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Dear Friends,
This has been a week where the team has seen both the quiet and the noise of war . On Monday, the team managed to get a day off. There were no sirens all day and no threat of military activity. There was an unusual peace. It meant Bohdan had time to spend with Zoryana giving Alla a break. Bohdan said that it was an oasis and reminded him of times before the war. It had been snowing, so as you can see from the picture above, he took Zoryana out on their sled!
However, the weekend had sirens throughout and then on Wednesday a message was sent round to close all schools and workplaces in the area due to impending missiles attacks. They stayed closed for the rest of the week.
Much of the work this past week has been focused on the elderly and vulnerable, as well as giving more seeds out. As people sat around drinking tea they shared stories, each one knowing families deeply affected by the war. People are becoming angrier and show bitterness about what is going on.
After school this week, the Centre has held some English classes. Parents are keen for children to learn some English, and it is not possible to do this at school as all lessons plans are disrupted by school closures.
Before the war the Centre organised sewing classes and workshops. For many people they rely on this for making clothes they otherwise couldn’t afford. Alongside this they would make bedding to take round to the hospital. In Lebedyn hospital they do not provide bedding or food – you must take your own in and for many that are on their own this is simply not possible. They have also been making bedding for those that are displaced and arriving in the town with nothing. This week the team have been back action sewing and training some people along the way as you can see below.
Of course, the usual things like giving aid when we can obtain it has been handed out as well.
Some of the team and family are unwell and Bohdan has asked for prayers for them. His own boys, especially their youngest have had high temperatures with no other apparent symptoms. Musical Sergey has been under the weather for a while, but suddenly took a turn for the worst. He has been taken into Sumy hospital with heart issues and high blood sugars. Apparently, he is quite poorly but they are doing investigations as to what is going on.
We have been preparing for some meetings coming up, and it was amazing to recap over some of what has been done over this past year and how God has answered prayer in peoples lives. The testimonies have been quite astonishing and will be shared over the next few weeks.
Thank you for all your ongoing support and prayers. The team really appreciate them.
Every blessing,
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
