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Dear Friends,
The situation within the Sumy region remains grave, with air sirens sounding for at least 10 hours, and overnight anything between 60 – 120 missiles and drones are creating havoc across the region. Someone is killed every day.
Given our camps have been happening, it is remarkable that the team were able to conduct 5 weeks of camps within a 6-week period, and only once did they have to use the bomb shelter, which was in the first week. We thank you for your prayers as this is truly amazing.
Last week was the turn of the older youth to camp out within the grounds of the Centre. All the other weeks were day visits, so again it was ambitious to try and achieve this. We had around 25 youth in total residing in the grounds, loving every minute of their time together.
This week they have been wanting to get back together again such has been the impact, so Valentyn held a special Bible study group for them. You can see from the photos that they loved doing things normal youth should be doing.
Below is a picture of Anatasia, who has recently come into the region with her family. Anatasia had not even come into the grounds of the Centre before, and knew very few other youth, so it was all very new to her. She loved the camp, and the love shown by everyone, and she made lots of new friends. Every day there was a queue for the shower in the main building and whilst waiting in line, she took a New Testament and started reading it. She did not want to put it down, and let others go before her in the queue so she had longer to read.
The camp held in the previous week for teenagers was so encouraging. Click on the image below to watch a short YouTube video of some of the things they got up to! You can also check out our other videos on our Hope Lebedyn YouTube channel.
The baptismal service was held early on Sunday morning at 7:00am, followed by a full church service at the Centre at 10:00am. Tradition is for those being baptised to be in white, and those baptising in white and blue. This river feeds from Swan Lake and is where they do their baptisms, although I’m not sure how clean it is.!! Some of the people that were baptised were those we have been praying for through these updates. Svetlana, the local bakery owner and solicitor, whose story we have shared was there along with some of the young people like Dasha and Yegor.
I am pleased to say that this week Bohdan, Alla, and the children have gone away for a week of much needed rest as a family. They are near the sea in an area relatively untouched by the war. Sadly, on Wednesday, a large missile did explode near the area, reminding them that the war is never too far away. Let’s pray for a great week of rest.
Meanwhile, back at the Centre work is still continuing. Services to refugees were held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Aid has been given out, along with food bags, and what medical supplies we can help with, including a walking stick for this man.
Last week I shared the sad story of Christina from the teen camp, and how her stepfather had been killed. She adored him and was so close to him. After the camp she wrote a poem and did a video recording of it. Sadly, I cannot access this video to distribute, but she has allowed us to share the poem with you all. It is a straight translation with a few tweaks to help you understand what Christina is saying. Within the poem you can see the hurt and pain she is going through. Sadly, it is like so many other children. Hopefully through the help of the team she will begin to heal and find peace and love through faith.
My Father
He went into battle and gave his life there.
I am grateful for peaceful dawns,
knowing he sacrificed everything
so that I may live my life in tranquillity.
My gratitude is boundless
for trying to save us all.
My love for him goes on,
reaching out even in these difficult times.
You shall become my guardian angel,
watching over me
You will protect me for the rest of my life.
Through pain I thank you for a bright and kind future.
I do not know how to go on,
How to carry on in this darkness.
You have become a stork in paradise
In the emptiness and sorrow.
When asked if I feel pain, the answer is yes—it burns within me.
I do not know how to live without you or how to smile again.
You fly as an angel in heaven,
You protect me from adversity.
You became my fortress;
My thoughts are always with you.
Forever in our hearts, we will never forget,
and we will never forgive.
I finish on a high note. We are pleased to announce that Sasha is soon to be married to Rita. Rita is now part of the church in Lebedyn, and we expect the wedding to happen reasonably quickly. Sasha has asked that we could pray for them in this journey they are now on, and here is a picture of the happy couple.
As I write this update there is talk of Presidents Trump, Putin and Zelensky meeting to try and talk about peace. Let’s pray that somehow peace can be found and this needless war can cease.
Thank you all so much for the continued support and prayers. It is such an encouragement.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
