If you would like to support us financially you can do so below. Remember, if you are a UK taxpayer, please confirm that you would like us to claim Gift Aid on your donation. This will add 25p to every £1 you give.
Dear Friends,
Another week has passed with temperatures plunging to brutally cold levels, sometimes below -30°C. Over the weekend, there was no power or water as severe weather persisted, a result of ongoing attacks on power stations. Although this situation has hindered work, it has certainly not lessened their determination.
Last Saturday, the teen youth clubs in the evening had to be cancelled as it was just too unsafe, but children’s clubs held during the day continued with very high numbers. They also took the puppet show and mission team to the local school for children with special and additional needs. Parents were there with the children intently listening and enjoying all that was going on, even though they had to hold it in the bomb shelter. Presents and aid were given out.
Throughout the week, various services were held and food bags distributed to those in need, especially widows, elderly, and disabled individuals living in difficult conditions. Wood-fired stoves provide heat and a means to cook, but wood is increasingly expensive and scarce as forests have been sold to private investors to help the government pay for the war. A Mennonite charity recently delivered wood to several households and may offer further assistance. We are also coordinating with Mission Eurasia to possibly purchase more wood-burning stoves and are currently exploring this option. These cost around £200 per stove to be fitted.
We were thrilled to buy an oven from Svetlana’s closing bakery, which will help us double our capacity. After power was restored on Tuesday, the team managed to bake more than 300 loaves of bread again this week.
The team hopes that all clubs and activities scheduled for the weekend will proceed as planned. Additionally, a mini conference focused on effective evangelism during wartime is being held at the Centre. The main speaker, a missionary from Odessa, will be travelling to join the event. Bohdan has requested prayers for this gathering.
On Friday, before this event takes place, the team will continue offering assistance to local villages. This time, they're heading to a school in Grintseve, located about 35 kilometres away. During their Christmas visit, they observed the urgent needs within this village. The roads are hazardous, even without the severe cold, but the team plans to bring both a puppet show and food aid, as parents will join their children at the school for the occasion.
As another reminder, with the 4th anniversary of the war approaching, please don't forget our prayer service at 4pm on Saturday 21st February, at Victoria Baptist Church in Eastbourne.. We would be delighted to have as many people join us as possible.
Please continue to pray for the team's safety, for power to be able to do everything they want, and of course for peace at this time.
Thank you for all your kind gifts and ongoing prayer support -they are so appreciated.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
