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Dear Friends,
This past weekend, the team hoped to spend the day with teenagers who had attended the summer camp. Sadly, Lebedyn and much of Sumy came under some of the most intense attacks yet. Many children returned home, while others sheltered at the Centre. After a while, activities were able to resume, and the 45 children who stayed had a wonderful time once things had calmed a little.
Sumy’s power grid has been badly damaged by the bombing, so our Centre is now connected to a special power line from the Poltava region. Soon this should be less of a concern: thanks to your generosity, solar panels are being installed this week, giving the Centre its own power source.
At this week’s trustees’ meeting, Bohdan shared more about events and rising tensions within the community. Anger is growing, fear is widespread, and people are facing another difficult winter with limited supplies and little or no power or heat. Around 75% of young men below conscription age want to leave the country, creating serious social and economic challenges for Ukraine. The older members of the team are also struggling as Pastor Sergey’s health deteriorates, along with Luda’s — Musical Sergey’s wife and chief cook. Please do pray for them.
At our meeting we were sadly missing one of our trustees Rev Eddie Lyle. Eddie went into hospital for significant planned heart surgery which was a success, but sadly another issue has materialised making him quite seriously ill. His wife and family has requested that those that are able willing would pray for Eddie and his full restoration.
As the new academic year begins, Musical Sergey continues to press on. He is putting together three new puppet-show teams, as many of the original team members have either left or grown too old to continue. His material is excellent, presenting Bible stories in a contemporary way and incorporating new music. Many children are eager to join, and the puppet shows will be taken to hospitals, orphanages and schools across the region.
This weekend is the church Harvest Festival, and on Saturday the team will bake bread to share with everyone attending, as well as with refugees. A few people in Samotoivka celebrated Harvest last weekend, but most stayed home as drones fell on the village. A few gathered after the service to eat together – see picture below. We hope and pray for a quieter weekend in Lebedyn.
The team remain undeterred and resolute in their vision and work . They are, of course, concerned for their families and loved ones, but their commitment to helping others is as strong as ever. Two more camps are being planned for the end of October, and further support is being arranged for Larisa and her orphanages, as Bohdan has more food to provide. Each week, many people come to services and special events, where they value being together, and finding help and support during this difficult time.
None of this would be possible without your financial and prayerful support — thank you. Please keep praying for safety and for peace to be restored to Ukraine.
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.
