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Dear Friends,
The team have been actively visiting villages to offer support to refugee families and those enduring extreme poverty. Many of these villages are so remote and small that they do not appear on maps, and the residents have very limited resources. Numerous houses, previously abandoned and in disrepair, are now home to refugees who arrived with nothing. The people living in these conditions often experience profound loneliness and must cope with accommodation lacking basic amenities such as heating, mains water, or medical support.
Planned visits to Shtepivka and the local hospital over the weekend had to be cancelled due to safety concerns. In Shtepivka, numerous drone sightings and the explosion of a large missile near the centre of town led to advice against travelling to the area. Continuous air sirens throughout the weekend meant that visitors were not permitted in the hospital. However, an open invitation remains for the team to visit as soon as it is deemed safe. Despite these challenges, medical aid was still delivered to the hospital.
On Tuesday, the team received distressing news that Pastor Andrew’s house and church building had been struck by a drone, causing significant damage by blowing out windows, doors, and their locks. On Wednesday, a team responded promptly to help secure the house. It has now been confirmed that it is unsafe to continue living in Samotoivka. Prayers are requested for the successful search for a house in Lebedyn for Pastor Andrew and his family.
During the past week, the old school building suffered damage to its boiler and fuse board, caused by power surges and frequent power cuts. Victor and Bohdan dedicated much of the early week to repairs and, thankfully, were able to restore the building’s functionality. Unfortunately, this disruption meant the bakery could not operate on Tuesday, impacting preparations for the refugees’ meeting that afternoon. By Wednesday, baking had resumed, and the team distributed bread to residents of Samotoivka and the surrounding areas. They also provided support to soldiers and their families, which was warmly received.
A truck containing essential aid is currently awaiting customs and paperwork clearance before it can be delivered to Lebedyn. The team hopes that this aid will arrive before the upcoming autumn camp, which they are actively preparing for. We are also searching for a large quantity of flour and yeast to supply the bakery for the bread to be baked.
The usual clubs and activities previously reported on continue through the week with homegroups growing in number.
Once again we are so appreciative of your continued support and prayers through these difficult times.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
