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Dear Friends,
The team is taking two weeks of rest before the Autumn season begins after an incredibly busy summer. Pastor Andrew is still meeting with refugees, and with Pastor Sergey continuing to help, they have kept the Centre open. Bohdan and Alla were able to spend four days away with Zoryana, while the boys attended a camp in the Carpathian Mountains. Because of the nightly attacks, Zoryana has been experiencing night terrors, so a few nights in western Ukraine, away from the bombing, were truly refreshing.
Once again, Sumy has been the focus of heavy attacks this past week. Even during a video call on Wednesday morning, drones were flying overhead, and there seems to be no let-up. The good news is that, with our partners Ukraine Relief Aid, we have secured another truckload of aid for delivery in September. This is very encouraging, and will bring much-needed relief to many people suffering in the Lebedyn area. We also hear that many medical facilities, including hospitals, are moving whole departments to safer towns, making it increasingly difficult for people in and around Lebedyn to access basic medical care.
Larisa, who runs the orphanage, is finding life extremely difficult at the moment. Government funding continues to be reduced and staff are looking to move to safer areas, even though the main building has already been relocated to Synivka. Recruiting staff is a major challenge because only low salaries can be offered, as well as living so close to the front-line. Bohdan and the team have been able to give further help: in addition to buying fresh food as part of our three-month commitment, they also supported the rebuilding of the storeroom, with Lebedyn church purchasing the necessary building supplies. Please pray for Larisa as she carries the heavy responsibility of caring for these orphaned children while their numbers continue to grow.
Olga, the head teacher at the school where we held a camp in Hryntsevo, continues to be connected with the church. Valentine returns each week, even during the school holidays, to run a youth club for the children who attended the camp, and new young people are joining every week. Olga came to the church in Lebedyn on Sunday and spoke at the end of the service, thanking everyone for the help given to the school. She also shared that she wants to reconsider her faith and its relevance in her life.
Following the recent attacks, several senior members of the church are in hospital with heart issues. The fear and stress of everything happening around them has had a serious impact on their health.
As the team rests this week and next, please pray that they return refreshed and ready for a busy Autumn season. The government has apparently announced that all schools will offer free meals from September, but as Bohdan pointed out, this is of limited use when most children still have to study from home. The whole team was tired, so this time to recuperate is much needed.
Thank you for your prayers and financial support.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
If you would like to donate to Hope Lebedyn or support any of our projects, please visit Support us - Hope Lebedyn for more information.
