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Dear Friends,
This past week has been challenging as the intensity of shelling and drone activity is getting more regular and consistent. Every night is broken with the sound of explosions and now the days have this happening too. So far the Ukrainian military have shot down all missiles, but this has caused fires and debris damage across the town and wider region. Last Saturday evening was the worst it has been, which was frightening for all.
The reason for this increased activity is that Russian troops are advancing into the Sumy region. The map above, published by the Institute for the Study of War, shows in blue the alarming advancement being made. There is a large black dot south west of Sumy city where Lebedyn is, and this shows why Lebedyn is becoming such a target. I showed this map to Bohdan and he concurred that this is how they see everything happening.
Despite everything, the team has visited many villages to deliver bread and aid. Unfortunately, one or two villages near Samotoivka were inaccessible because they are now under Russian control. The aid distributed is bringing much joy.
Getting flour has been difficult since our supplier went out of business. Even though we didn’t ask for help, word got around about the shortage, and people started showing up (see picture below) to donate their own flour so we could keep baking bread for the community. It’s truly an inspiring example of spontaneous generosity!
The teen and kid’s clubs over last weekend were amazing, with Bohdan reporting that numbers were very high and children in good spirits after the camp week.
The team has spent this week preparing for an ambitious summer designed to bring fun and relief to children. There are currently plans for 6 camps, including one at a village school, another for children with special needs, and 4 for those living in and around Lebedyn who experience the daily challenges of war. More updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Please pray for:
We deeply appreciate your ongoing support and prayers. Recently, we have received several financial gifts from generous individuals, but we may not have your contact information to personally thank you. If you make a donation, please do let us know so we can express our gratitude and check if your gift qualifies for gift aid, which could increase the impact of your contribution.
Thank you all once again.
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
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,
There is much news to update you with for both information and prayer so I will try and keep this as short as possible!
Lebedyn area is truly under the grip of attack in this war. Daily sirens with drone and missile attacks spread fear into the community, and they are all happening with more regularity and seemingly more danger. On Wednesday, a text came through informing that the town was under serious attack from drones so shelter was sought. All 10 drones were shot down with no human injuries. The only exception to noise of war was the Easter camp week. The weekends before and after were difficult and dangerous, as were many of the nights of the camp, but thankfully no drones or missiles arrived during the camp hours themselves. On the Friday, as you can see in the photo above, the children had to base themselves in the bomb shelter for a few hours as air raid sirens sounded, but they saw this as an adventure rather than a danger.
Each new child attending the camp received a personal copy of the Jesus Storybook Bible, along with additional books as shown in the image below.
Attendance averaged 85 children per day, and highlights from their activities are presented in this brief video. Please click on the image below to watch....
Obtaining food is becoming increasingly difficult, particularly in village areas. In recent weeks, our team has visited several villages and rural communities where bread has not been available for quite some time. During these visits, the team distributed 200 loaves of bread, which was deeply appreciated by all those that received them.
Unfortunately, our supply of emergency food bags has been depleted, and it is necessary to prepare more, especially for these regions. Each emergency bag costs approximately £25 and can feed a small family or couple for a week. We hope to send additional funds soon to support this effort. Our goal is to create a further 500 bags.
A challenge we are facing is that many suppliers are shutting down due to poor trade or direct effects from the war. For instance, our flour manufacturer has closed, which puts us in a difficult position since the bread we distribute is vital for so many people. We urgently need to find a new supplier to continue providing this lifeline.
During Easter, the youth participated in an "Acts of Kindness" activity, which encouraged them to perform at least one kind act for a family member. The experience proved both rewarding and transformative for them. Inspired by these results, they have decided to extend the initiative: now, each young person will carry out an act of kindness for a stranger and seek to develop a meaningful connection. The success of the project was celebrated with a pizza party, acknowledging all their accomplishments.
An increasing number of schools are inviting the team to visit together with the puppet theatre. Rural schools are hosting them more frequently than those in larger towns. During each visit, they bring cakes and treats for the children and present special events and shows that share Bible stories.
Children in Lebedyn attend school in person just one day each week, with the remainder of their education taking place online. When they are at school, all lessons occur in cold underground bunkers without any chance for play, which the children find unpleasant. Children are really struggling to find any structure and happiness in going to school.
Please continue to pray for:
Please keep the people of Lebedyn and Sumy in your prayers as those remaining face severe hardship.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers, financial support and encouragement given - it is so appreciated and much needed.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
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,
Once again, this has been another week in which many drones and missiles have been active in the region. Thankfully, the town of Lebedyn has been spared, although nearby villages and suburbs have been impacted. All activities at the Centre have been able to continue, for which we are very thankful.
Bohdan shared that there is a growing sense of despondency in the town, as it seems that almost every day brings another funeral for a young life lost in this war. Nearly every funeral this past week has been for men aged between 20 and 25. It is truly heartbreaking.
The team are excitedly preparing for next week’s camp for children aged 7–11. So far, over 65 are registered, although more are expected to arrive. With spring here, many families are considering leaving the area due to the ongoing dangers, so the team never knows the exact number until the day. Nevertheless, they are working hard to make the site look special as they welcome the children on Monday. Parents have placed their trust in the team to give their children a joyful experience, especially as they are no longer able to attend school.
The new oven is now up and running, and it has already made production much easier. In the picture above, you can see Svetlana (in blue) taking bread out of the oven. She gave up a day’s work as a lawyer and judge to bake bread for those in need. Tomorrow, the team are heading out to nearby villages with bread and food parcels to support those affected by recent bombings. Another Ukrainian volunteer organisation has also asked for help in reaching large families, many of whom are malnourished and in need of both food and support. Bohdan and the team will provide bread and supplies and then arrange follow-up visits to offer ongoing care.
The services went well this week, and Bohdan has been in touch with Valentina, whom we have mentioned in previous updates. Her son was recently injured and required significant specialist surgery in Kharkiv. Thankfully, the first operation was successful. However, although further operations are needed, he has already been sent back to the frontline.
Similarly, Nikolai, a close friend of Sasha, was injured and had shrapnel lodged in his leg. He needed an operation to remove it, but due to a shortage of doctors, this could not be carried out, and he too was sent back to the battlefield. Sadly, it now appears he has developed a serious infection and may lose his leg. There is a deep sense of fear among young men and women, as the intensity of the fighting continues without relief.
On Tuesday, a lady called Luda (pictured below) came to one of the services. We mentioned her in a recent update, as she had returned home from the battlefield after giving birth to her daughter, Veronica, and asked the team to pray a prayer of dedication and blessing. She has remained in contact, and her mother, Antonia, has also come to the Centre for help, receiving bread after attending a service. Antonia has since become a Christian and is now helping to serve bread to others.
Luda is currently struggling greatly with anxiety, as she may have to return to the frontline. Her husband, Artum, was captured a year ago, and there has been no news of his whereabouts since. If anything were to happen to Luda, Veronica could grow up without knowing either of her parents. Antonia is understandably distressed, as she would have to care for the baby. She has already lost one daughter to diabetes as a teenager before the war, and fears losing her only remaining child. This family represents so many others across Ukraine. Please do pray for Luda, and for all those with children at war or who have suffered such deep loss.
The team themselves are in good health overall, although Bohdan has asked for prayer for his three boys, who have all suddenly developed high temperatures without any other symptoms. Zoryana remains well.
With our love and thanks for your continued prayers and support,
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
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,
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
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,
Earlier this week, a drone approached the Centre with its target set on a petrol station just fifty metres away - you can see the damage in the photo above. The force of the blast shook nearby buildings, and Lyuba and her husband, Costa, saw the impact first-hand from their window, as it happened close to their apartment.
Unfortunately, radar systems did not detect the drone, so there was no warning. We are grateful that everyone is safe and unharmed, though the petrol station is now out of service. Whilst the Centre felt the shockwave, it sustained no damage. Now, both petrol stations in Lebedyn have been struck, leaving the town without fuel. Thankfully, the team has spare supplies to last for a short while. This is life in Lebedyn, day and night, yet the team remains as active as ever.
The bakery received its new oven, having to remove doors and their frames to fit the large appliance inside. They aimed to have it operational by Thursday (yesterday), as they will be visiting a village today where resources are depleted and many elderly residents struggle to access food. As such, our food bags are essential for them. Finding the same variety of groceries as before the war has become increasingly difficult, with inflation continuing to rise. Each food bag, which once cost about $17, now exceeds $30. Three out of four regional food wholesalers have closed, making it even more challenging for us to obtain bulk foods.
Recently, we renewed separate registrations for the church and mission centre, obtaining government approval to distribute humanitarian aid. With leadership changes and ongoing conflict, proper documentation was essential. Svetlana, our resident lawyer and now local judge, reviewed the new laws and confirmed that both entities have "Critical Status," granting them certain exemptions and benefits. We are currently working on an issue that could greatly benefit our efforts; Bohdan requests prayers as we research further. Details will be shared once confirmed.
Last Sunday, Valentine was ordained as a deacon in the church. In Ukraine, the government recognises only two levels of church leadership: Pastor and Deacon. Now, Valentine is authorised to conduct weddings and funerals. His journey has been remarkable—despite a difficult childhood, Valentine came to the Centre as a youth, became a Christian, and underwent leadership training at Kyiv Theological Seminary. Witnessing his progress is truly amazing. Below, you’ll find a photo of Valentine’s ordination by the three pastors, alongside an image of Nikita, Vika, and Dasha, three other young people following in Valentine’s footsteps. They’re shown singing and leading worship at church. Currently, Nikita and Vika are participating in baptismal classes and all will assist with the upcoming Easter camp as leaders, where we anticipate nearly 100 children joining in for a memorable experience together.
Bohdan has requested prayers for the young people mentioned above, for preparations for camp, and for enough helpers since many former volunteers have left. He also asks for support for Micha, our live-in caretaker, and his family, who are relocating to another country to join their relatives. Both Micha and his wife will be deeply missed, as she played a vital role in every camp we organised.
Lastly, wood stoves are being distributed to families who require reliable heating and a means to cook. Lyuba, shown below, recently returned to the church and attended weekday aid services. She is a widow whose children have moved away from home. Her son, Ratislav, is currently serving on the front lines; he is the only surviving member of his platoon and, due to security reasons, she cannot communicate with him. Lyuba became a Christian after participating in these services and has since taken an active role at the centre. She is so appreciative for receiving the wood stove, which will be invaluable to her.
We are so grateful for your continued prayers and financial support as without them we would not be writing updates like this where we have seen prayer answered. Thank you!
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
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,
During the past week, there has been a constant presence of drones and missile activity in the vicinity of the town. The majority of incidents have occurred in the suburbs, primarily targeting fuel and power infrastructure; as a result, the central area of the town has largely been unaffected by direct strikes, though the impacts remain both audible and noticeable throughout the community.
The team continues to do remarkable work despite the persistently cold, snowy, and icy conditions. Clubs for children, teens, and youth have all carried on, but as many people are leaving the region due to safety concerns, it has become increasingly difficult to find helpers and volunteers—something Bohdan has requested prayers for.
The bakery has been busy once again distributing bread at the Centre during Tuesday’s services, as well as at the college accommodating internally displaced individuals. On Thursday, the bakery team prepared small bread treats, cakes, and pies for soldiers and their families, who always express appreciation for the fresh food provided. Installation of the new oven in the kitchens is scheduled for today, which will enable increased production capacity.
We have had donated by Mission Eurasia, 16 wood stoves to distribute to those most in need within the region. These stoves are intended for villages where food and heating requirements are especially critical. Victor and Bohdan are developing an operational plan for proper installation during the donation process. Additionally, we have provided further funding for additional food bags designed to sustain a family of four for one week. Bohdan is collaborating with village and small-town leaders to identify families in greatest need to ensure we get to the right people.
Thank you to all who joined us in prayer over this past weekend. It was good to hear from the team and what was going on first hand in Lebedyn. We also posted and shared our new video about Hope Lebedyn on the 24th February the anniversary of the war. You can see that post on the website here.
We have had so many encouraging comments about the new video, so please do share this with others.
Thank you all for the support and prayers, and as this war sadly goes into a 5th year we must continue to stand united in our efforts to pray for peace and an end to this conflict.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
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.
Four years ago, Ukraine was plunged into turmoil when Russia launched a full-scale invasion, startling the Western world. The idea of one European nation invading another seemed unimaginable. Now, after four years of ongoing conflict, countless lives have been lost, many people have been displaced, and an entire generation has grown up without knowing peace.
When the war began, Hope Lebedyn didn't step back—it stepped forward! Why? Because it's about family. Paul writes in Corinthians: "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it." With the support of many devoted supporters, the team expanded its efforts to meet the challenges in Lebedyn and the Sumy region.
More than 30 camps have been organised for children and teenagers, tens of thousands of loaves have been distributed, nearly 100 tons of aid provided, wood stoves supplied, as well as thousands of emergency food and hygiene kits. Support and services have been offered to refugees, orphanages, and hospitals, representing only a portion of the ongoing efforts to assist those in need. Despite these initiatives, significant needs remain unmet. Poverty continues to worsen, and many individuals are seeking hope—hope for peace, an end to violence, and ultimately, for greater meaning. The work and outreach persist, with a central aim to present the true source of hope: Jesus Christ.
There is a danger that after 4 years of war we become fatigued by all we see. It can become old news. But for the people in Ukraine, it is very much today’s news. The bible tells us in Galatians “ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Let’s keep supporting people in Ukraine through practical efforts and prayer. The video above shares more details.
Thank you!
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
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,
THANK YOU! As we mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the trustees of Hope Lebedyn extend their deepest appreciation for your continued support, especially for the team working in Lebedyn. Many of you have stood by us throughout these four challenging years, witnessing not only heartache, sadness, and tragedy, but also moments of joy, love, and remarkable kindness. This journey would not have been possible without your prayers, financial support, or both. Your loyalty, compassion, and generosity toward those in the Sumy region mean so much to us. War affects every aspect of life, and while we remain hopeful and continue to pray for peace, we recognise that our work will be just beginning as we seek to help people rebuild and recover from all they have endured.
Tuesday night was probably the worst night of the four years. The sky lit up as over 20 missiles and drones targeted key areas of Lebedyn. Thankfully, the team and all the buildings are safe and intact but in the suburban areas of Lebedyn one area has been heavily hit. Quite a few people from the church live in this area, and it was in fact the area Bohdan used to live in. We are so grateful that there were no fatalities, although it was hugely frightening with Bohdan’s house shaking all through the night.
The temperature rose for one day this week, climbing from extreme lows of around -25°C. This brief warm spell brought rain that melted the heavy snow on the ground. As shown in the pictures below, this led to significant flooding across the town. However, within 12 hours, the temperature dropped again to -15°C, resulting in black ice everywhere and making travel difficult.
Samotoivka was hit badly during Tuesday when Veronica (Pastor Andrew’s wife ) was there for work. The school was bombed and completely razed to the ground. The team went out to help, also visiting the villages near Samotoivka as there have been no food deliveries for weeks and consequently there is little food to eat. Nobody wants to visit there as the road conditions are terrible and cars have been shot at. However, the team took bread from the bakery which was a welcome sight.
With support from our partners at Mission Eurasia, 16 wood-burning stoves are being provided to offer heat and a place to cook food especially when electricity is unavailable. These stoves will be delivered to families most in need, likely within village communities.
During the weekend, alongside youth clubs and meetings, the church hosted a mini-conference focused on effective evangelism during times of war. The guest speaker and his wife stayed throughout the weekend, departing on Monday, and they inspired everyone who attended. More than ten leaders from other regional churches participated, providing encouragement to Bohdan. All 50+ attendees left feeling uplifted and motivated to put what they learned into practice.
On Wednesday, I learned that Bohdan’s father passed away unexpectedly from natural causes unrelated to the war. The funeral was also held that afternoon since the morgues are full due to casualties from the conflict, so burials happen quickly. On Thursday, he was already back in the office, and helping the team clear everything due to heavy overnight snow as they have a service he is speaking at later today. Please keep Bohdan and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
This update highlights the range of experiences people have encountered each week, from enduring pain and grief in challenging circumstances, to finding joy in shared activities and assisting others. Over the past four years of this conflict, resilience has been evident despite ongoing fatigue, sustained by hope and faith during these times. We truly appreciate your continued support and partnership—it has been invaluable throughout this period.
If you’re able to attend, we look forward to seeing you at our prayer service at 4pm on Saturday, 21 February at Victoria Baptist Church in Eastbourne. We welcome everyone, but if you can’t join us in person, we can share an online link so you may participate remotely. Please note that the service isn’t open to the general public online; you’ll need the link to access it.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
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
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,
With temperatures approaching -30C and power outages occurring throughout the day, the severe weather conditions are significantly impacting residents. Many homes in the region lack proper construction and insulation, resulting in frequent issues with burst pipes. Due to limited financial resources, many affected individuals are unable to afford repairs; consequently, teams organised by the church under Victor’s supervision have been assisting with necessary plumbing and heating fixes. Concurrently, despite announcements of a ceasefire and ongoing peace negotiations, drones have continued to strike residential buildings and power infrastructure in the area.
The team is doing their best to provide aid and food despite power outages, which have halted bread baking for now. Over the weekend, children and youth still gathered at the Centre without power, sitting, talking, and singing worship songs by candlelight. Bohdan said it was amazing times as they sat, talked, worshipped, and sang worship songs under candlelight. He said that just because there is no power or heating there is no reason to not meet.
On Tuesday, the team delivered additional bedding to the hospital, as these items are not provided and many patients lack access to sufficient resources. Today, the team were scheduled to visit the school for individuals with additional and special needs, bringing both a puppet show and essential aid. Over the weekend, pending weather conditions, they will attempt to reach several deprived villages that have been largely neglected and face severe shortages of food supplies.
Additional food supplies have been provided to Larisa to support her efforts with the two orphanages under her management. In Sumy city, her orphanage continues to care for 30 children who spend their days at the facility but must relocate to designated safe houses each night. Coordinating these daily operations presents a significant logistical challenge.
Previously, I shared the remarkable story of Svetlana, her journey, and her management of the local bakery. Unfortunately, the bakery closed for good this past week due to ongoing challenges—no electricity, limited food supplies, and customers unable to spend money on non-essential goods. Svetlana has generously offered us all her bakery equipment, which is of higher quality than ours, so that we can continue and expand the bakery’s work and mission. She is offering it to us at a special price, and we believe it will allow us to double our bread production. Bohdan will meet her over the weekend to find out how much she wants for this equipment. Meanwhile, Svetlana’s husband has been forced to flee the country, leaving her behind as she pursues studies to become a judge in the area.
As both a church and mission centre in Lebedyn, it is always amazing to celebrate the Christian faith that guides their work. Zhenya, the adopted daughter of Pastor Andrew and Veronica, has endured a difficult past—her adoption story is heartbreaking, and she struggled for years with social interaction and severe anxiety. However, since moving to Lebedyn to be part of this ministry, Zhenya has gradually begun to change for the better. Her personality and true spirit have started to shine. On Wednesday, she asked to meet with Bohdan and decided to commit her life to following Jesus. She has become a different person, now smiling and making friends. Andrew and Veronica are overjoyed by her transformation. Even amid the pain of war, happiness can still be found.
Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers—they truly make a difference to both our work and everyone's safety. 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.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
