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Dear Friends,
This week has been more stable in Lebedyn, but nearer to the borders in Sumy City and Samotoivka there has been some heavy fighting and military action. People from Samotoivka, including the church family, have now fled due to the destruction of the town.
Both Andrew, and especially Veronica, are struggling, as the holiday they have taken to be in Lebedyn came to an end on Friday. Veronica is missing having their own home, where she can take care of the family, and although the Centre is currently safe, she craves a place of their own. Going back to Samotoivka is not an option - their house is between two major industrial units, and it is a miracle that has not been hit. Fundamentally, it is too dangerous to go back.
There is so much emotional baggage caught up in all of this. Leaving a house and a life made, leaving work, family, friends and their life with the church. Plus, they still have a missing son due to the war. What if they move and he comes home? What terrible thoughts to have to deal with. If you multiply this over the nation, the level of trauma individuals are facing is enormous. We still are looking for a trauma course and resources to help the team with this work.
Over recent weeks, Bohdan has been desperately looking for accommodation in Lebedyn for Andrew and his family, but there is no availability in the rental market. They are therefore looking at houses that may be available to purchase. Please do pray for them as a family, as their time in Lebedyn has been so fruitful as a haven of rest and relative calm in relation to Samotoivka. Their daughter, Victoria having become a Christian whilst staying in the Centre, loves attending everything and also wants to stay in Lebedyn.
Refugees are coming to the Centre daily for help. The recent aid has been such a blessing. Here are just a few pictures of those we have helped.
The focus of help this week has been given to families with young children. Many mothers are struggling as their partners are away fighting, with some fathers not being able to see their children at all since they were born. It is so tough for them. The team held meetings with Bohdan saying it was some of the most exciting work they have been able to do to help families. They were so thankful, and for many the aid was a timely lifeline. The little shoes on the tables pictured at the top of this page are a reminder that even the very young are affected by the war.
We also delivered baby food for the special unit at one of the hospitals. Bohdan found, much to his delight, that within the clothes sent were some children’s Liverpool FC pyjamas! Bohdan, as an avid Liverpool supporter, has been celebrating Liverpool winning the Premier League, so was thrilled to see these! They also received many candles, which are so useful in times of power cuts, but many of them had got broken in transit or were part used. With the help of some volunteers locally, they have been able to melt these down and create new candles fit for purpose. Nothing gets wasted.
Next week’s focus will be on continuing to help the refugees. Please do pray for the team as with this work there are so many tragic stories attached. Please continue to pray for the team. Luda, who oversees the kitchen, and the rest of the bakery team have succumbed to a cold and throat virus, so there was no baking of bread this week. All are recovering so normal service should be resumed next week. Lyuba is now back to full health after her operation.
Larisa and her ever increasing orphanage have asked for help to feed the children again, which we will give support to. We have committed to buy their fresh fruit and vegetables and meat until June to support them. By then the team will be harvesting some of the crops grown on the Centre land to be given away to help.
Needs continue to grow both practically and spiritually. Thanks to your support and prayers the team are still able to help in these ways. Locally, soldiers are reaching out to us more than ever, so please pray for the team on how best they can help and support them.
Our thanks again for your continued support.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
