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 second week of the camps finished well.
Over 200 children have attended so far these past few weeks, each with their own individual story of how they cope living in a time of war and conflict. When asked, the most common thing they fear is that loved ones will not return from the fighting. They were keen always to pray for peace.
Thankfully, throughout this time the bomb shelter did not have to be used although on several days sirens sounded as the children arrived at camp. It has been felt that children have really appreciated the camps much more this year. This week, the team have all been able to take a day or two off to recover, with the exception of the catering team who have taken the whole week off. These wonderful people are all volunteers, but come in each week to bake bread and meals.
All the children that were new to the camps and region, and who did not own a Bible, were each given a copy of the Jesus Storybook Bible in Ukrainian. They were so pleased to receive this.
There are plenty of pictures and stories to share from the camps. Below is a picture of Danik. Bohdan wrote:
"I have already written about Danik before as he is a boy who I sometimes did not understand and could not accept, because he was always on his own wavelength.
In this camp, he was just a completely different boy whom I did not even notice (in a good sense) because I did not need to make any remarks to him. Danik was not noticed by his bad behaviour as before but this time he was noticed by me for his attentiveness and obedience.
This is the boy I saw very often in the city, wandering the streets and saying he was told to leave the house. He once sat alone on the steps of the store and played on the phone, because, according to him, he was kicked out.
Danik was in my team probably more than 5 times. How wonderful it is to see the changes taking place in his life. On the last day of this camp, Danik said the following words: "this is the best day in life, but at the same time it's sad because it's ending”.
We want prayer support for this child, who is only a child according to documents, but in fact, he is already like a mature young man who God can form, or has already begun to form into a real Christian young man."
The heat and conditions in the Ukraine have been widely reported in the news here in the UK, as on one day this past week, temperatures reached 45C with the kitchen having to operate with temperatures over 50C. Fridges are not coping, and on top of this power cuts are far too often, and for longer periods of time. All of this is hampering the plans for the camp for teens next week with over 70+ teens expected. Food in stores is in short supply with ever increasing prices, their fridges are not coping with keeping fresh food chilled, and many are only wanting cash for goods purchased which is hard as there is a shortage of cash at the banks, with banks being closed for much of the time during power cuts.
Below is a picture of Lyuba and Sasha working during the power cut as the generator had kicked in working.
In other news, Bohdan shared that within the region, much of the extensive fields of wheat should now be harvested. However, these fields have been targeted by the enemy to try and destroy the food supply and export. Missiles, drones, artillery fire are all used to try and cause maximum damage. Farmers are nervous about harvesting as still some fields could be mined. Bohdan asked that we could pray for safety for the farmers and for this situation.
Larisa has been in touch to say a massive thank you for all the food we purchased a few weeks back. She is so grateful of our help and support. You can see her below serving drink and foods for the children. You can also see the bomb shelter that is being built, which she is raising funds to complete for the children.
Here is a video from the children saying thank you. Most of these children are newly orphaned by the war.
This past week, the Ukrainian government authorities did an inspection of the orphanage and queried where the good food was from. She was able to say that the Centre in Lebedyn had helped which they seemed happy with. She has a growing number of children both here and in Austria to look after.
We are still fairly desperate for aid, as supplies have dried up, and all that we received over the past months has been given out to help those in the region. Bohdan said the need is growing as many just cannot afford what is in the shops, and many of the old and vulnerable cannot leave home to even get it. They have increased the number of services they are doing weekly and seen attendance growing this week. Once the camps are over then bread will be baked and distributed.
We thank you for your continued support and prayers - it has been amazing to see so much happening over these past few weeks in the hearts and lives of children. Next week, God willing, they start again and meet with the teenagers.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
Watch the highlights video of the week 1 of the Summer 2024 children's camp.
Despite power cuts and hot temperatures the team went ahead with the first camp, and many of the children were still able to attend. They had a wonderful time as you'll see, and each of them received a present!
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 second week of summer camps have come to an end today. It has been a challenging week, and the children have reacted much differently to the first week. They had a difficult start, as on Monday morning the air raid sirens sounded for 5 hours, with news breaking that the children’s hospital in Kyiv had been badly hit with casualties. The children all understood what this meant. This news was breaking as they were in the bomb shelter waiting for the sirens to stop.
Some parents thought it unsafe to send their children to the camp as the weekend had been very difficult. However, still 98 children turned up, and from talking with Bohdan I think he was glad that there were not too many more! Many of the younger children are struggling with psychological and behavioural issues, which has been challenging to cope with. When questioned the children all say that what they dream of and really want, is for the war to stop and for their fathers to come back home. A fuller report will be created and sent out in the next week containing further impact stories from the children.
Each week, along with all the activities, every child will be given a present. The picture at the top of the page shows the joy of one of them receiving this. This small act has bought some light and hope along with a little normality in this little girl’s life.
Power cuts have featured a little in the early part of the week. It is a disruption the children seem to be used to as a way of life. Heat has also been an issue, with it being a very humid 34C, and in the kitchen nearly 50C. A small air-conditioning unit has been installed there now.
Following is a link to a video that has been created in Lebedyn showing some of the highlights of week 1. This video will help you to see the enormous level of joy and impact these camps have on the children who are living in very difficult circumstances.
In Lebedyn, the team have been still active within the community. Whilst busy cooking in the kitchens, the team have made extra and then taken food out to the new soldiers and their families arriving in the area. They have been very grateful. Aid has run dry again, and we find ourselves looking for more supplies for those in need.
In previous updates I mentioned about Svetlana (pictured below). She is a lawyer and runs the main bakery shop in Lebedyn.
She had heard that we were giving out bread and came to one of the services to see what was happening, and to get one of the loaves to try it. The service had such a personal impact on her and her life, it resulted in her becoming a Christian and joining the church. This picture show her last Sunday sharing her testimony as she will be getting baptised this next Sunday. What she thought would be her competition has become her family and spiritual home, so much so, that the last batch of flour and yeast her company had they donated to the Centre.
In Lebedyn, as in much of Europe currently, the Euros football competition has gripped the nation. As we spoke yesterday Bohdan was pleased for the England win, and said they will be all cheering for England on Sunday. His family are football crazy, but there was no power at home last night to watch it. However, the power was still on at the Centre so they could watch it on the TV there. Ukraine is 2 hours ahead of us here in the UK, but they set off across town to watch. There was one problem in that at 11pm there is a curfew!! They stayed to the end, and Bohdan said they had to creep home at midnight with all the family. They drove the car slowly with no lights on to avoid any attention and made it home safely. The things you do to watch England play football, even in war conditions. They will all be cheering England along on Sunday evening. Where? That remains to be seen!
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. Bohdan says he can feel these and please continue to pray for the team, for safety, for the baptismal service on Sunday, and for the prep for the next camp the week after next for the younger teenagers. Thank you too for the gifts that have been donated to help towards the costs. We are blessed to have this 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,
This is just a short update this week to inform you of what has been happening with the start of the first week of camps.
The preparations, including the new wash station we need to comply with new regulations, were completed on time – just! Heavy rain, followed by searing heat leading up to the start, hampered this work. The wash station also has toilet facilities behind the door in the picture below.
On the first day (Monday), 106 children arrived. They had planned for 85, but knew more would arrive. It was a hot day at a humid 32C, ending with a massive and spectacular thunderstorm. Air sirens sounded once through the day, so they had to leave to go to the bomb shelter but all were safe.
Bohdan has said that there are more behavioural issues this year with the children, but their excitement and over enthusiasm of all being together can be clearly seen.
The main problem for them seems to be the constant lack of power supply. Lebedyn as a town is badly hit with this, and now it is also affecting both food and water supply. Shops are closing when they do not have power, and their fridges remain off limiting the supply of fresh food. Water is not getting pumped through, and so yesterday morning I had a text to say that Bohdan had been to a water station to collect enough fresh water for the day. It is likely this will have to happen every day. Power is not too bad at the Centre, and we have the new generator so this helps. However, because of the heat they have bought a second large fridge to help store food, and a small, second, air conditioning unit.
The heat makes it hard for those in the kitchen. Bohdan said that when they are cooking it is over 40C and the catering team are melting!
Even though there are logistical challenges the children are loving the camp. They seem to be excited all day long and listen intently to the stories and have so much fun. As always the puppet theatre is a hit and they all want to bring their families to see this!
After the last camp we held in the Spring, I wrote about a troubled young man called Rad. He has returned for this camp and Bohdan said he is a completely different boy. He behaviour is so different and the first thing he did was to run up to Bohdan to say he reads his Bible and has almost finished it! Bohdan promised that when he finished it he would give him another one. His face lit up with joy and went to play with the other children rather than fighting like last time. We cannot underestimate the positive impact these camps have on children that have been caught up in the war. They face grief and uncertainty daily, often in displaced or broken homes as they suffer from the effects of war.
There are just few pictures to share below of the camps.
One other piece of news is that in Sumy, Larisa and the orphanage that is helped so often, has similarly struggled to get fresh food supplies, including meat for the children. The reason is twofold. Firstly, supply issues, and secondly her budgets have been cut or frozen, but with rampant inflation they are struggling to feed the children. We often get gifts coming in asking if we can use these to help feed the children, and so we sent funds recently meaning Bohdan could purchase a month’s supply of food for the children there. She was so grateful. After the camps at the Centre, Bohdan is taking the team over, if safe, to run a day camp with her and the children, and will be taking the puppet theatre.
Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers at this time. We keep praying for safety over all that is going on.
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 past week has been tough as illness has been going around. Bohdan has had a throat infection and when we spoke, he could be in any bass line in a choir! He said he was improving and felt a little better today, which is good news.
Power outages and air raid sirens are still a daily occurrence, with residential properties losing more power than commercial buildings. Bohdan’s home has two hours with power, then four hours without. The town has been divided up into regions, and power supply given on rota for each area. The Centre still has power far more regularly which helps with the work they are doing. The good news is the solar generator has arrived and as previously mentioned, although it is small, it will power the office and work of the Centre for two days before another charge.
There is a definite military build up in the Lebedyn City, forming large defence lines. It is significant, but limited information can be shared, as we must remember that Lebedyn is only 70km to nearest point on the Russian border, and they are operating near to strong military activity.
Despite suffering with sore throats and viruses the team have been as active as ever. The new food and hygiene aid arrived (unloaded by the youth!) and has been so appreciated by locals and refugees. Additional meetings have taken place with huge success to distribute what has been received.
Many individuals have come to the Centre, all with their own stories to tell. Below left is Sergey who fled from Kharkiv this week. He worked at the factory that many will have seen on the BBC news was bombed. He was trapped under the rubble, and rescuers managed to miraculously pull him out with hardly any injuries. Others sadly did not have the same outcome. Originally, Sergey had lived in Lebedyn at the start of the war and had started to attend the meetings at the Centre. Previously, he had grown up in Kharviv and still had some family there, so he decided to go and help work in the factories to aid the war effort. After his recent experience, he returned to Lebedyn and came back to the service held on Tuesday. He came to give thanks to God because he understood that it was God who saved him from death and serious injury. The man in the next photo could not walk due to injuries, but the team were able to bless him with a wheelchair given in the recent batch of aid. There are some photos of a few others the team have helped. The white buckets are hygiene kits and contain everything needed including toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant and many other items.
Summer camps are being prepared, and on Monday registration started. Within the first two hours one camp was fully booked, and within four hours, as word spread, the other week was full. It was the quickest it has ever been. Each week will have 80 children registered, but they have left 20 places for new refugee children as they arrive in the town and for orphaned children. They did this last year and ended up with 120 children in one week!
The Centre could take more but there are two issues that prevent the team extending numbers. Firstly, they can only take the amount that can fit into the bomb shelter, and last year they did get 120 plus team in there! Also, they are having big problems finding helpers. Normally others from churches around the town, as well as people from the Centre help, but many have fled the area due to the danger of the war. All team need to be fully trained to work at the camp with safety protocols, safeguarding and other regulations. The youth camp week for the 12-15 years will have its registration open in two weeks’ time.
It costs around £35 to fund a child in a camp week, and we are so grateful to those who have donated so far to support this. We thank God for this opportunity to work with the children so that they can have fun, be cared for, and understand more of God’s love for them at this time.
All homegroups, youth groups and children’s clubs continue to run, although with the children’s clubs, numbers can be low if sirens are sounding. The youth however, would almost live at the Centre! They love gathering together. At the top of the page you can see a photo of Valentyn with his small group, who are also preparing for baptism. The girl on the right is Dasha, who is next to her cousin. Dasha is fragile after finding out last week her grandfather had been killed in the war, but doing very well considering. Her cousin has come to stay with her for four weeks to support and befriend. She normally lives in another town quite far away, but it is really helping Dasha.
Please continue to pray for Pastor Andrew in Samotoivka. Bohdan is concerned that his heath is deteriorating with blood sugar spikes, high blood pressure, and other symptoms of extreme stress. No wonder when your town keeps being bombed and you have a burned out tank at the end of your garden as a reminder!
Please also pray for Victor who is awaiting the verdict from the military commission on whether he will be call up to fight, and give thanks that “Farmer” Sergey has been accepted back into university to develop his farming skills. Growing food is important to the economy and for feeding the Ukrainian people, so this means that if he passes one more exam he will be enrolled and then able to study, and still help in the Centre and not be called up.
Once again we are thankful for all your help, 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,
This week the military activity in the region remains largely the same with Lebedyn remaining quiet. The border territories are still on high alert with many battles and exchanges taking place.
Power outages are increasing and they have been warned that is this likely to continue with even more regularity. We have now sourced a supply for a solar powered generator which will enable the Centre to run effectively for two days without electricity without any recharge. With all the power outages occurring Bohdan said that it is impossible to do education with the children as everything is home-school based. Also, graduate level education seems to be grinding to a halt as people are affected by the war. Life is becoming increasingly harder for children and young people.
The team have once again been amazing, and are trying to get the recent delivery of aid out to the many needy people not just in Lebedyn, but in the outlying areas. They are aware of other churches and organisations that desperately need help and this weekend plan to drive to some of these areas. Pastor Andrew in Samotoivka has found that things have got even worse for their town, and they too are desperate for support. Pictures below are of the loading of the many trips being done.
Care homes are high on the list for helping. They have delivered clothes and food, but the main thing they need is sanitary wear and nursing aids. Sadly, there was a little of this on the recent delivery so we are just sending out more funds to get some extra aid.
Last week, the church held services on three days with over a hundred attending every time. Aid was distributed after the service and people were so grateful as they were not told until the end about the aid. We still have people arriving in the town seeking refuge. There was more bedding on the aid truck so they were able to help the lady pictured below who arrived from Kherson region.
On Tuesday this week, a funeral was held for a lady who helps at camp and is part of the sister church in the area. She was tragically killed trying to leave the region. I am not sure of all the details surrounding this, but instead of them baking bread that day, cakes and specialities were baked in her honour and distributed at the funeral to all those who attended and those observing!
New laws came into effect on Saturday, and already this is having a huge impact. Victor, who is the site manager, was summoned to the military offices, but after appeal, it looks like, for now, he will not have to go to the frontline. For the many others who the team know, it is not the same outcome.
Meanwhile , after speaking with Bohdan we think it will be safe to press ahead with the summer camps. Parents are very keen still for their children to come, so preparations are now underway. Below are some pictures of Musical Sergey, pleased with his new microphone to help with some of the recording for the new material for summer camps, and children recording some vocal parts.
The puppet show brings so much delight to the children. Whether in camps, churches, schools, orphanages or within the community it always draws out many people to watch. It is an amazing way to communicate God’s message and life’s values to the children in such a contemporary way. Puppetry is still very much part of the eastern European culture. The team remains at around 26 children strong, creating 3 teams that can be used. Schools even allow reasonable time out to do this activity. There are some other pictures of the theatre in action below along with a photo at the top of the page of some of the team after rehearsal.
Bohdan said to me this week he is so thankful for all the faithful prayers and support. He feels humbled. He has grown so much as a leader. When the war started he was just 32, but he has risen to the challenge ahead of him so well. With all they do it will have impact on the family, so please do remember them in your prayers.
My thanks again for all your 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,
Last week was exceptionally difficult as some of you will have seen on the news. The borders of Sumy have been breached and many missiles, drones and bombs launched, but thankfully most shot down. Villages are being evacuated near the border as well as Sumy City itself, which Farmer Sergey told me is like a ghost town.
On Wednesday, I had a text to say that there was a massive explosion in Lebedyn, which rocked Bohdan’s house while Lubomir was playing outside. He left his bike and ran indoors very frightened and traumatised. Thankfully, he calmed down and slept well. The explosion was a drone meant for Lebedyn, but it was shot down which created the blast. Mezhirych, a small town where Musical Sergey still teaches one day a week and where the team have visited recently, was hit hard last week too.
After Bohdan told me these things he then added… despite all this all our activities still continue. They seem upbeat and not downhearted.
Power is an ongoing issue as power stations are targeted. Many hours of the day are spent without power, and this means banks, shops and schools cannot open. We are addressing this by trying to get hold of a small solar-powered generator which will power all the offices, and work for 2 days when fully charged.
The aid arrived as I explained last week, but sadly the quality of the clothes was not good which was disappointing. However, there were plenty of blankets, shoes and other items to be distributed. Bohdan has also been to visit the hospital to take the aid and furniture that was donated specifically for them (no pictures were allowed this time!). They were extremely grateful.
On Tuesday, a service was held and many came not knowing about the aid. You can see in the pictures above and below that people were desperate for help, and were indeed thankful for the aid they received.
Over the previous weekend, all the youth, teen and children’s clubs continued, except for the English classes due to Sasha and Alyona leaving Lebedyn. We wish them well on their journey and are grateful for the time they were with the Centre. Numbers are erratic due to the war situation, but still over the weekend collectively hundreds met together. The youth are an incredible bunch of people who just love to be at the Centre. Olegskiy, whose father died last week, is doing very well and remaining strong in his faith, and now his mother and brother attend the church with him.
Pastor Andrew is keeping well in Samotoivka, where things are quieter since the big bombs of a few weeks back. Most of the industrial infrastructure has been demolished, so there is not much else to be bombed except houses. Sadly, the 4 children Andrew and his wife took into their home, have been moved by the Authorities to the Carpathian Mountains region for a month to a camp, due to the situation being so bad within the region of Samotoivka generally speaking. They do not know what will happen after a month, but they are missing the children and hope to be reunited with them soon. Please pray for them.
All the laws around the war changed on May 18th which will affect conscription ages, exemptions and the ability to leave the country. We are not sure how this will impact the team in Lebedyn exactly but everyone who is fighting age must re-register their papers with authorities within 6 weeks. We don’t think this will influence Bohdan’s position, but it could some of the other workers. Lyuba is very concerned for her husband Costa. It has also meant that Paulo will not be joining the team as he stays further west hoping to avoid call up as his medial condition no longer gives exemption.
Another issue we are facing is that registered charities in Ukraine now face a government tax of $500 per month on each employed worker. Working for a charity gave exemption, so many people tried to work within this sector, however the government has become wise to this and by taxing employees is trying to stop people from evading fighting. This will be a huge burden on Ukrainian charities. The association we work through in Lebedyn is set up differently, so we are hopeful this won’t apply to them. Bohdan has requested that we pray for this especially, that they won’t come under this tax and for all the Ukrainian charities that will.
Despite the war, football is still a sport that seems to transcend cultures and difficulties, and children love to play whenever there is an opportunity. Ratmir, Bohdan’s eldest son, plays for a team in Lebedyn and seems to excel. He has been selected to play for Lebedyn youth in a tournament which was held in the Poltava region over the weekend.
If the situation deteriorates significantly, please assured that I will keep you informed.
We are continually encouraged by your ongoing support, financially and otherwise, and for your prayers. Over recent weeks we have had several anonymous gifts generously donated. Our grateful thanks for these, and sorry we can’t thank you in a more personal way. You can always email us at info@hopelebedyn.org and if you are a UK taxpayer, you can gift aid your donation.
Our thanks again.
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,
Much has happened this past week, both good and bad!
Firstly, after reporting the need for aid we heard from 2 sources that they were able to help. The much anticipated lorry from Germany has arrived at 9.00am (GMT) on Thursday morning!! Bohdan over this past weekend spent many hours with customs applying for the Centre's own unique customs registration number, something that normally takes weeks or months, but they turned it around in just hours! Here are the pictures from the arrival of the lorry:
We are also to receive aid from the west of Ukraine with bulk supplies of rice, soya, and dried potatoes, plus some hygiene kits. This will equate to around 5 tons of aid. Please pray for its safe arrival.
The aid is much needed as the region suffers even further under military activity. You can see from the map of the Sumy region below that in the month of April, 4,376 missiles of all kinds were fired into Sumy. The blue dot is where Lebedyn is situated, and where the “704” missiles total shows is where Pastor Andrew is located.
This past weekend was orthodox Easter, and traditionally on Good Friday many people go to visit the graves of loved ones. Unsurprisingly, graveyards were targeted on Friday by Russia with missiles. The church did not celebrate the Orthodox Easter as they celebrated at the same time as we would do in the UK. On Sunday night a large cruise missile hit the power station that services much of Lebedyn. Many areas of the town did not have power for a day or so, but thankfully, and quite miraculously, the Centre does have power as authorities diverted their supply from a different power station. They may get power cuts as supply might have to be limited. We are looking to get a solar powered charger for them as many offices now have these so they can keep working. They are quite expensive, but it would mean the Centre can continue with its work and ministry. The only thing that cannot run off these chargers would be the ovens within the bakery as they use a special phased supply.
In previous reports we prayed for Azat who pastored the church plant in Okhtyrka, but was captured and tortured trying to rescue family further south. He has made a great recovery, and had heard of the need for aid when talking with Bohdan and managed to get bags of aid made up for all those attending the church. Many have taken them and, like Bohdan, has given them out to families in desperate need. See pictures below.
The lady in the above picture was visited by Bohdan and received aid. She comes regularly to the church, and became a Christian under Pastor Sergey’s ministry. She lives with her son, Andrew, who is in the advance stages of cancer, and his family. Chemotherapy is not being kind to his body, and he knows he is dying. He listened to what Bohdan said as he shared the gospel message and became a Christian there and then. He said he might have lost his life with this terrible disease, but he now has the Lord in his life, so he gained so much more and is now at peace. His chance of survival is less than 30% and he has 4 boys in his family. Bohdan has asked if we can pray for him and the family.
Last week, I also shared Oleksiy’s story with the bakery. Sadly, his father died on Sunday, he was an alcoholic and this eventually killed him. Bohdan said that Oleksiy is staying strong, and is bringing all his family to church on Sunday.
Despite the power cuts and everything going on, the bakery team still sprang into action and baked hundreds of loaves again on Tuesday. Again, much of the distribution was able to be done outside. It is amazing the impact this work is having in the community. Even the soldiers sometimes try and get the bread!!
Bohdan and team are giving support to young people that really need help, someone to talk to, or for them to go deeper in their faith. The two young ladies below are Vlada and Dasha, who again Bohdan has asked we pray for. Vlada we have mentioned in previous reports. She struggles with her mental health after being abandoned by parents during the war and left her with her grandmother. She carries so much and is deeply searching for the meaning of life! Dasha is new to Lebedyn, and is so excited to attend the various clubs and meetings. She is really looking to understand what it is to be a Christian.
There is lots of planning going on as the team try to figure out how to still deliver three summer camps. The plan is to start first week of July. There will be one week for younger children, one for older children and one for the teens. Inflation is rampant, so we are looking at the cost of doing these and logistically how this can happen with so much going on within the region. We estimate that the cost for the camps this year will be around £12,000, but it will mean hundreds of children are helped, along with all their families. Please pray for the team as they plan ahead.
Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. We are truly blessed to have a growing list of people willing to pray and support financially.
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 there is little change in the military activity within Sumy region. They are all still on a heightened alert and the sound of sirens is a constant reminder of the dangers. This is impacting the work at the Centre as many parents are frightened to let their children to go out - quite understandably! Nevertheless, all the activities continue, even if there are less attendees. Interestingly the parents seem very happy to send their children to the camps, but not so much with the regular clubs. They have asked for more camp weeks!
The English classes with the children have been a huge success. At the top of the page is a photo of one of the younger children’s groups displaying their drawings from English words they have been learning.
The bread ministry continues to be as popular as ever, and now the sun shines they can distribute this outside which helps to cope with the queues, as you can see from the pictures below. Each week hundreds of loaves are being distributed, not just at the Centre but with refugees and in care homes.
We recently had an article written in an update from the people that supplied the ovens for the bakery. This is the story of Oleksiy….
Before the war started, 16-year-old Oleksiy used to attend church occasionally in his hometown of Lebedyn, Ukraine. But when the war started, his father began to drink heavily, leaving his family in great need. So Oleksiy and his mother decided to go to church to receive bread that was provided by the bakery in Lebedyn Mission Centre. With time, Oleksiy became interested in spiritual things, and started regularly attending Bible studies. Last year, he came forward in church to receive the Lord into his heart and was baptised. His mother has also started to study the Bible seriously. Today, Oleksiy helps to deliver loaves of bread to the elderly in his community that were baked in the bakery, and he eagerly shares the gospel with them as well.
Aid generally is tough to obtain, but we have now 2 sources who appear to be willing to help, which is amazing news. With both sources there is quite a bit of paperwork for the team. There is a full truck waiting to be sent from Germany, but Bohdan and the team need to acquire a customs licence for the aid to arrive. This is a laborious process and we need it to be speedy, so Bohdan has requested for us to pray that all applications will be met with favour and expedited speedily so that there will not be any further problems. This truck is full of all kinds of aid including beds for refugees as well as many other helpful items. Our other source is mainly for bulk food like rice, soya and dried potatoes . There are also hygiene kits, but this is a separate application to receive these. So, there is lots of background work and much paper filling to adhere to Ukraine regulations before this aid can arrive, so please do pray for them.
We have been seeking additional help for Bohdan within the team. We thought we had found that person, but at present it is unlikely he will come as it is more likely for them to be called up to fight in the war. However, there does seem a possibility for another person to join and it will help Bohdan immensely so he can keep driving all that is going on. Again, prayers are requested for the right person to join the team who are living and working in a very precarious situation.
The teenagers still meet for both the homegroup Bible studies, and for the youth club on Friday and Sunday nights. The homegroup keeps growing and this next week they have had to split again as there are so many people attending. Alla is going to run one for the girls, and Bohdan one for the boys. This is fantastic news. However, the youth that attend the other clubs are getting a lot of peer pressure and ridicule for attending, and that is affecting numbers and has been quite upsetting for these young people. Bohdan again asked for specific prayer on this. Below is a picture from last Sunday where the youth got together to make their own pizza’s amongst other things!
It was good to see Bohdan brighter, more rested and full of energy and passion for the work this week. Having had a few days “off” he feels refreshed. Once again he thanks everyone for their prayers and support through these difficult days.
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 situation remains tough in Sumy Oblast as they have now been put on “high alert” throughout the region as tensions still keep rising. Sumy city, once a bustling city centre filled with commuters and commerce with queuing traffic, lies relatively empty with many shops closed, and people queuing at the station everyday with their belongings waiting to leave. Farmer Sergey has a shop in the city centre and he has noticed a big shift in trading and people flow. Many come to Lebedyn.
Bohdan visited Pastor Andrew in Samotoivka where he was shown the devastation of the village. Bohdan informed me that most buildings have had some significant damage, some have been totally destroyed, but it was a miracle nobody was killed. Pictures are below….
Sadly, there are to be no large group gatherings now in Samotoivka, so schools, churches, community centres all remain closed. Pastor Andrew’s church now meets in homes. Bohdan took some aid with him to help in the community.
Daily refugees still come to our Centre. Blankets and bedding sewn by people in the church are given, along with food supplies as they can be obtained. Many refugees come to the services at the Centre for help even when sirens are sounding.
As the state of the region gets more precarious, so the team find different ways to help. Understandably there is an increased military presence in the area, and Bohdan and team are connecting with them to see how they can help them personally.
We do nothing to help fund the war, but pastorally the team like to look after the soldiers and their families, and to share their faith to bring hope and comfort. They are always welcomed.
The bakery baked some special Ukrainian "cakes" for the soldiers when they visited. These are very different to our cakes as it is a bread roll filled with cabbage!! Apparently it is loved by the people there!! The team are also getting some more of the badges for the uniforms with the words “in God we Trust” on them. They plan to try and meet weekly to pray with them.
A new supply of yeast for the bakery has been found so they can bake more bread again. The youth and teenager work continues to go strong, but sadly the children’s club was cancelled on Saturday due to air raid sirens which lasted all day long.
There is no doubt people are feeling fearful of the situation around them. Lebedyn is a town of transition, as many leave and many arrive each day. The team are planning a full programme for the summer still. They do not know what the future will hold, but they believe that after over two years of war, it has not stopped them for doing their work and ministry, so they still prepare. The plan will be to hold three camp weeks with two for children and one for the teens/youths, which for the latter, if it is possible, they will actually camp together! Their prayers are that they will be able to continue to do this work. The team remain remarkably upbeat, and in this week’s team meeting were bright and cheerful, laughing, and still positive about the work they are doing. They are amazing!
When Bohdan visited Pastor Andrew I asked how he was and how was coping. His answer – Andrew is full of joy, happy to be helping others and glad that God has spared them for a while longer to continue his work and ministry.
Amazing courage and love for the people.
Thank you all for your amazing continuing support. One of our supporters held a sponsored "snookerthon" raising over £1,000, and another teenage young lady held a garage sale with many of her unwanted toys and goods and raised £155. Thank you!
Bohdan and team thank you all for your ongoing prayers. They are much needed.
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
