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Dear Friends,
This week has seen the continued intensity of conflict in the Sumy region, with hostilities remaining at a distressingly high level.
The neighbouring area of Okhtyrka has suffered particularly severe consequences, as missiles and drones have caused significant devastation within the community. These events have drawn attention in the UK featuring on all news channels, highlighting the gravity of the situation. In response, our team has visited Okhtyrka to support a small local church, providing food parcels to those affected. Further assistance is planned for the coming days, as the need remains urgent.
The region’s power infrastructure continues to be a primary target. During a recent video call with the team, there was a sudden and localised loss of power, emphasising the precariousness of everyday life. Households currently receive only a few hours of electricity each day, just enough to light their homes and cook basic meals. This limited access is leaving many residents cold and hungry.
Larisa, who oversees the main orphanage, faces particular difficulties. Although the government has provided two large generators, the cost of diesel fuel remains a significant barrier. To address this, the team delivered hundreds of litres of fuel, enabling the orphanage to provide two hours of power each morning for the children’s education and meal preparation, with a repeat session in the late afternoon. Despite these efforts, life remains challenging for Larisa and the vulnerable children in her care.
The team also went out to bring support and love to those that live with disability, and are often alone and lonely. The aid, company, and love shown was much appreciated.
The teen club has proven to be a remarkable success. Bohdan reported that attendance was high, although an attack on the Lebedyn area disrupted Saturday night, causing some parents to collect their children early due to safety concerns. Nevertheless, others remained until the end and had their photograph taken (see top of page).
According to Bohdan, nearly all activities for the teens are now conducted online, and the young people deeply appreciate opportunities to gather in person—to chat, laugh, cry, share tea, and pray together. The provision of a protected space for these teenagers has been invaluable. One attendee, Angela, faces significant personal challenges; her mother left the family, and she now lives solely with her father, who spent considerable time fighting on the frontline. Despite these hardships, Angela tries to come to everything at the centre and church. She loves what it going on there and the love that is shown her.
The Christmas events we previously mentioned are scheduled to start next week with with events for mums and toddlers at the centre subject to safety conditions. The team plans to visit children in outlying villages, delivering gifts and inviting them to larger Christmas celebrations. Five days have been reserved at the city theatre from 26th to 31st December, where special Christmas services, including performances by the Puppet Theatre, will be hosted. Additionally, arrangements are in place with the hospital to hold similar events within their bomb shelter, enabling patients who are able to attend. Prayers for the success and safety of these meetings are greatly appreciated.
Help has been given to the local soldiers. They always appear to be hungry so the bakery has baked them their pies and their favoured treats. Aid has likewise reached families known to be struggling in the current circumstances.
The scale of need in the region is immense, surpassing what the team can manage alone. Nevertheless, they persevere with unwavering faithfulness.
Thank you to all of those that have donated and prayed into this Christmas work. It has been so appreciated and enabled much to happen. Your generosity truly makes a difference.
Every blessing,
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
