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Dear Friends,
What a week it was last week! Increased military activity, the threat of nuclear destruction, hailstones the size of marbles, sweltering heat and then the coldest day on record for this time of year!
Bohdan told me earlier that week 2 of the summer camps has been the most challenging week they have ever had. On Monday, over 30 more children than planned turned up. As they were playing sirens rang out as the whole Sumy region was under serious attack. In the end, they had to cut the day short to get children home safely. Tuesday was a sweltering day with temperatures hitting mid 30’s. By the end of the day, Ukraine’s President was making announcements on Twitter and on local radio that they suspected that Russia would bomb the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and nobody would be safe from the fall out. So far this has not happened, but in the news we see a lot of discussion around this issue.
On Wednesday, they wondered whether they would get any children attending due to the messages that were released, but all came back. The children arrived with missiles firing in the region, so the first hour or so was spent in the bomb shelter. Bohdan said it was very tight and over 100 people in the shelter was very cramped. By 11.00am they were all out and back on schedule, but the heavens opened with a massive hailstorm which hurt if you were out in it! Bohdan text me to say “missiles and rockets in the morning and hail in the afternoon – everything is raining on us!”
Here are some pictures…..
The good news is that Thursday, there were no sirens and no rain! The trampoline pictured below caused one accident. That was with Bohdan’s son Lubomir, who fell and damaged his teeth!!
More pictures to enjoy from the camp!
Pastor Andrew in Samotoivka has been under enormous pressure as there has been lots of bombing and gunfire in his area. All are currently safe, but it has been nerve wracking at times.
Many others stay connected with Bohdan from around the country. One of those people is Pastor Elijah who went to college with Bohdan and is based in Berdyansk, which is under Russian occupation. He has been captured 6 times, and tortured for information and to make him stop helping other people. He is now under house arrest so that neither he nor his young family can escape to safety. They have been told they will be shot if they try to escape. He has asked that we pray for them as a family.
On Thursday, while the camp is running Bohdan, met with a soldier who asked to talk and for help. He has seen so much on the frontline it has had a deep impact into his life. He has asked Bohdan to pray with him. People still come to the Centre for help with food and clothes, and they are helped whenever they can.
On other team news, Sasha is not doing that well. He suffers with an acute condition and this wet and unpredictable weather does not help his immune system. Svetlana is doing very well and Bohdan has said she has fitted into the team quickly. “Farmer Sergey” this Sunday is being ordained as a deacon and onto the leadership of the church and Centre following his graduation. He is very excited, as are we, with this news.
Thank you so much for those of you that have supported the appeal letter we sent out. In 2 weeks we have raised 50% of the total which is staggering.
This week there are no camps planned which will give the team a chance to breathe, and to be able to catch up other things. It is unknown as yet whether the camp for those with disability will be able to go ahead due to the increased military activity, but after week's break the camp starts for the teenagers.
Thanks so much for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated.
Every blessing,
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
