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Dear Friends,
Last week, after I sent out the update and had mentioned how quiet it had been, I received a message that a heavy attack on the region was happening causing much devastation. Bohdan stepped outside, whilst on video, to go to a prayer meeting showing the night sky all lit up with drones and missiles. They take much of this in their stride now, but always fearing what could happen. Following this attack, Sumy city has been badly hit leaving many dead.
On Monday, Bohdan went over to Sumy to take Valentina, a lady from Lebedyn, to the hospital. Valentina has cancer, has no husband, and both her son and son-in-law are fighting on the front line. She reached out for the first time to the church for help, as Sumy is the only hospital that gives cancer treatment. The last time Bohdan was at the hospital he was a patient and treated on the 4th and 5th floors, but now those floors lay empty. Bohdan text me to say “everything is done in the basement – there is no room. People are fighting cancer in the corridors!” He left Valentina there for her 3 days of treatment and shared his frustrations that the destruction of Sumy does not reach the news – even in Ukraine!.
He also had a call from the pastor of the large Baptist church there requesting help, so had loaded up the car with what aid he could muster, and met with the Pastor to see who they could help. I love the photo at the top of the page showing the help given to this family. Their apartment was destroyed leaving so many homeless and without all their treasured possessions. This girl and her mother have been fortunate to be found temporary accommodation, but they have so little. Please do pray for the families that are now being affected due this war.
On his return to collect Valentina on Wednesday, he delivered bedding to the hospital which had been made at the Centre. All patients must take in their own bedding, which for many is impossible as they have nothing, so the Centre is helping to provide these much needed supplies. He said it was so tiring, as the roads are getting bad and nearly impassable in some areas.
Our storehouse for aid is now completely empty, except for the ingredients for the bakery. The good news is that we have a large lorry leaving in 2 weeks’ time with around 40 tons of aid. When it gets to the border and to a base in Ukraine it then must be taken by a UN lorry to the Sumy region, as things are so difficult there. Bohdan is already liaising with the local government coordinator for refugees in Lebedyn area. They know the specific needs for those in the town and outlying villages. Bohdan will also work with other schools and places we have before to bless those most in need. Please do pray for the safety of this aid, the planning, and the trip.
There have been many services through the week and activities to help people. Seeds have been distributed, all the kids and youth clubs have gone ahead, with the latter getting more than ever. There is a growing hunger for people to meet and pray. The bakery team are giving out bread they've baked – it is received like manna from heaven! The team are also starting to prepare the Spring/Easter camp. Schools out in Ukraine are currently planning their holidays around the end of March, but as we have experienced before, this can change within a weeks’ notice.
Stefan is a local architect and member of the church. He designed the new building within the ground. He has been called up, but rather than be on the front line, now makes technical equipment to help the war effort. Bohdan also has an old friend who he was at school and college with. Together they attended some of the summer camps done in the early days of the ministry. Bohdan heard this week that whilst fighting on the front line he has been captured and taken prisoner. This is hard for his mother to take in since when his friend was called up, the shock gave the father a heart attack and he died. Bohdan is now trying to talk with the military to see if his friend can get on a prisoner swap system. Every week new stories invade a community already suffering with hardship, homelessness, destruction and death. It is difficult for the team to reach out to these hardened people some weeks.
The most important thing this week is for us to pray for Bohdan. The end of this week his papers must be renewed to give exemption from fighting on the front line. He must go to the nearest military commission and hand them over, and wait for up to 7 days to get these back. In the meantime if he gets caught without papers, even if they are going through due process, he can be sent immediately to the front line. Bohdan has asked for prayer as every time he will go out of the house will be a risk until they are returned. Please pray for his safety and protection this week.
Thank you once again for your continued support and prayers – it is so appreciated! It was great to be down in Freedom Church in Romsey this past weekend sharing a few stories. It is a real blessing to have supporting churches like this.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
P.S. We will be holding a service on Saturday 22nd February 2025 at Victoria Baptist Church in Eastbourne to especially pray for Ukraine and the team in Lebedyn. This will be at 4.00pm and, war permitting, we hope to hear from Bohdan. We hope that as many of you as possible will join us, but we also hope to have a live link to the service for those not able to get to Eastbourne. We do need to know in advance if you are wanting to use this facility.
