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Dear Friends,
This week has seen a significant increase in military activity, as many of you will have witnessed on the news channels. Essential infrastructure, including power and utility supplies, have been targeted, resulting in many communities being left without electricity or water. Even when power has been available, its supply has been weak, which has prevented our team from carrying out activities such as baking bread.
The outlying villages have suffered most from these disruptions, as they have been unable to access power or water since before last weekend. In addition, artillery fire and drone attacks have devastated towns near the border—places we once visited to support Pastor Andrew’s work. Now, these areas have been reduced to ruins and left deserted.
Despite these challenges, the team has continued to visit some of the villages, offering help wherever possible. More food bags and bedding have been distributed to those in need, and we remain hopeful that the truck carrying aid will be arrive soon. The aid is already in the country and we are waiting for the United Nations to arrange its delivery, which is dependent on their scheduling.
Other than baking, our usual activities have continued, thanks to generators providing power, but the constant sound of air raid sirens limits what can be achieved. The youth, however, continue to show remarkable resilience, with their desire to gather and support one another growing ever stronger.
I learnt from Bohdan and Farmer Sergey that in Sumy city, many young people have been coming together in a large church to worship and pray. These youth travelled from across the oblast (county), so Sergey and Valentyn transported a group from Lebedyn in a car and minibus to join them. Thankfully, they encountered no issues at road checks and enjoyed an amazing time.
Prayer Requests:
The team’s commitment to supporting orphaned children and refugees is profoundly shaped by their own painful experiences. Valentyn, for example, was abandoned by his father, who moved to Russia, and his mother struggled with alcohol, leaving him in the care of one of his aunts. Although she had never had children of her own, Valentyn’s aunt provided him with the love and care he lacked at home.
Over the years, both of his aunts have become involved with the Centre, becoming Christians, and active helpers within the church. Their support and nurturing have played a crucial role in Valentyn’s development, and as a gesture to help him begin his adult life, they gifted him an apartment. As shown in the photo at the top of the page, Valentyn now uses this space to host his homegroup and offer a safe haven for some of the local youth.
In these challenging times, our hope and prayers are that more individuals and families will show the same compassion and care that Valentyn and his aunts have demonstrated. Their example is one of the reasons why the upcoming camp is focused on supporting orphaned or abandoned children, and those living as refugees. To show God's love and hope to those who have been so impacted by war.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. It makes a difference.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
