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Dear Friends,
Once again, this has been another week in which many drones and missiles have been active in the region. Thankfully, the town of Lebedyn has been spared, although nearby villages and suburbs have been impacted. All activities at the Centre have been able to continue, for which we are very thankful.
Bohdan shared that there is a growing sense of despondency in the town, as it seems that almost every day brings another funeral for a young life lost in this war. Nearly every funeral this past week has been for men aged between 20 and 25. It is truly heartbreaking.
The team are excitedly preparing for next week’s camp for children aged 7–11. So far, over 65 are registered, although more are expected to arrive. With spring here, many families are considering leaving the area due to the ongoing dangers, so the team never knows the exact number until the day. Nevertheless, they are working hard to make the site look special as they welcome the children on Monday. Parents have placed their trust in the team to give their children a joyful experience, especially as they are no longer able to attend school.
The new oven is now up and running, and it has already made production much easier. In the picture above, you can see Svetlana (in blue) taking bread out of the oven. She gave up a day’s work as a lawyer and judge to bake bread for those in need. Tomorrow, the team are heading out to nearby villages with bread and food parcels to support those affected by recent bombings. Another Ukrainian volunteer organisation has also asked for help in reaching large families, many of whom are malnourished and in need of both food and support. Bohdan and the team will provide bread and supplies and then arrange follow-up visits to offer ongoing care.
The services went well this week, and Bohdan has been in touch with Valentina, whom we have mentioned in previous updates. Her son was recently injured and required significant specialist surgery in Kharkiv. Thankfully, the first operation was successful. However, although further operations are needed, he has already been sent back to the frontline.
Similarly, Nikolai, a close friend of Sasha, was injured and had shrapnel lodged in his leg. He needed an operation to remove it, but due to a shortage of doctors, this could not be carried out, and he too was sent back to the battlefield. Sadly, it now appears he has developed a serious infection and may lose his leg. There is a deep sense of fear among young men and women, as the intensity of the fighting continues without relief.
On Tuesday, a lady called Luda (pictured below) came to one of the services. We mentioned her in a recent update, as she had returned home from the battlefield after giving birth to her daughter, Veronica, and asked the team to pray a prayer of dedication and blessing. She has remained in contact, and her mother, Antonia, has also come to the Centre for help, receiving bread after attending a service. Antonia has since become a Christian and is now helping to serve bread to others.
Luda is currently struggling greatly with anxiety, as she may have to return to the frontline. Her husband, Artum, was captured a year ago, and there has been no news of his whereabouts since. If anything were to happen to Luda, Veronica could grow up without knowing either of her parents. Antonia is understandably distressed, as she would have to care for the baby. She has already lost one daughter to diabetes as a teenager before the war, and fears losing her only remaining child. This family represents so many others across Ukraine. Please do pray for Luda, and for all those with children at war or who have suffered such deep loss.
The team themselves are in good health overall, although Bohdan has asked for prayer for his three boys, who have all suddenly developed high temperatures without any other symptoms. Zoryana remains well.
With our love and thanks for your continued prayers and support,
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
