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Dear Friends,
Lebedyn has faced another week of heavy missile and drone attacks. These strikes now occur both during the day and at night, although only one has impacted the town centre. Most attacks target power and fuel facilities, as well as suspected military locations. A small village just a few kilometres from Lebedyn was completely destroyed, prompting the team to provide aid wherever possible.
Last Friday, Bohdan and his team visited the small town of Prystaylov after being invited by the mayor. They hosted a service, performed a puppet show, and distributed aid to residents. Many families in Prystaylov live in poverty and have limited access to shops or supplies. Although there was no heating in the community centre, over 50 families attended, bundled up against the cold, and were deeply affected by the event. The families appreciated the emergency food bags and requested Bibles, which the team provided. The mayor has invited Bohdan and his team to return, and they hope to visit again during the Easter period.
Anna arrived in Lebedyn in 2014 with her three children and her mother after fleeing Donetsk when the war began. We helped her find accommodation. She was separated from her husband, who had to stay behind and fight, and she has not heard from him in many years—she does not even know if he is still alive. Anna and her family came to faith through the Centre’s work. Unfortunately, Anna is now seriously ill, and it is difficult to get proper medical care because many doctors are working near the frontlines. Anna’s only option is to go to the hospital in Sumy, which is a dangerous journey and place to be. Andrew and Bohdan have asked us to pray for her.
Yesterday turned out to be a positive day—the new oven was installed and successfully tested by specialist electricians. Meanwhile, word spread that children’s Easter camp registration was opening, which led to a line forming outside the Centre as parents hoped to secure spots for their kids. Demand is expected to exceed capacity, and finding enough helpers remains difficult since so many people are leaving the area. The camp is scheduled to begin on Monday the 30th, if all goes as planned.
The teenagers were challenged to spend the next week focusing on helping their parents instead of themselves. Bohdan’s phone has been busy with parents reaching out, surprised at how helpful their children have become! Those who finish all the tasks will be rewarded with cake and a drink at the local café. Many young people have lost touch with communication and socialising skills at home, so this initiative aims to encourage them to think about others, serve their families, and experience the benefits. It’s clear that the effort is having a positive impact.
Last Sunday marked a significant turning point for the church in Lebedyn as Pastor Sergey officially retired, passing all church responsibilities to Pastor Andrew under Bohdan’s general leadership. Sergey's health has been poor recently, prompting his decision to step down. His wife, Luba, is also seriously ill and has been hospitalised in Kyiv for three weeks, with no set date for her return home. When she does come back, she will require care. We plan to send Sergey a retirement gift for him to enjoy, and we ask you to keep him in your prayers during this transition—it is not easy for him to leave behind the ministry he founded.
Over the years, Sergey has acted as a spiritual father to many and, thanks to his dedication, the church has reached its current state. He always encouraged young people, showed kindness to those in need with a hug and a kiss, and developed future leaders while raising his own family of nine children. His influence has greatly blessed people in both Ukraine and the UK.
Now, it is time for Sergey to spend his days with loved ones. He hopes to see peace return and continues to pray earnestly for his community and country. We invite you to join him in these prayers. Although Sergey is retiring, he will continue attending church and offering help where possible, so he won’t be far from us.
Thank you again for your ongoing support and prayers—they mean so much to us.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
