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Dear Friends,
There was no update last week as we had the joy of meeting Bohdan, Alla, and their family in Poland. A group of us, including three trustees, travelled to a location near Warsaw.
It was a special week, giving us the opportunity to hear first-hand about life in Lebedyn and the Sumy region—the pain as well as the joy. Some stories were heartbreaking, while others filled us with joy and hope. We also spent a day planning for the future, focusing on the vision and exploring how the team and its work could become more effective. I will share more of these stories and plans in future updates.
Bohdan and Alla’s children greatly enjoyed the chance to stay away from the war zone. On the journey to our accommodation, one of the children asked whether they would be safe there and if bombs and sirens could no longer reach them. We were staying in a house about 35 minutes outside Warsaw, in the countryside near the lovely small town of Milanowek. With more than two acres of garden, the children had space to play safely. Yet on the first day, when a passenger plane flew overhead, fear showed clearly on their faces. Little Zoryana was frightened and asked if she needed to hide. As the week went on, we began to understand more deeply the impact the war is having on children, and discussed what we can do to help. It was not all meetings and we managed to visit the zoo in Warsaw and take them England shirts ready for the World Cup!
Bohdan’s journey back was difficult, with an overnight stop near Korosten where drones and missiles struck the area, leaving little chance for sleep. He returned on Sunday in time to begin the first of six weeks of camps.
This camp is especially significant, as the team has been invited into a school in Grintsevo where 65 children are still attending. The school director asked them to bring the same activities they run at the Centre, so the children are being given two meals a day, along with puppet theatre, games, and crafts. Each day, the children enjoy it immensely and listen closely to the Bible stories being shared. They join in with great enthusiasm, and the director has said they have never seen the children so happy.
Sadly, yesterday late Wednesday afternoon after the camps had finished and in late evening, bombs fell on Lebedyn. The Centre and their houses shook from the blast. Thankfully, there was no damage to the Centre or to team homes, but the power stations and sub-stations were taken out so there has been no power and not likely to be any for some time. The team still went to Grintsevo as the power outage has affected them also, but they took solar generators so all the puppet show equipment could still work. Please do pray for this situation as the team have another camp in Lebedyn next week.
As you can see, the war continues to have a heavy impact on the region, though reports suggest that Ukrainian soldiers are making gains and pushing back. Pastor Andrew also told me that in Samotoivka there are now more soldiers than civilians.
Aid arrived unexpectedly when the Mennonite community in western Ukraine sent a truckload of supplies. Although it did not include food, it contained many useful items, including hygiene products, school materials to help children study from home, and other everyday essentials.
One of our workers, Sasha, is unwell and has been taken to hospital in Sumy for treatment. He is experiencing problems with his lung, which is especially serious as he has only one. Doctors are still assessing his condition, so please do remember Sasha in your thoughts and prayers.
While we were in Poland, we received regular updates. As the site was being prepared for the camp season, Andrew took teams to deliver bread not only in Lebedyn, but also to villages near the Russian border, where poverty remains especially severe and the bread was deeply appreciated. We have also been facing difficulty sourcing flour since the mill we had been using closed because of the war. However, through a supporter who reads these updates, we were connected with another mill just outside Kharkiv that can supply the high-grade flour we need at a much lower price. This is wonderful news, and the first order has now been placed. It feels like a real answer to prayer, and we are so thankful for those who read these updates and can offer help.
The youth also visited another church in town, where Pastor Sergey is originally from. Valentyn is working to build a connection between the two youth groups so they can support one another. Although the other church has fewer young people, the two groups relate well together, and it is a joy to see them united as they lead services.
I want to return to the impact of this war on children. Our hope now is to find the right support to offer trauma care to families in need, with help that is suitable for both children and parents. There are several options to consider, and we are seeking the best way to serve them well.
Another burden on these children is the many restrictions they now live under. They are warned not to play in the woods because of mines, they cannot go out in the evenings unless accompanied by adults, and many live with the fear of fathers or loved ones being taken to fight. Even the constant sounds of war bring fear into daily life. Schooling has also been deeply disrupted. Only the first and final years are guaranteed regular attendance, while other children may go in just once a week, often for two short sessions because of the need to use bomb shelters. Their education is suffering, and this is a growing concern for many parents.
This is one reason the camps have such value. They give the children something of the normality they have lost, though the team often say that at the start of each week many of them struggle socially. Please do pray for the camps in the weeks ahead, and for the lasting impact they may have on these young lives mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Finally, Bohdan shared that each night he reads the Bible and prays with his children before bed. Every day he reminds them that they are here only by God’s grace and mercy, and tells them that tomorrow is never guaranteed but they need not be afraid. This is the reality the team are living in, and the faithful spirit in which they continue to serve during this time of war.
Thank you for your ongoing support and prayer. It is truly appreciated.
Every blessing.
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
P.S. It costs around £35 for one child to attend a non-residential camp week. This covers two meals, drinks, snacks, and all activities. We need to send $25,000 to meet these costs, so if you can contribute in any way, we would be very grateful. This link can show you more info……Hope Lebedyn's page | Stewardship
