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Dear Friends,
A lot has happened since last week, some of which you might have seen on our BBC news.
The first image below is of Sumy city where it has been heavily overwhelmed with bombs. Children and hospitals have been targeted and impacted heavily. 23 children were injured and wounded in this attack alone. 26 buildings were damaged of which 3 were schools, a kindergarten, and the hospital.
Misha (our resident caretaker at the Centre) had his son in the hospital when this took place as he had broken his arm which needed an urgent operation. Thankfully, he was safe and sent home to recover. The other 3 images are from Samotoivka and the school opposite where Pastor Andrew lives.
At the weekend, the team had to help Pastor Andrew and his family evacuate Samotoivka to Lebedyn where they are now safe. Bombing continued, and sadly many others had to be rescued on Monday, so Lebedyn now has many people from the church in Samotoivka staying there. Bohdan reported that many of the villages close to the border no longer exist as they have been destroyed. Many are fleeing, coming through Lebedyn to find safer places to live. On Wednesday night Okhtyrka was hit hard - before the war we had a church plant there. Bohdan’s fear is that if Okhtyrka falls the next town on the road to Kyiv is Lebedyn. Much prayer is therefore needed for safety.
The good news is that our long awaited aid truck has arrived. We are so grateful to Ukraine Aid who have helped get this to us, as it has been fraught with complications along the way. Now the team can help others in the region with some much needed supplies, although not sure this aid will last long!
Meanwhile, preparations to hold the camp next week are taking place. Bookings are full and over subscribed, and parents are keen for their children to come along. This week we were able to help the children’s team with some training which went down well.
Sadly, Ludmilla could not be with us. She has been part of the team that delivers the clubs and Sunday School within the church. We were told that she has been taken seriously ill with heart problems, but hospitals cannot operate as many are out of action due to the bombing. She has been given medication to help, but it is insufficient to help her situation. Ludmilla is the mother of Natahsa, a young lady we have supported for many years, and some might recall that because of her disability we were able to buy a house for them both to live in within Lebedyn. Ludmilla is Natahsa’s main carer, so the team are working out with the family how to help.
Pastor Sergey is still not well and unable to do much. He struggles to even walk and is very frail and weak. We continue to pray for him.
Despite all the trials of living in these terrible times, the team were in such good spirits. Life at the Centre is even busier due to additional refuges staying there and bringing a new need for more beds. All are excited about having the aid to help others and for the camp week ahead.
Please continue to pray for safety, a quiet week next week where no bombs and drones will affect what is being done, and for renewed energy for the team.
Thank you again for the many gifts and donations that have been coming through. They have been so timely, as are your prayers and support.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
