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Dear Friends,
We wanted to share with you about some of the recent work taking place in Lebedyn. You will also find a list of prayer items that we would be grateful if you could pray into with us.
We are so pleased to shared the good news that at the end of last week, our Mission Director Bohdan had to go the conscription office for an interview with his papers to see if he had to go and join the front line. In theory he should but the area commander has put in a good word for Bohdan and he has been given exemption and will receive within 4 weeks papers to confirm full and permanent exemption. His wife Alla is very relieved as you can imagine. So now we can plan with confidence the next season ahead.
The team are continuing to plan many new activities through the autumn of 2022, including a camp programme at the end of October and at Christmas. The work does not stop. The need is greater than ever and the risk seems to be as high as ever. Please keep upholding them in your prayers for safety and energy.
At the end of the week the teenagers met in their groups and although there were some sirens going off through the day we still had over 40 teenagers turn up to chat through things and receive some help where needed. They also had great fun!
It's been so wonderful to see the teenagers and older youth meet together at the centre, to come together for fellowship and discussions around faith. Furthermore, we've also been starting new home groups, plus study groups with the young people. Musical Sergey also hosts two groups mid-week as well with the children who help with the puppet theatre.
On Saturday, the team held the children’s club and family gatherings. Many turned up and much aid was distributed as you can see from the photos below. Alla is now running these with help from Valentine and Luba and of course Musical Sergey and the puppet theatre.
We also announced last week that we've had Luba and Alla join our team! Luba arrived from Kharkiv having worked with teenagers before and Alla, who has now taken over the children’s and family work! As well as all that is going on with the children and youth, Alla’s husband who has musical experience has helped to form a band with the young people.
Already they have made a huge impact to the work!
Our Mission Director Bohdan has informed me that the government want the children to go back to school, however, both parents and teachers are saying it is not safe as Russians are targeting schools and there is currently no provision of bomb shelters. Parents and teachers are angry and tensions are rising because of this. Please pray for wise decisions and for the protection of both the children and teachers.
Covid has become very prevalent in the area, with many who are now suffering with it. This is starting to fill the hospitals with very few doctors around now to help. Only around 25% of the people will be vaccinated out there. Please pray for those impacted by Covid, for their healing and for protection to stop its spread.
Bohdan was due to take his daughter Zoryana to the doctor for her 3-month check-up. Unfortunately, when they arrived they were told that their family doctor had been conscripted and is fighting on the frontline whilst helping with medics there. There was no alternative given. He also told me that
Please pray for the many people who have been conscripted and fighting on the frontline. Pray for their safety and for their families.
Over the years we have held computer workshops to help the community since many do not have access to computers or Wi-Fi. Our computers are now very old and need replacing. To fulfil our vision we really need to raise around $20,000 to get this all back up and running. Please pray for the provision of this funding so we can continue run workshops with different members and groups within the community.
The team have been working hard distributing aid to those in need. However, the need is still as great as ever and we still need more clothes, so please join us in praying for this.
The team are being resourceful and reaching out daily into the local communities to help. They will be giving much needed aid to villages and help through the rest of August, whereby some villages have people living in horrendous living conditions.
Our youth grow is continuing to grow as its a place where youth are permitted to gather. Our registered list now approaches 100! We've recently have had to purchase a further 40 chairs this week to accommodate the growth. 2,000 Bibles have now been shared out. We hope to find a supply for more soon (possibly at the end of October/early November) but please pray into this with us.
Every blessing,
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
