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Dear Friends,
The fourth week of camps finished well. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and despite major problems with power, water, and local food supplies, the team was still able to do what was needed. Through creativity and perseverance, they completed everything planned, although not without some frustration.
At night, drones and bombs could be heard and were landing nearby, but during the day, remarkably, there was no activity. After one particularly difficult night, two children were not allowed to return, while others came after hearing the camp was running. Once again, the parents’ reactions were striking. Many remain angry and frustrated because of the war, and distrust is still high.
Click on the image below to watch our YouTube video of highlights from the camps of the children having a great time!
This week has been busy as the team catch up on plans for next week’s camp with the younger teenagers. We are expecting record numbers, which has surprised everyone.
Refugees continue to arrive in Lebedyn, but many cannot find somewhere to live, and all free accommodation has now gone. One woman from the Donetsk region arrived with nothing but used her savings to buy a small, run-down house—more like a shack made of wood and metal. She is trying to rebuild it, with neighbours helping her gather materials from bomb-damaged sites. The government has offered no support. We have provided food and supplies, and her daughter, Eva, was quickly given a place at camp with Farmer Sergey’s team so she could make friends and receive two meals each day. Sadly, situations like this are becoming increasingly common. The team have also been to many houses as well as people coming to the Centre for help.
With the power situation expected to worsen, we are looking into solar power so we can generate our own electricity. Installation is far cheaper than in the UK, but it would still be a major investment but enable us to be self-sufficient. Even so, it would enable the team in Lebedyn to keep baking bread and continue their work throughout the year.
Above is a picture of Natalie, who is profoundly deaf. She teaches sign language and currently has teaching contracts in the Netherlands. During the school holidays, she returned home to Lebedyn to visit family and was shocked by the changes in the community. Church members who teach local children and had worked with Natalie before invited her to join them at church, as she was clearly upset by what she had seen. On Sunday, she chose to follow Jesus and became a Christian. She now wants to be baptised before returning to the Netherlands. When the world offers no hope, people turn to the One who can.
Please continue to pray for the Teen camp next week, the team as they cope in difficult circumstances and all the work they do with all the services within the community.
Thank you for your continued support, especially to those who have recently given financial gifts. If you are a UK taxpayer and have not yet completed a Gift Aid form, please contact me, as we can claim an extra 25% of your gift from the government.
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
