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Dear Friends,
I cannot believe that another year has passed already. As a Board, we are so thankful for all that has been achieved and for your faithful prayers and support. There have been more camps than ever before, more aid distributed, and more bread baked. Over 1,000 food bags have been handed out throughout the year, alongside more services and an increasing number of people coming to faith.
Above all, we have witnessed God's protection over the site. While the surrounding areas have faced bombing and attacks, and the Sumy region has suffered from intensified devastation, our site remains uniquely blessed with power and buildings intact.
This week has seen war activity at its highest level, yet the plans for a busy Christmas are progressing well despite numerous local challenges. Bohdan mentioned on Wednesday that there are now concerns regarding the water supply, in addition to ongoing power issues. Let us hope and pray that these necessities remain stable during this busy season.
On Tuesday, the team baked 300 loaves of bread. Two hundred people attended various special events and services at the Centre and were each given a loaf, while 100 loaves were delivered across the road to the emergency shelter for Internally Displaced People, who were incredibly grateful. The team continued baking on Wednesday, preparing hundreds of treats for the Centre and the orphanage for children with disabilities. Bohdan obtained another ton of flour to keep the baking going!
More teenagers than ever before are visiting the Centre for youth groups and progressing to homegroups for Bible study. Attendance numbers are rising each week, but more helpers are needed. Many volunteers left the area at the end of summer as conditions in the town worsened, so please keep this need in your prayers.
This Saturday marks the start of the Christmas events, with a gathering for mums and infants. Aid will be provided, and a puppet show will retell the Christmas story. Celebrations intensify from 27th December as the theatre hosts Christmas services, followed by a special hospital service on the 29th. All regular Centre activities will continue alongside these events. The camp begins with the school holidays on 5th January 2026. Bohdan has requested that we pray for safety for all that is going.
None of these achievements would have been possible without your support. Bohdan, the team, and the trustees join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks. The days ahead remain as uncertain as ever, perhaps even more so, but with your financial support and prayers, we believe even greater things can be accomplished.
Isaiah 9:6 reminds us of the prophecy regarding Christmas:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
This passage reminds us that Jesus came into the world as a baby and would be known by these names. He is also called “The Light of the world”, and since the onset of war, the team has endeavoured to embody that same light, spreading love, kindness, and the message of Jesus through their actions.
For a festive moment, click the image below to listen to the children's rendition of "Silent Night" on YouTube.
There will not be an update next week as Thursday falls on Christmas Day, unless something significant occurs. Updates will resume in the New Year, sharing all the ongoing activities.
So it leaves me just to say………..
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
