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Dear Friends,
This past week has been challenging as the intensity of shelling and drone activity is getting more regular and consistent. Every night is broken with the sound of explosions and now the days have this happening too. So far the Ukrainian military have shot down all missiles, but this has caused fires and debris damage across the town and wider region. Last Saturday evening was the worst it has been, which was frightening for all.
The reason for this increased activity is that Russian troops are advancing into the Sumy region. The map above, published by the Institute for the Study of War, shows in blue the alarming advancement being made. There is a large black dot south west of Sumy city where Lebedyn is, and this shows why Lebedyn is becoming such a target. I showed this map to Bohdan and he concurred that this is how they see everything happening.
Despite everything, the team has visited many villages to deliver bread and aid. Unfortunately, one or two villages near Samotoivka were inaccessible because they are now under Russian control. The aid distributed is bringing much joy.
Getting flour has been difficult since our supplier went out of business. Even though we didn’t ask for help, word got around about the shortage, and people started showing up (see picture below) to donate their own flour so we could keep baking bread for the community. It’s truly an inspiring example of spontaneous generosity!
The teen and kid’s clubs over last weekend were amazing, with Bohdan reporting that numbers were very high and children in good spirits after the camp week.
The team has spent this week preparing for an ambitious summer designed to bring fun and relief to children. There are currently plans for 6 camps, including one at a village school, another for children with special needs, and 4 for those living in and around Lebedyn who experience the daily challenges of war. More updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Please pray for:
We deeply appreciate your ongoing support and prayers. Recently, we have received several financial gifts from generous individuals, but we may not have your contact information to personally thank you. If you make a donation, please do let us know so we can express our gratitude and check if your gift qualifies for gift aid, which could increase the impact of your contribution.
Thank you all once again.
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
