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Dear Friends,
After a week’s break, we’re back with plenty to share.
The situation in the Sumy region has worsened, leaving many villages without power or water. Energy stations and other places offering help and relief are being targeted. Schools are also under attack, which is especially concerning.
We had planned to hold a camp at the Centre last week, as we have done before. However, a last-minute change to the school holidays, announced the Saturday before, disrupted our plans after food and resources had already been bought. Undeterred, the team moved the camp to this week and instead took their activities, programme and food to five schools: Hyrntsevo, Vorozhba, Lebedinsky Bobryk, Prestaylove and Mezhyrych.
The children’s response and the welcome from school staff were wonderful. Staff even told Bohdan off for not visiting sooner or more often, and were eager for the team to return. They said they had not seen the children smile like that in a long time. The puppet theatre was a great success, and every child received a small gift, even if it was simply a piece of fresh fruit. The children also listened closely to Bible stories and joined in thoughtful discussions afterwards.
Throughout the week, Pastor Andrew continued supporting the various services and helping wherever possible, although a shortage of aid limits what we can do. The truck we are expecting is now at the Ukrainian border, waiting for permission to enter. Please pray it can cross soon, as the customs documents prepared by Bohdan and Alla are time limited.
After the week’s activities, Bohdan visited and spoke at the church in Okhtyrka, which we helped plant some time ago. Its building has since been destroyed. The leader of the remaining congregation invited Bohdan to speak and see conditions in the surrounding villages. He was shocked by the devastation and poverty. Small villages are virtually cut off, with no food supplies or transport and little heating. As soon as the aid arrives, the team will take supplies to help.
Sunday was also difficult, with drones and bombs striking the area. A football match involving Bohdan’s eldest son was cancelled because missiles were raining down on Sumy city, and play areas are being targeted. The everyday activities we take for granted for our children are simply not possible there.
The camp went ahead this week, and Bohdan says the children have been so excited to attend. After a day or so of settling in, there has been plenty of fun and laughter. During quieter moments, they have shared stories of their lives. One child said he now lives only with his mum. His dad died on the frontline a month ago, and other relatives had fled, leaving them unsure where they were. Similar stories have been shared throughout the camp.
Parents have been arriving earlier and earlier to collect their children, simply enjoying the chance to see them being children again. Many have shed tears of joy and gratitude, thanking the team and saying that “nobody else seems to care about the children like you do”. What a commendation!
Another thing that has been noted is that both last week and throughout this week, while the camps have been running, there have been no sirens or bombs in Lebedyn. Even people in the town have commented on this. For two days this week there was a power cut, which put the new solar panel system to the test. It worked seamlessly, and cooking for 100 people each day did not drain the power supply. This has been such a great asset to the work.
Parents are already asking about Christmas plans. Schools want the team to return, and others are calling after hearing about the visits. Head teachers are requesting more help and resources, and many are reading the Bibles left with them. Olga from Hyrntsevo now regularly attends Sunday services at the church in Lebedyn.
As we wait for aid, we are planning for Christmas and working out what is practical and affordable. There seems to be no time to pause.
Thank you all for your generous support and continued prayers
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.
