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Dear Friends,
With temperatures approaching -30C and power outages occurring throughout the day, the severe weather conditions are significantly impacting residents. Many homes in the region lack proper construction and insulation, resulting in frequent issues with burst pipes. Due to limited financial resources, many affected individuals are unable to afford repairs; consequently, teams organised by the church under Victor’s supervision have been assisting with necessary plumbing and heating fixes. Concurrently, despite announcements of a ceasefire and ongoing peace negotiations, drones have continued to strike residential buildings and power infrastructure in the area.
The team is doing their best to provide aid and food despite power outages, which have halted bread baking for now. Over the weekend, children and youth still gathered at the Centre without power, sitting, talking, and singing worship songs by candlelight. Bohdan said it was amazing times as they sat, talked, worshipped, and sang worship songs under candlelight. He said that just because there is no power or heating there is no reason to not meet.
On Tuesday, the team delivered additional bedding to the hospital, as these items are not provided and many patients lack access to sufficient resources. Today, the team were scheduled to visit the school for individuals with additional and special needs, bringing both a puppet show and essential aid. Over the weekend, pending weather conditions, they will attempt to reach several deprived villages that have been largely neglected and face severe shortages of food supplies.
Additional food supplies have been provided to Larisa to support her efforts with the two orphanages under her management. In Sumy city, her orphanage continues to care for 30 children who spend their days at the facility but must relocate to designated safe houses each night. Coordinating these daily operations presents a significant logistical challenge.
Previously, I shared the remarkable story of Svetlana, her journey, and her management of the local bakery. Unfortunately, the bakery closed for good this past week due to ongoing challenges—no electricity, limited food supplies, and customers unable to spend money on non-essential goods. Svetlana has generously offered us all her bakery equipment, which is of higher quality than ours, so that we can continue and expand the bakery’s work and mission. She is offering it to us at a special price, and we believe it will allow us to double our bread production. Bohdan will meet her over the weekend to find out how much she wants for this equipment. Meanwhile, Svetlana’s husband has been forced to flee the country, leaving her behind as she pursues studies to become a judge in the area.
As both a church and mission centre in Lebedyn, it is always amazing to celebrate the Christian faith that guides their work. Zhenya, the adopted daughter of Pastor Andrew and Veronica, has endured a difficult past—her adoption story is heartbreaking, and she struggled for years with social interaction and severe anxiety. However, since moving to Lebedyn to be part of this ministry, Zhenya has gradually begun to change for the better. Her personality and true spirit have started to shine. On Wednesday, she asked to meet with Bohdan and decided to commit her life to following Jesus. She has become a different person, now smiling and making friends. Andrew and Veronica are overjoyed by her transformation. Even amid the pain of war, happiness can still be found.
Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers—they truly make a difference to both our work and everyone's safety. With the 4th anniversary of the war approaching, please don't forget our prayer service at 4pm on Saturday 21st February, at Victoria Baptist Church in Eastbourne. We would be delighted to have as many people join us as possible.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
