Update 14th November 2025

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Dear Friends,

This week, I was so encouraged by our meeting with the team and was greatly heartened by their unwavering enthusiasm for their work, despite the tremendously difficult circumstances caused by the ongoing war. Our conversation was interrupted by a text alert warning of incoming guided missiles. Thankfully, all remain safe although today there has been many drones flying over Lebedyn. Daily life continues to be disrupted by power outages lasting up to ten hours, yet both the Centre and the church have thankfully had the electricity required for their essential activities.

A particularly nasty virus has been circulating. Bohdan’s daughter, Zoryana, contracted the illness and required hospitalisation in Sumy city for intravenous treatment. Unfortunately, the hospital environment became unsafe due to nearby bombings and missile strikes, forcing the family to return home. Zoryana is now on the mend, though Alla has also fallen ill. Please continue to pray for their health and full recovery, and that Bohdan and the boys remain healthy.

Despite the challenges, all weekly activities are experiencing growth and remarkable achievements. Over the summer, many families left the Lebedyn region, while numerous internally displaced refugees arrived in town. When children’s clubs resumed in September, only five children attended; this week, attendance soared to sixty, with numbers expected to increase further. The youth club is also expanding, now welcoming around thirty young people. Youth homegroups continue to flourish, and notably, two young people have come to faith this week despite facing very challenging circumstances.

Aid deliveries have been organised and distribution has commenced. Respiratory machines, which were generously donated, are scheduled to be presented to the hospital this week. Andrew has transitioned smoothly into his new role and is preparing to move into his new home over the weekend. Last week, I shared part of the story behind this move, and now the seller is eager to attend church to hear Andrew speak. Bohdan has requested prayers for this significant encounter.

Christmas is coming!

In addition to regular activities, the team is energetically planning for Christmas. Despite the uncertainty and fragility of their environment, their plans are both bold and inspiring.

• They intend to hire the House of Culture, the town’s main public venue with the largest bomb shelter, to host a Christmas puppet show followed by an evangelistic service within the shelter.
• Larisa is working towards opening an orphanage in Lebedyn and is seeking the team’s assistance in this endeavour.
• The team will visit all orphanages in the region which are in Shtepivka, as well as Larisa’s orphanage, reaching over 200 children during Christmas. The puppet show will be performed, and each child will receive a present.
• A joint mission with the Okhtyrka church is planned, mirroring the House of Culture event, despite the small size of the church left, to support them.
• Special events for refugees will be organised over Christmas, including food and a festive party.
• Special services are planned for young mums and toddlers, many of whom are effectively single due to partners serving on the front lines.
• There will be dedicated events for the elderly.
• The team aims to visit local villages, bringing the puppet show and presents to all children in the region—meaning 600 presents are needed for all activities.
• A camp will be held during the final week of the children’s winter holidays.
• With Christmas officially cancelled, services will take place in the evening, which poses additional risks.
• Plans are in place to distribute 200 food bags to refugees immediately and more over Christmas, each including a copy of the Gospel of John as before.
• Discussions are ongoing with the hospital to bring the puppet theatre and services to patients. Medical staff are supportive, but special permission is required.
• Just after New Year, a mini conference will be hosted by Kyiv Theological Seminary, focusing on biblical counselling and trauma care. The course leader also works with the military, supporting them with trauma and counselling, and the event will be open to the Okhtyrka church, which has been heavily affected by the war.

While it is truly inspiring to see the team’s activity and commitment to helping others during the festive season, all these initiatives require considerable resources. The estimated cost of the Christmas programme is around £15,000. Providing presents for each orphaned or refugee child at £10 each amount to £6,000 alone. Thank you to those who have already donated. Your ongoing prayers and financial support are deeply appreciated.

Prayer Requests

Bohdan has specifically asked for prayer regarding several individuals:

• Lena, who has faithfully served as cook and administrator at the Centre, has suffered immense personal loss during the war. Two of her children have died (one officially missing in action and another confirmed killed), another son has been seriously injured, and now a second son has been wounded and is in serious condition, though not believed to be life-threatening. He is in a hospital far from home due to his proximity to the front. Additionally, Lena’s husband is terminally ill with cancer. Please uphold Lena and her family in your prayers.
• Tatyana, who was baptised in the summer, is struggling as her son has now been listed as “missing in action” and is sadly presumed dead. Bohdan has visited and prayed with her.
• Mykola, a retired doctor whose son fought in the war and previously attended youth clubs at the centre, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He was encouraged by his son to seek help and support at the Centre.

Please remember Lena, Tatyana and Mykola in your prayers as they navigate these difficult circumstances—truly a reflection of the current reality in Lebedyn.

Thank you all so much for your support and prayers. As the team continues their extraordinary efforts throughout this war, your encouragement and involvement are more important than ever.

Every blessing

Peter Martin

Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn