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Dear Friends,
Happy New Year to you all and thank you so much for all your prayers and support over this past festive season. It has been very busy for the team in Lebedyn and I have been so encouraged by all that has been achieved. There is much to catch you all up with, but I will try and keep it as brief as possible.
The 21st saw the team not only do all the usual church services but went to help soldiers and their families with aid.
On the 22nd, the team visited Shtepivka, where demand for the special needs children’s centre had grown due to the war's impact. The centre now operates in two-week shifts, alternating between younger and older children. Due to educational limitations of these children, Musical Sergey had simplified the puppet show which was held in 2 sittings in the bomb shelter as air raid sirens rang out. The children loved this. Each child was given one of the Jesus Story Book Bibles and presents, and aid was given to the school, including school uniforms that were sent in our recent aid truck.
The next few days the team got ready for Christmas Day and prepared for the camp. On Christmas Eve they feasted together at the end of the day as a team.
Christmas Day was cancelled by the government and everyone had to work. After work they held a Christmas service, and the Centre was overflowing with people. Pastor Andrew took the service – his first Christmas service as part of the team. All chairs were used and it was standing room only!
On Boxing Day, the team visited Larisa and the children at the orphanage, as you can see in the photo at the top of this page. The current conditions have been challenging, and building work is needed to better accommodate the children and welcome more in future. The puppet show was performed, and the promised food aid was delivered, which was timely as Larisa has since relocated the children to western Ukraine for safety during the building works. We remain committed to staying in touch and supporting Larisa and her invaluable work.
On the 27th, a special Christmas presentation featuring the puppet show was held for fire workers and their families. Over 100 children and 60 parents attended. The parents were moved to tears, witnessing their children’s joy. That evening, the youth club saw greater attendance than usual.
On the 29th, the team visited the hospital in the morning, offering their usual puppet show presentation, which was held in the underground bomb shelter to workers children and gifts to children in hospital, and many others joined in. Medical aid was also taken in. Afterwards, they travelled to the small, deprived village of Grintseve, about 35 kilometres from Lebedyn. The journey was difficult due to poor road conditions, and the level of poverty encountered was some of the worst the team had seen. Plans are in place to return with food parcels in a few weeks. The local school director and her husband have been cultivating vegetables, which have been vital for feeding the children.
On the 30th, the team visited Mezhyrich, where Musical Sergey supports a school. Proximity to Sumy city meant the effects of war were more evident; the children displayed little emotion and seemed hardened by their circumstances. It was a sad sight, though the puppet show and gifts helped lift spirits. In the afternoon, the team attended the Special Needs Centre for children in Lebedyn, with whom Bohdan has built a strong partnership over the years, particularly for organising summer camps. Many new families attended and responded openly to the gospel message following the puppet show.
Following the New Year celebrations, regular services continued throughout the week, with attendance continuing to rise. The team then visited Byshkin, a very small and previously unfamiliar village only seven kilometres away. They performed the puppet show at the local church and community centre, entertaining every child in the village. The church has requested that the team return soon.
This week, the Winter Camp is being held over the period of the Orthodox Christmas. The camp has been a great success so far, and more news and photographs will be shared next week.
I have focused on reporting the major events, but the team has provided substantial support, facilitated many other activities, and engaged in numerous difficult conversations. Christmas was a challenging time for the people in the Sumy region. Bohdan remarked that the children wish to be heard and understood, but struggle to express themselves. Many families are incomplete; when adults are not away fighting, a growing number of parents are leaving the country in search of work, leaving children with grandparents. This is done in hopes of earning enough to provide for their children, but life is becoming increasingly desperate. At the onset of the war, children considered it an adventure, but now they, too, wish to leave.
Teenagers also feel a sense of emptiness, but the youth clubs are having a positive effect, with growing participation. There is a clear desire to meet and study the Bible, and as they do, the young people become more open and engaged. Deep and meaningful relationships are forming, which is truly encouraging.
Bohdan has asked for prayers for Valentina, who leads the department supporting Internally Displaced People in the region. She has been referring many refugees to the Centre for aid and support and is currently on her own spiritual journey. On Wednesday, she received distressing news that her son, Vladislava, a military medic, had been very seriously injured and required emergency surgery on Thursday. She has requested prayers for his treatment and recovery.
There is so much more that could be shared. The team’s dedication has been remarkable, often requiring them to venture out in extreme cold, facing black ice, snow, and the threat of drones, to places where people might otherwise be forgotten. Their continued efforts make a profound difference.
Thank you for standing with u, ,not just in these past few weeks over Christmas and New Year, but throughout 2025. We are so grateful for every gift, every prayer and every encouragement given. We do not know what 2026 will hold. Along with the team in Ukraine we all desperately hope for peace, but that seems further away than ever right now with all that is going on in the world. Let’s keep standing together and continue to pray that this will be the year of peace.
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,
I cannot believe that another year has passed already. As a Board, we are so thankful for all that has been achieved and for your faithful prayers and support. There have been more camps than ever before, more aid distributed, and more bread baked. Over 1,000 food bags have been handed out throughout the year, alongside more services and an increasing number of people coming to faith.
Above all, we have witnessed God's protection over the site. While the surrounding areas have faced bombing and attacks, and the Sumy region has suffered from intensified devastation, our site remains uniquely blessed with power and buildings intact.
This week has seen war activity at its highest level, yet the plans for a busy Christmas are progressing well despite numerous local challenges. Bohdan mentioned on Wednesday that there are now concerns regarding the water supply, in addition to ongoing power issues. Let us hope and pray that these necessities remain stable during this busy season.
On Tuesday, the team baked 300 loaves of bread. Two hundred people attended various special events and services at the Centre and were each given a loaf, while 100 loaves were delivered across the road to the emergency shelter for Internally Displaced People, who were incredibly grateful. The team continued baking on Wednesday, preparing hundreds of treats for the Centre and the orphanage for children with disabilities. Bohdan obtained another ton of flour to keep the baking going!
More teenagers than ever before are visiting the Centre for youth groups and progressing to homegroups for Bible study. Attendance numbers are rising each week, but more helpers are needed. Many volunteers left the area at the end of summer as conditions in the town worsened, so please keep this need in your prayers.
This Saturday marks the start of the Christmas events, with a gathering for mums and infants. Aid will be provided, and a puppet show will retell the Christmas story. Celebrations intensify from 27th December as the theatre hosts Christmas services, followed by a special hospital service on the 29th. All regular Centre activities will continue alongside these events. The camp begins with the school holidays on 5th January 2026. Bohdan has requested that we pray for safety for all that is going.
None of these achievements would have been possible without your support. Bohdan, the team, and the trustees join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks. The days ahead remain as uncertain as ever, perhaps even more so, but with your financial support and prayers, we believe even greater things can be accomplished.
Isaiah 9:6 reminds us of the prophecy regarding Christmas:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
This passage reminds us that Jesus came into the world as a baby and would be known by these names. He is also called “The Light of the world”, and since the onset of war, the team has endeavoured to embody that same light, spreading love, kindness, and the message of Jesus through their actions.
For a festive moment, click the image below to listen to the children's rendition of "Silent Night" on YouTube.
There will not be an update next week as Thursday falls on Christmas Day, unless something significant occurs. Updates will resume in the New Year, sharing all the ongoing activities.
So it leaves me just to say………..
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,
This week has seen the continued intensity of conflict in the Sumy region, with hostilities remaining at a distressingly high level.
The neighbouring area of Okhtyrka has suffered particularly severe consequences, as missiles and drones have caused significant devastation within the community. These events have drawn attention in the UK featuring on all news channels, highlighting the gravity of the situation. In response, our team has visited Okhtyrka to support a small local church, providing food parcels to those affected. Further assistance is planned for the coming days, as the need remains urgent.
The region’s power infrastructure continues to be a primary target. During a recent video call with the team, there was a sudden and localised loss of power, emphasising the precariousness of everyday life. Households currently receive only a few hours of electricity each day, just enough to light their homes and cook basic meals. This limited access is leaving many residents cold and hungry.
Larisa, who oversees the main orphanage, faces particular difficulties. Although the government has provided two large generators, the cost of diesel fuel remains a significant barrier. To address this, the team delivered hundreds of litres of fuel, enabling the orphanage to provide two hours of power each morning for the children’s education and meal preparation, with a repeat session in the late afternoon. Despite these efforts, life remains challenging for Larisa and the vulnerable children in her care.
The team also went out to bring support and love to those that live with disability, and are often alone and lonely. The aid, company, and love shown was much appreciated.
The teen club has proven to be a remarkable success. Bohdan reported that attendance was high, although an attack on the Lebedyn area disrupted Saturday night, causing some parents to collect their children early due to safety concerns. Nevertheless, others remained until the end and had their photograph taken (see top of page).
According to Bohdan, nearly all activities for the teens are now conducted online, and the young people deeply appreciate opportunities to gather in person—to chat, laugh, cry, share tea, and pray together. The provision of a protected space for these teenagers has been invaluable. One attendee, Angela, faces significant personal challenges; her mother left the family, and she now lives solely with her father, who spent considerable time fighting on the frontline. Despite these hardships, Angela tries to come to everything at the centre and church. She loves what it going on there and the love that is shown her.
The Christmas events we previously mentioned are scheduled to start next week with with events for mums and toddlers at the centre subject to safety conditions. The team plans to visit children in outlying villages, delivering gifts and inviting them to larger Christmas celebrations. Five days have been reserved at the city theatre from 26th to 31st December, where special Christmas services, including performances by the Puppet Theatre, will be hosted. Additionally, arrangements are in place with the hospital to hold similar events within their bomb shelter, enabling patients who are able to attend. Prayers for the success and safety of these meetings are greatly appreciated.
Help has been given to the local soldiers. They always appear to be hungry so the bakery has baked them their pies and their favoured treats. Aid has likewise reached families known to be struggling in the current circumstances.
The scale of need in the region is immense, surpassing what the team can manage alone. Nevertheless, they persevere with unwavering faithfulness.
Thank you to all of those that have donated and prayed into this Christmas work. It has been so appreciated and enabled much to happen. Your generosity truly makes a difference.
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,
This week has been full of opportunity to meet with people both within the Centre and throughout the surrounding region. Despite frequent power outages affecting homes, the Centre has been able to maintain electricity, enabling several days of baking to help provide for the community's needs.
The church has been actively involved in supporting those most in need, holding two services on Tuesday, another on Wednesday, and a further service on Friday. These gatherings have provided essential aid and freshly baked bread, with many people attending and receiving support.
Pastor Andrew arranged for the use of a swimming pool in a small town approximately 25 kilometres outside of Lebedyn, which was generously made available for conducting baptisms on Thursday.
The team is preparing to assist many soldiers in the area, sending sleeping bags, tents, and pastries baked by the team to encourage those serving on the frontline. In addition, the team offers prayers with those who wish to receive them.
Bohdan was able to deliver medical aid which had been recently donated, to the local hospital. The head doctor expressed deep gratitude for this support. The sewing team also contributed by making bed linen, as many soldiers transported to the hospital must bring their own, which is not possible for most. Thanks to these efforts, the hospital has permitted the puppet theatre and the team to hold Christmas services in the bomb shelter, bringing hope to patients.
Last weekend, the children’s, teen, and youth groups all met, with attendance continuing to grow. The church’s influence within the community is becoming increasingly evident. For example, one woman, having just given birth, expressed her desire to have her child dedicated to God before returning to the battlefield. She has never been to the church before but knew she wanted her child to be prayed for in these exceptional times.
Significant needs continue for those remaining in the region. Elderly residents face daily struggles, while Larisa and her orphanage are challenged by the high cost of running their generator. Although the generator was kindly donated, the expense of diesel is considerable, especially with power outages lasting a minimum of six hours each day.
Please continue to pray for the safety of the team and the success of their plans for the festive season. There is much work to be done, the needs are great, and both the team and its resources are relatively small. Supplies of food and items for presents are running low, making preparations for upcoming events increasingly challenging, but the team are tenacious and will find the right things in time I’m sure.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
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,
It was so encouraging this week to hear how the team were coping in the face of increase tensions within the war. Despite the challenges, there has been a noticeable increase in attendance at all activities being organised, demonstrating the community's resilience and determination to support one another.
Each week, our work with those who have become refugees within their own country grows in significance. The needs of these individuals continue to intensify, and the pain caused by the ongoing conflict is more acute than ever, with many friends and families suffering profound loss. This week, the church faced the difficult reality of seeing many older men being called up to the front lines—individuals who, until recently, were considered too old to serve, but who are now essential to the defence effort. Bohdan said that many come to the Centre and church in tears for fear of what might come.
The bakery has been particularly active, distributing hundreds of loaves of bread to those in need. Many people have come to the various services seeking help, and Valentina, who coordinates support for internally displaced people on behalf of the government, has become a regular presence at our meetings and now also attends church on Sundays. The team also took bread to the nearby centre where hundreds of displaced individuals are currently staying. There was genuine excitement and gratitude when the fresh bread arrived, providing not only sustenance but also a sense of hope.
The church in Okhtyrka reached out for assistance once again, and in response, the team assembled a large quantity of food bags to address this urgent need. These supplies are set to be collected next week, ensuring that the support network continues to reach those most affected by the conflict.
Bohdan has asked that we remember in our prayers the headteacher of the school attended by his children. While most students are currently learning online, some—particularly those in their first and final years—must still attend in person. Within the school grounds stands a derelict building, long neglected after suffering damage early in the war. This structure unfortunately became a dangerous play site for young boys. Tragically, while playing inside, a wall collapsed, trapping one of the youths. Miraculously, he survived, but suffered two broken legs and is now in Lebedyn hospital. The incident has caused considerable anger with the parents who are demanding that the headteacher, Natalia, be dismissed. She has turned to Bohdan for support, and he has been praying with her and attempting to mediate with the child’s parents, emphasising that the boys should not have entered the building, which was closed at the time. Bohdan has requested prayers for Natalia as she seeks both spiritual and practical support during this difficult time.
There have been several enquiries about the team's views on the newly proposed peace deal. Bohdan shared that many Ukrainians feel cheated, betrayed, and angry about the current situation. The desire for revenge is strong among those who have lost loved ones, and the sense of loss is overwhelming. After the war began, a new military cemetery was established in Lviv. Tragically, it is now full, with preparations underway for another to accommodate the growing number of casualties. The sight of these cemeteries deepens the community's yearning for a just, lasting, and fair peace. Many perceive the current peace proposal as a transactional arrangement designed primarily for financial gain by the USA, rather than a genuine solution. Therefore, continued prayers are needed for peace that is both right and just.
We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support, prayers, and encouragement. Your involvement is invaluable and greatly 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,
This is just a brief update to let you know that many members of the team have recently been unwell, suffering from flu, sinusitis, and various other unpleasant viruses that are circulating at the moment. Bohdan himself was confined to bed for several days, but is fortunately starting to feel a bit better today.
The situation in Lebedyn and the areas nearby remains disturbing. On Tuesday night, Bohdan described experiencing the heaviest drone attack on Lebedyn that he has ever witnessed. The attack came alarmingly close to his home, and as a result, he and his family felt it was safer to stand outside in the cold night air than remain indoors. Debris from drones that had been shot down fell on his roof, but thankfully, there was no damage to his house.
Power outages continue to be a significant problem, with very little electricity available during the day. For example, yesterday Bohdan’s house had only a 30-minute window of power, which the family used to cook and complete other essential tasks. Thankfully, the Centre buildings are now all connected to the main power supplier, which has ensured that power is available there. This has allowed the team to work and use the Centre as their base, even in these challenging times.
The distribution of aid to refugees and families is ongoing, as the need within the community—and especially in the villages—remains great. The team is making every effort to reach as many people as possible over the Christmas period.
Valentyn was recently pictured above with Valentina, who leads the Internally Displaced People (IDP) community in the Lebedyn region. She actively invites everyone to come to the church and centre for assistance and support and has now become a regular attendee herself.
At this week’s gathering, a lady named Marina attended. She had previously enrolled her child in the Puppet Theatre, having been impressed by their performances. At the most recent meeting, her daughter, Snezhana, played a leading role in the show, which made Marina extremely proud. However, Marina is struggling as a consequence of the ongoing war and has become dependent on alcohol. Please pray that the team will be able to support her and walk alongside her during this difficult time.
All children’s and youth clubs will continue this weekend, alongside preparations for a very busy Christmas programme.
Thank you for your continued help, prayers, and support. Special thanks to those who have sent financial gifts recently to assist during the Christmas season.
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,
This week, I was so encouraged by our meeting with the team and was greatly heartened by their unwavering enthusiasm for their work, despite the tremendously difficult circumstances caused by the ongoing war. Our conversation was interrupted by a text alert warning of incoming guided missiles. Thankfully, all remain safe although today there has been many drones flying over Lebedyn. Daily life continues to be disrupted by power outages lasting up to ten hours, yet both the Centre and the church have thankfully had the electricity required for their essential activities.
A particularly nasty virus has been circulating. Bohdan’s daughter, Zoryana, contracted the illness and required hospitalisation in Sumy city for intravenous treatment. Unfortunately, the hospital environment became unsafe due to nearby bombings and missile strikes, forcing the family to return home. Zoryana is now on the mend, though Alla has also fallen ill. Please continue to pray for their health and full recovery, and that Bohdan and the boys remain healthy.
Despite the challenges, all weekly activities are experiencing growth and remarkable achievements. Over the summer, many families left the Lebedyn region, while numerous internally displaced refugees arrived in town. When children’s clubs resumed in September, only five children attended; this week, attendance soared to sixty, with numbers expected to increase further. The youth club is also expanding, now welcoming around thirty young people. Youth homegroups continue to flourish, and notably, two young people have come to faith this week despite facing very challenging circumstances.
Aid deliveries have been organised and distribution has commenced. Respiratory machines, which were generously donated, are scheduled to be presented to the hospital this week. Andrew has transitioned smoothly into his new role and is preparing to move into his new home over the weekend. Last week, I shared part of the story behind this move, and now the seller is eager to attend church to hear Andrew speak. Bohdan has requested prayers for this significant encounter.
In addition to regular activities, the team is energetically planning for Christmas. Despite the uncertainty and fragility of their environment, their plans are both bold and inspiring.
While it is truly inspiring to see the team’s activity and commitment to helping others during the festive season, all these initiatives require considerable resources. The estimated cost of the Christmas programme is around £15,000. Providing presents for each orphaned or refugee child at £10 each amount to £6,000 alone. Thank you to those who have already donated. Your ongoing prayers and financial support are deeply appreciated.
Bohdan has specifically asked for prayer regarding several individuals:
Please remember Lena, Tatyana and Mykola in your prayers as they navigate these difficult circumstances—truly a reflection of the current reality in Lebedyn.
Thank you all so much for your support and prayers. As the team continues their extraordinary efforts throughout this war, your encouragement and involvement are more important than ever.
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,
The past fortnight has been an exceptionally busy time in Lebedyn. The ongoing conflict continues to escalate, bringing with it increased military activity. The weekend prior to the autumn camp, the Sumy region suffered unprecedented attacks, which severely damaged much of the county’s rail infrastructure and most of its power stations. As depicted in the photographs below, Sumy railway station was particularly badly hit, resulting in the tragic loss of eleven lives, four of whom were children.
Despite significant challenges and extended power outages over the weekend, the decision was taken to proceed with the planned autumn camp. This proved to be an answer to prayer, as power was available every day during the camp, from Monday through to Friday, even whilst the rest of the town remained without electricity. This allowed the week’s activities to continue unaffected.
The camp primarily welcomed children who were refugees, orphaned, or from military families. Attendance fluctuated slightly each day, but on average, more than sixty children participated. Many of these children arrived subdued, frightened, and confused, their nights disturbed by drones overhead.
However, during the daytime, they found comfort and safety in each other’s company at the camp centre. Each child has been impacted by the trauma of war in some way, with the pain and burden often visible on their faces and in their behaviour. Despite this, the children thoroughly enjoyed the camp, listened attentively to the stories shared, and delighted in the games and fun provided. By the end of the week, they were reluctant for it to end and were visibly happy.
On the final day, each child was given a small gift bag of sweets to take home. Parents, guardians, and the children themselves were invited to attend the closing afternoon to see and hear about the activities from the week.
During this time, one woman approached Bohdan in tears to share her own story: her husband and eldest son were fighting on the frontline, while her youngest son had attended the camp. She expressed her deep gratitude, explaining that her son’s behaviour had improved noticeably during the week and thanking the organisers for remembering and caring for families with loved ones serving in the military. Remarkably, whilst she was speaking, her husband managed to call and also conveyed his thanks to Bohdan for everything being done. We are thankful for your continued support and prayers for this week, and further stories will be shared in the coming weeks.
Here is a link to a video with highlights from the camp week – Enjoy!
This week, Pastor Andrew has started serving in a full-time role at the church taking over from Pastor Sergey. Sergey is introducing him to various contacts and members, and Andrew has been actively visiting church members to become better acquainted. This added support has already eased Bohdan’s workload, enabling him to focus more fully on advancing the overall ministry.
In other positive news, a house has been found for Andrew, Veronica, and their family, conveniently located right next to the church and Centre. The seller, needing to relocate to Poltava for work, reduced the price significantly and was delighted when Andrew’s family visited. Bohdan accompanied them and shared details about the nearby ministry where they work. The seller requested a Bible and, in a subsequent meeting, asked whether they would accompany him to Poltava to introduce him to a church there. He has kindly agreed to let Andrew and his family move in before the sale completes to ease their transition.
On Tuesday, the long-awaited aid shipment arrived. Unfortunately, it did not include food supplies, so efforts will be made to purchase additional food bags for distribution to families in need. The team’s immediate focus is to distribute the aid and clear the venue in preparation for Christmas activities. Plans are underway to do as much as is safely possible during the festive season.
The team is brimming with ideas to support as many children and families as possible, aiming to create a joyful time for all. The intention is to hold additional camps and special events to share the Christmas story of hope and peace, and to bring happiness to children by providing presents that would otherwise be out of reach.
All other work is continuing at the Centre. Services for the elderly and refugees continue, with growing attendance, and homegroups have nearly doubled in size since the restart in September. Children’s and youth clubs happen all over the weekend, so please pray for safety as these young people get together.
Thank you for standing with us during these difficult days. There is much work to do on a daily basis in reaching out to those in need, but knowing you are supporting both in prayer and financially brings much comfort.
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,
Plans for next week’s autumn camp are nearly complete, and the team are eagerly anticipating welcoming the children, many of whom have suffered greatly due to the ongoing war. This camp will primarily serve orphaned children and those currently living as refugees. There is a sense of great promise and hope surrounding the camp, but beneath this optimism lies the recognition that many deep wounds still need to be healed and overcome.
We would be grateful for your prayers for the camp, especially as the past week has seen significant challenges with power and water supplies. On Monday, the power was off for the entire day. It appears that the town has been divided into three or four sections, with each section experiencing a full day without electricity on a rotating basis. We are uncertain how long this situation will continue, but there are concerns it could persist throughout the winter, making daily life much more difficult for everyone involved.
Thankfully, the generators have functioned well during the outages, allowing most activities to proceed uninterrupted, with the exception of bakery operations. However, the power cuts have caused damage to the boilers in both the old and new Centres. Victor and Bohdan have devised a technical solution to address this problem. Funds have just been sent to purchase two stand-by batteries, which will provide electrical power to the boilers for up to twelve hours at a time.
All weekly activities have continued as usual, and the growth in our work with the youth has been especially encouraging. Over the summer, many families with young people fled to safer areas in an attempt to escape the conflict and start anew. Despite this, many young people continue to stay in touch and express how much they miss what they had before. The fact that we now have similar numbers of young people attending activities is a fantastic development. Many families currently in Lebedyn are refugees from areas close to the Russian border, and whether participating in study homegroups or fun events, the sense of joy in being together is evident.
This week, bread was baked for refugees and those in need. As is customary, a service was held, and the local government coordinator remains proactive in encouraging people to attend. She also participates herself, connecting with everyone at these gatherings.
We are delighted to share the exciting news that Pastor Andrew will be joining the team full-time from 1st November. We are still in the process of finding a home for him, Veronica, and their family. Their journey has been significant, and we all believe that this is the right step forward. This change will allow Pastor Sergey to take a well-earned rest.
As the founding pastor, Sergey will remain involved but will no longer have daily responsibilities, which Andrew will now assume under Bohdan’s overall leadership. We ask for your continued prayers for a smooth transition in leadership, for the successful search for a new home for Pastor Andrew’s family, and for ongoing growth in the community. Both Bohdan and Sergey are very pleased with this transition, as it means Bohdan will have more daily support and Sergey can step back with confidence. Andrew will still continue to give oversight to the church in Samotoivka with the few people left in the village.
We are still waiting for the desperately needed aid to arrive. The delivery has been delayed, waiting on a UN lorry for the past two weeks. We hope it will reach us before the autumn camp begins next week.
Please also pray for Sasha, who remains unwell and has been unable to recover from a persistent flu virus. The situation is exacerbated by the government’s decision not to switch on the heating in his apartment block, despite the cold weather outside.
There will be no update next week, as the team will be fully engaged with the autumn camp. We will provide a report on everything that has taken place during the first week of November. Shortly after, we also hope to share our plans for Christmas, with the intention of spreading the Christmas message and distributing gifts to as many people as possible.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. It really does help and is 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,
This week has seen a significant increase in military activity, as many of you will have witnessed on the news channels. Essential infrastructure, including power and utility supplies, have been targeted, resulting in many communities being left without electricity or water. Even when power has been available, its supply has been weak, which has prevented our team from carrying out activities such as baking bread.
The outlying villages have suffered most from these disruptions, as they have been unable to access power or water since before last weekend. In addition, artillery fire and drone attacks have devastated towns near the border—places we once visited to support Pastor Andrew’s work. Now, these areas have been reduced to ruins and left deserted.
Despite these challenges, the team has continued to visit some of the villages, offering help wherever possible. More food bags and bedding have been distributed to those in need, and we remain hopeful that the truck carrying aid will be arrive soon. The aid is already in the country and we are waiting for the United Nations to arrange its delivery, which is dependent on their scheduling.
Other than baking, our usual activities have continued, thanks to generators providing power, but the constant sound of air raid sirens limits what can be achieved. The youth, however, continue to show remarkable resilience, with their desire to gather and support one another growing ever stronger.
I learnt from Bohdan and Farmer Sergey that in Sumy city, many young people have been coming together in a large church to worship and pray. These youth travelled from across the oblast (county), so Sergey and Valentyn transported a group from Lebedyn in a car and minibus to join them. Thankfully, they encountered no issues at road checks and enjoyed an amazing time.
Prayer Requests:
The team’s commitment to supporting orphaned children and refugees is profoundly shaped by their own painful experiences. Valentyn, for example, was abandoned by his father, who moved to Russia, and his mother struggled with alcohol, leaving him in the care of one of his aunts. Although she had never had children of her own, Valentyn’s aunt provided him with the love and care he lacked at home.
Over the years, both of his aunts have become involved with the Centre, becoming Christians, and active helpers within the church. Their support and nurturing have played a crucial role in Valentyn’s development, and as a gesture to help him begin his adult life, they gifted him an apartment. As shown in the photo at the top of the page, Valentyn now uses this space to host his homegroup and offer a safe haven for some of the local youth.
In these challenging times, our hope and prayers are that more individuals and families will show the same compassion and care that Valentyn and his aunts have demonstrated. Their example is one of the reasons why the upcoming camp is focused on supporting orphaned or abandoned children, and those living as refugees. To show God's love and hope to those who have been so impacted by war.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. It makes a difference.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
