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Dear Friends,
This week the world remembers VE Day. A significant time in the world diary to mark the end of the most terrible of world wars, and yet we see countries at war again with further aggression building, none more so than in Ukraine right now. Do we ever learn? Before I share the news of this week I share Bohdan’s post on social media from Kyiv Theological Seminary. There is more news about them later in this update but these words below seem apt to start today.
May 8th — the day we remember that freedom was never an accident.
Today we see history repeating itself.
Imperial cruelty has returned in a new form, but with the same hatred for freedom, for dignity, for truth.
Ukraine is at war. Again.
For dignity, for freedom, for the right to be yourself.
And we know: not evil has the last word - the Lord has.
We stand because we believe: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Mt. 5:9).
We pray because we know that victory comes not only by strength, but by righteousness.
We remember, because gratitude is a part of faith.
Thanks to those who resist with faith, with weapons, with prayer.
With hope we look ahead to the victory that will glorify God, not man.
Because the war will end. And the truth of Christ will remain!
This past week was busy with many services and opportunities to give out aid and help. Refugees are coming through the town with increasing regularity, and at the end of last week Pastor Andrew went to rescue families near to Samotoivka. He also managed to help some of their own family relocate to a safer region.
The fighting and threat seems to have shifted a little away from the region, but this seems to change all the time. I note from a recent article that so far this year (end of April), over 5,000 missiles or drones have been launched into Ukraine. Over 1,200 of these in the Sumy region. That is about 25% of all missiles so we give thanks that the team are safe at this time.
There is a small orphanage running in Vorozhba which the team have worked with for some time. They now only have children that have additional needs, both educationally and physically. The “Inclusive Centre” in Lebedyn, which specialises in all ages with additional needs, runs day courses for the children, and Bohdan was able to meet up with them and give them some much needed aid. Like Larisa the orphanage budgets have been cut, but the needs of the children remain the same or grow. See photo above.
Work continues among the soldiers within the region; they have been given bottles of energy/protein drinks to share out. Practical help and advice are given, and we are seeing more come through to the services we hold as a result.
It was hoped that the team could go and visit care homes this past week, but they are all under quarantine regulations. There is some kind of virus going around which the elderly need protection from. Many of the team have been taken ill over the past few weeks as well, but apart from Sasha all are back to good health!
Thursday and Friday there were special events for refugees, elderly and those in need at the Centre. They were given aid and bread as the bakery is back up and running again.
The hospital have been so grateful for the level of support given by the Centre and team, that this week they presented a certificate of thanks to Bohdan acknowledging all the love, care and support shown.
The work with young people and children continues to grow. The youth homegroups continue increase in number, weekend children’s and youth clubs also grow. Baptismal classes are being held for 8 people, 4 young people and 4 adults. It is so exciting to see that faith has become alive and important to those seeking fresh hope (see photo above).
Parents this week have been stopping Bohdan when he is out with the family to ask what the summer plans are for camps and activities. It has happened on numerous occasions. The good news is that the team plan an extensive programme between now and September. They are planning 2 mini conferences for youth. In May, this will reach out to all youth from 11-18 years of age, with the Kyiv Theological Seminary partnering with us to deliver discussion around the importance of relationships. There will be a worship band made up from local churches also led by Valentine. The second conference with be for girls only, looking at their identity, and who they are. Inna and a team from a large Church in Zhytomyr, will be helping with this. Both events are for all churches in the Sumy region to attend.
Then, the team are ambitiously hoping to host five camps this summer. This is the most ever done but the need is so great in the town they feel they need to do this. They are planning two camps for children under 11 years old, and then one for young teens, and one for older youth. They will also hold a special camp for those with additional needs. This is so exciting, and there is much to plan to achieve all of this, even to cost out what this will practically mean, but this will make such a huge difference within the Lebedyn area, touching the lives of over 500 children and youths. It will mean over 3,000 meals, teams of volunteers to find to help resource this work all so very close to the front line, so please do pray for their planning and preparation.
We cannot stop wars from happening, but we can pray and support those who suffer because of them. Thank you for your help in doing this and for standing with us.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
