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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
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,
After days of long power outages in Lebedyn due to the war, relief efforts resumed on Tuesday when the team was finally able to bake over 300 loaves of bread at the Centre.
More than 150 internally displaced persons (IDPs) attended a service at the Centre, and each received a loaf of bread. The remaining bread was distributed to elderly residents and those with special needs. Driving out was difficult because the roads remain treacherous. Black ice has made travel even more hazardous, causing cars to skid unexpectedly. In addition to the bread, annual seed packs were also given out, enabling people to grow their own food and helping them sustain themselves throughout the year. Another charity donates these seeds to the work in Lebedyn each year, and the packs are invaluable to those able to grow their own fruit and vegetables.
All the food destined for the food bags arrived earlier this week, and on Wednesday the catering team came together to assemble them with great care. Many people in outlying villages are desperately waiting for these food bags and kindly ask for prayers for safety as the team prepares to deliver these vital supplies once the driving conditions improve. Aid has also been given out to those in need and arriving in town as refugees.
Following the success of the teen camp earlier this month, all the youth clubs and meetings over the weekend saw a huge increase in attendance, whether at the social gathering or the Bible study groups. Great friendships and support networks are being created, and together they kept warm in the dark as they met with no power.
The team are doing well, with Pastor Sergey recovering from his bout of flu. Although not part of the team, Valentina’s son is making slow but positive progress from his war injuries. Valentina is trying to get Vladislav to Lebedyn hospital as currently he is in Kharkiv.
Despite the challenging conditions caused by snow and ice, Bohdan travelled to Sumy to collect some of the Christmas shoebox presents for the community. Unfortunately, he was only able to retrieve a small number of boxes, as the queue was very long and the container with gifts was already half empty when it arrived. The situation was made even more tense by the presence of missiles overhead during his wait, which made everything feel distinctly unsafe. Bohdan and Andrew were therefore very grateful to have made it home safely.
In addition, Bohdan shared alarming news regarding the situation in Kyiv, which is reportedly nearing collapse. The public is being advised to evacuate to safer areas due to escalating dangers. There has also been a significant exodus of young men from Ukraine, with over 500,000 males aged between 18 and 23 fleeing the country to avoid being drawn into the conflict. This mass departure poses serious concerns for Ukraine’s future.
Amidst all that is going on, we continue to see so much that the team can do, and see God at work. If you are available, please do make a note of the 21st February at 4pm when we will be gathering at Victoria Baptist Church in Eastbourne to mark the 4th anniversary of the start of the war. Please do join us if you're able, to pray for Ukraine and the work done by the team. We will hear first hand from the team in Lebedyn, via video, about what more we can do to help. We look forward to seeing you there if possible, and thank you for your ongoing 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,
Sadly, the situation in Lebedyn and Sumy is becoming increasingly concerning. Due to ongoing conflict in the region, missile and drone attacks have become frequent, making daily life ever more difficult for residents.
Bohdan recently shared that explosions were so powerful they knocked books off his shelves and onto the floor. Sunday through to Monday was particularly intense. Throughout this period, the power supply has been severely impacted. On average, they are only receiving about 2–4 hours of electricity each day because power stations have been hit and rationing is in place when power is available. In addition, temperatures have plummeted to an average of -15°C, so everyone is feeling the cold.
Despite these challenges, the team continues to reach out and support as many people as possible. Amid ongoing difficulties in the community—including frequent missile and drone attacks, limited electricity, and severe cold—the team organised a mini conference focused on trauma recovery, which drew around 50 participants. Coping with trauma is a pressing need for everyone, and Bohdan shared that all who attended found the sessions helpful, especially as they explored these issues from a biblical perspective.
Many people are living in extreme poverty, which has made the need for food support ever more urgent. As a result, funds have been sent out to buy more food for the food bag programme they are running. Each bag contains enough food for a family of four for one week, but obtaining supplies has proved challenging: the local wholesaler has had to close, and another in Sumy was ransacked by Russian troops. Thankfully, Bohdan has found another food source. For comparison, when we first provided these bags last year, each cost $17; now, due to inflation, the price has risen to $27. The team identifies families most in need through local community leaders and outreach efforts, ensuring that aid reaches those who are struggling the most. They will be visiting the poorest households in villages and inviting others to the Centre, where people can be kept warm. We have also been able to purchase extra fuel for the large generators, and our smaller solar generators are powering the offices. Thanks to these efforts, dozens of families have already received essential supplies, and we plan to continue expanding our reach in the coming weeks. We thank God for the provision of these resources!
The services continue throughout the week, with many people still coming in for help. I mentioned previously that Valentina, who oversees all the IDPs (Internally Displaced Person) in the Lebedyn region, has been sending people to the Centre. She has been truly outstanding, even as she faces significant personal hardship—her son, Vladislava, was badly injured in the war. He has already undergone major facial surgery, but still needs at least two more operations on his face. She has asked that people pray for her son, Vladislava.
Musical Sergey is holding more computer workshops with the elderly community. Many of these older individuals have found themselves isolated, with family members having left the town, and they are eager to stay in touch but lack the necessary skills to do so. The workshops focus on helping them connect with loved ones and navigate everyday life using technology, providing much-needed support and encouragement during these challenging times.
Musical Sergey is also writing and developing a new puppet show which can be performed all year round, not just at special occasions. The children are excited to be part of this and still 30 children turn up each week to practice and train in puppetry. All productions have a Christian theme.
Sadly, one of Pastor Sergey’s relatives passed away and he conducted the funeral on Sunday. As he stood by the graveside he got cold and has been in bed ever since with a flu virus. He is not well so please pray for him.
Bohdan also wants to try and help the church and people in Okhtyrka. Next week, he plans to visit with food bags to help this impoverished town.
Conscription remains a stark reality in the region, often handled with little compassion. One member of the church, Ilya, has recently experienced this first hand. Four years ago, at the start of the conflict, his mother and sister left to seek safety abroad, leaving Ilya behind with his ailing father. His father, whose health has been severely affected by alcoholism and who is registered as disabled, relied on Ilya as his carer. For this reason, Ilya had previously been exempt from conscription. However, recent reassessments of disability status meant that his father’s category no longer qualified Ilya for exemption. Ilya, who had just turned 25 and was due to complete his studies in April, was summoned to the military office to register. There was no opportunity for him to collect any personal belongings or say goodbye; he was simply shipped off to Sumy on a bus.
Two years ago, Ilya had come to the church seeking support and found a new sense of family. He became a Christian and was baptised in 2024, quickly becoming an active member of the church community. Bohdan hopes that Ilya, a trained chef, might be assigned to help in the kitchens rather than sent to the frontline. Now his family grieve for a son that has been taken to war.
Many come to the Centre for help, not always is it for food or warmth, many times it is seeking spiritual help. Bibles are requested, and more often than not, these come from the teenagers who are trying to find out the meaning of life. War has such a massive impact in so many ways.
As always, thank you for your ongoing 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,
The Winter Camp drew to a close on a high note, leaving many teenagers feeling reluctant for it to end. The bonds formed during the camp were so strong that a significant number of the young people returned over the weekend to attend church services and clubs, simply so they could continue spending time together.
Click below to watch a video of highlights from the week!
Throughout the week, there was a sense of relief as the Centre experienced very little military threat, and, remarkably, the power supply remained uninterrupted. This was a particular blessing given that power in the town was frequently off more than it was on.
Inspired by a desire to support their country and the soldiers defending it, the children expressed a keen interest in taking some practical action. It was agreed that everyone would return home and prepare baked goods and craft items with the intention of selling them to raise much-needed funds. This initiative was in line with the government’s encouragement for citizens to get involved in supporting the war effort. Parents and numerous church members rallied in support of the young people’s efforts, contributing to a strong sense of community. Thanks to their collective hard work, a total of 7,000 Hryvnia (approximately $180) was raised. These funds were used to purchase medical supplies and items to help keep soldiers warm during the harsh winter, making a tangible difference to those on the frontline.
Zhenya has been attending the youth club for a year. When she first arrived, she struggled to communicate with other young people, kept to herself, and was so withdrawn that her parents almost had to force her out the door to participate. Zhenya has faced many challenges in life and was abandoned by her biological parents, but Pastor Andrew and Veronica took her in and eventually adopted her. During this camp, she truly blossomed: she helped by singing, leading teams, and praying with others. A year of support and newfound faith in Jesus has made a remarkable difference in her life. Zhenya’s story is just one of many inspiring examples we can share.
After the camps, the team visited local villages they had seen at Christmas, bringing aid such as children's clothes to help with the cold. Many are struggling, as temperatures have stayed near -12C.
Sumy has officially become a frontline city as the war continues in the region. Russian troops moving in from the north are making advances, causing ongoing concern for everyone. Bohdan observed that with the many people they encountered during the Christmas and New Year period, worries about safety have increased—not just for themselves but also for loved ones still fighting in the war. On Monday, Bohdan helped Svetlana chop logs for warmth. Svetlana's husband was killed in the conflict, and she now cares for their granddaughter Dasha, since Dasha's parents left her in their care; their whereabouts are unknown. Thanks to support and compassion at the Centre, both Svetlana and Dasha became Christians and now actively participate in its activities as much as possible. Bohdan recognizes leadership qualities in Dasha, who helps lead small teams and stays engaged in everything happening there. Although grief and loss remain, they continue to hold onto hope for the future.
A mini conference on coping with trauma will be held today and Saturday for all community members. The sessions will be led by a specialist from Kyiv Theological Seminary with extensive front-line experience supporting soldiers. His practical insights aim to help attendees manage grief and emotional distress resulting from conflict, and how to help others cope with their trauma from a biblical perspective. Prayers for a successful event are appreciated.
Thank you once again for all the support both financially and prayerfully that has been given over recent weeks. It has been deeply appreciated and it really has helped to make a difference in people’s lives.
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,
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
