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Dear Friends,
Thankfully, this week there have been no major direct missile strikes on Lebedyn, which has given the team a little breathing space and time to catch up on some much-needed work.
At a time when power cuts are a constant problem, a major milestone was achieved this week when all the bread was baked using the newly installed solar energy system! Everything worked without a problem, proving just how valuable this will be for the ongoing work, particularly through the winter. A very special thank you to everyone who specifically donated towards making this possible.
The bread was distributed throughout the week, with queues of over 100 people lining up for help. Over 500 were given out, with the remaining bread taken to the centre for internally displaced people, who were so grateful for the help and support. They also held a meeting there.. We also took delivery for more flour and ingredients ready to bake more in the coming weeks
Vital medical supplies were also obtained and delivered to Larisa’s orphanage, where many of the children are currently unwell. In fact, today Bohdan had to help take five children to the hospital in Sumy, all suffering from allergic reactions. These were all young girls, either orphaned or abandoned, and apparently the noise in the car was quite incredible! I think Bohdan had his hands full on that journey!
This weekend, Bohdan will be visiting Okhtyrka to speak at the church there, which was bombed early in the war. They have particularly asked for help in the surrounding rural areas, so he will spend time finding out what the needs are and how we might be able to help.
He will then travel to Trostianets, once a thriving town with a large church, but now devastated by bombing and facing so much need. Please do pray for Bohdan as he makes these visits, for his safety and wisdom in knowing how best to help.
One of our most pressing needs is for the aid currently stuck in Poland. Many pallets of vital supplies, including food and hygiene products, are waiting to be released and delivered. These supplies are desperately needed, so please pray that they will soon be on their way.
There is so much happening each day, with all the regular clubs and activities continuing, and next week sees the start of the first of our two autumn camps. These are always special weeks, but also anxious times for the team as they prepare, never quite knowing how the war might affect their plans. The truth is that, for so many of these children, the damage has already been done. The impact of the war on their young lives is heartbreaking. Loneliness, broken families, the loss or injury of loved ones, and the lack of normal social interaction have all taken their toll. Many have lost their confidence and, perhaps saddest of all, their happiness.
Helping these children deal with their trauma is incredibly difficult for the team, but what an encouragement it is to see the changes that can take place in just one week at camp! Time and again, children begin to come out of themselves, make friendships, laugh again, and rediscover some of the joy that childhood should bring. For some, it is the beginning of a new journey of faith, while for others simply being with children their own age can make such a difference.
Please do pray for these coming weeks, for the safety of everyone involved, strength for the team and, above all, that these children will experience something of God's love, peace and healing.
Many within the church and the wider community in Lebedyn are also struggling with loss and uncertainty within their own families. The ladies have particularly asked for prayer, as so many of their sons, husbands and relatives have been called up to fight. Communication is often very limited, leaving families anxiously waiting for news. Tears of worry and grief are sadly all too common. Please do remember these precious families in your prayers.
And even before the autumn camps have begun, we have already been making plans for Christmas!
Our hope is to organise:
The total cost of providing all the presents, equipment, food and travel for these activities will be $28,500. It is a significant amount, but when we think of what these children have been through, and the opportunity to bring some joy, hope and love into their lives at Christmas, it seems a small price to pay.
What a wonderful opportunity to remind these children that they are not forgotten and that there is still hope, even in the darkest of times.
Thank you so much for your continued prayers, generosity and faithful support. It really is appreciated, and we are so grateful for all that you make possible.
Every blessing,
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
If you would like to donate to Hope Lebedyn or support any of our projects, please visit Support us - Hope Lebedyn for more information.
