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Dear Friends,
Ukraine has been in the news a lot recently, with the hope of peace coming through the planned talks of world leaders. Sadly, all it has done is intensified Russian military activity throughout Ukraine especially in the Sumy region. Power stations were hit this week, leaving 100,000 homes without electricity. Bohdan needed to go to Sumy City for supplies, but found that many of the businesses had closed and moved to the west. Also, there are more military in the city than civilians and more buildings destroyed than left standing.
The pictures above show Sumy university completely destroyed as all educational facilities have been deliberately targeted. The last photo shows the main building as it stood, and then in the others you can see the damage done. It will take years to restore these buildings. Within the Lebedyn church there are quite a few young people enrolled to start at the university in September, but now this will be impossible. We are not sure what will happen for these young students and Bohdan has asked for us to pray for these young adults.
Families are still fleeing the region hoping to find a safer place to live and start anew. We do not know what effect this will have on our volunteer teams or activities that are being held at the Centre, but it seems that as some move out, more displaced Ukrainians move in. This last Sunday, the church prayed over all the children for safety and asking God to bless and protect them is these difficult days.
The team are back from their holidays, and are now planning and preparing for this next season. Bread has been baked, with loaves distributed to the neighbouring college housing the refugees, which was hugely popular. Medical aid has been agreed and we are now awaiting delivery which is encouraging news.
Valentyn’s new homegroup flourishes as young people in the town want to meet together to find a bit of normality. Already 5 people want to be baptised from this new group.
Bohdan is struggling with his allergies which are heightened now due to harvesting. Even the doctors do not know what to give him to relieve symptoms as they seem quite extreme and sleep becomes an issue. He has requested prayer to enable him to be able to carry his responsibilities through this period.
Schools, clubs and all other activities start at the beginning of September for the children and youth, services to refugees remain ongoing, and the love shown to all around continues at all times. People are sceptical that a peace deal can ever been achieved, so please continue to pray that a lasting and just peace can become a reality for them.
Thank you all for your continued prayer and financial support. It is so appreciated.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
