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Dear Friends,
The 2nd week of camp finished well last week, with no more trips to the bomb shelter necessary. On the last day, Bohdan wrote to say that while they are playing games planes and missiles are flying overhead 24/7, but even so the children had a great week. Every child that had not already received a copy was given a copy of the Jesus Storybook Bible, which they loved. This happens at all camp weeks.
At the weekend, as well as the normal church services, some of the team went to visit the church in Okhtyrka to help Vladamir. Here they met with refugees and those in desperate need to give out food bags. They supported around 75 families. Even though the camps have been running each week, the Centre in Lebedyn is quickly turned around to host 2 meetings a week. People have been arriving for help, especially mums with young families. Food, baby milk and whatever they can find is given freely to support these people. Soldiers and their families have also reached out for help so we have sent food to help them too. They are exhausted and hungry, and see their families for such a little time. In the photo below one of these soldiers used to come regularly to camps as a child so they knew where to come to seek help.
The camp this week has seen 100 children turn up, which is more than the planned 80 pre-registered children. The increase is made up of new refugee children arriving in the area, and so they are welcomed with open arms. I was sent a video of the children playing where they filmed missiles flying over. A stark reminder of the fragile peace they currently live in and the dangers which surround daily. Many other organisations do not believe that they can do camps in the region. Thankfully, there have been no further bombs in the town this week, but there still remains problems with water and power supply in the area. A fuller report of the camps will be given once they have finished.
In other news……
Three years ago we prayed for Ivan (pictured above), who was taken in by Larisa into her orphanage. He was just 16 years old then, and lived in a small nearby town called Konotop, where the team have done much work in the past. A Russian tank deliberately went to run over Ivan and his father. His father tried to protect him, which meant the father was totally crushed under the tank, killing him fairly quickly, but Ivan was still alive although badly injured, resulting in having part of his leg amputated. We helped with some of the early medical, needs but Larisa was able to get him a placement in the USA to get quality prosthetics supplied.
Also, in the orphanage at that time was Zhenya, Pastor Andrew and Veronica’s now adopted daughter, who has kept in touch with Ivan. This week Bohdan was connected to Ivan through Zhenya, and he is doing so well. Ivan still lives in the USA and has been given much training and support. Bohdan said he looks so well and so happy. A huge difference since when he first met him after the tragic incident three years ago. We thank God for answering prayers.
Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. Next week, the team have some time off from the camps so please do pray for some rest for all of them.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn