even when sirens are sounding.
As the state of the region gets more precarious, so the team find different ways to help. Understandably there is an increased military presence in the area, and Bohdan and team are connecting with them to see how they can help them personally.
We do nothing to help fund the war, but pastorally the team like to look after the soldiers and their families, and to share their faith to bring hope and comfort. They are always welcomed.
The bakery baked some special Ukrainian "cakes" for the soldiers when they visited. These are very different to our cakes as it is a bread roll filled with cabbage!! Apparently it is loved by the people there!! The team are also getting some more of the badges for the uniforms with the words “in God we Trust” on them. They plan to try and meet weekly to pray with them.
A new supply of yeast for the bakery has been found so they can bake more bread again. The youth and teenager work continues to go strong, but sadly the children’s club was cancelled on Saturday due to air raid sirens which lasted all day long.
There is no doubt people are feeling fearful of the situation around them. Lebedyn is a town of transition, as many leave and many arrive each day. The team are planning a full programme for the summer still. They do not know what the future will hold, but they believe that after over two years of war, it has not stopped them for doing their work and ministry, so they still prepare. The plan will be to hold three camp weeks with two for children and one for the teens/youths, which for the latter, if it is possible, they will actually camp together! Their prayers are that they will be able to continue to do this work. The team remain remarkably upbeat, and in this week’s team meeting were bright and cheerful, laughing, and still positive about the work they are doing. They are amazing!
When Bohdan visited Pastor Andrew I asked how he was and how was coping. His answer – Andrew is full of joy, happy to be helping others and glad that God has spared them for a while longer to continue his work and ministry.
Amazing courage and love for the people.
Thank you all for your amazing continuing support. One of our supporters held a sponsored "snookerthon" raising over £1,000, and another teenage young lady held a garage sale with many of her unwanted toys and goods and raised £155. Thank you!
Bohdan and team thank you all for your ongoing prayers. They are much needed.
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
