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Dear Friends,
There was no update last week as we had the joy of meeting Bohdan, Alla, and their family in Poland. A group of us, including three trustees, travelled to a location near Warsaw.
It was a special week, giving us the opportunity to hear first-hand about life in Lebedyn and the Sumy region—the pain as well as the joy. Some stories were heartbreaking, while others filled us with joy and hope. We also spent a day planning for the future, focusing on the vision and exploring how the team and its work could become more effective. I will share more of these stories and plans in future updates.
Bohdan and Alla’s children greatly enjoyed the chance to stay away from the war zone. On the journey to our accommodation, one of the children asked whether they would be safe there and if bombs and sirens could no longer reach them. We were staying in a house about 35 minutes outside Warsaw, in the countryside near the lovely small town of Milanowek. With more than two acres of garden, the children had space to play safely. Yet on the first day, when a passenger plane flew overhead, fear showed clearly on their faces. Little Zoryana was frightened and asked if she needed to hide. As the week went on, we began to understand more deeply the impact the war is having on children, and discussed what we can do to help. It was not all meetings and we managed to visit the zoo in Warsaw and take them England shirts ready for the World Cup!
Bohdan’s journey back was difficult, with an overnight stop near Korosten where drones and missiles struck the area, leaving little chance for sleep. He returned on Sunday in time to begin the first of six weeks of camps.
This camp is especially significant, as the team has been invited into a school in Grintsevo where 65 children are still attending. The school director asked them to bring the same activities they run at the Centre, so the children are being given two meals a day, along with puppet theatre, games, and crafts. Each day, the children enjoy it immensely and listen closely to the Bible stories being shared. They join in with great enthusiasm, and the director has said they have never seen the children so happy.
Sadly, yesterday late Wednesday afternoon after the camps had finished and in late evening, bombs fell on Lebedyn. The Centre and their houses shook from the blast. Thankfully, there was no damage to the Centre or to team homes, but the power stations and sub-stations were taken out so there has been no power and not likely to be any for some time. The team still went to Grintsevo as the power outage has affected them also, but they took solar generators so all the puppet show equipment could still work. Please do pray for this situation as the team have another camp in Lebedyn next week.
As you can see, the war continues to have a heavy impact on the region, though reports suggest that Ukrainian soldiers are making gains and pushing back. Pastor Andrew also told me that in Samotoivka there are now more soldiers than civilians.
Aid arrived unexpectedly when the Mennonite community in western Ukraine sent a truckload of supplies. Although it did not include food, it contained many useful items, including hygiene products, school materials to help children study from home, and other everyday essentials.
One of our workers, Sasha, is unwell and has been taken to hospital in Sumy for treatment. He is experiencing problems with his lung, which is especially serious as he has only one. Doctors are still assessing his condition, so please do remember Sasha in your thoughts and prayers.
While we were in Poland, we received regular updates. As the site was being prepared for the camp season, Andrew took teams to deliver bread not only in Lebedyn, but also to villages near the Russian border, where poverty remains especially severe and the bread was deeply appreciated. We have also been facing difficulty sourcing flour since the mill we had been using closed because of the war. However, through a supporter who reads these updates, we were connected with another mill just outside Kharkiv that can supply the high-grade flour we need at a much lower price. This is wonderful news, and the first order has now been placed. It feels like a real answer to prayer, and we are so thankful for those who read these updates and can offer help.
The youth also visited another church in town, where Pastor Sergey is originally from. Valentyn is working to build a connection between the two youth groups so they can support one another. Although the other church has fewer young people, the two groups relate well together, and it is a joy to see them united as they lead services.
I want to return to the impact of this war on children. Our hope now is to find the right support to offer trauma care to families in need, with help that is suitable for both children and parents. There are several options to consider, and we are seeking the best way to serve them well.
Another burden on these children is the many restrictions they now live under. They are warned not to play in the woods because of mines, they cannot go out in the evenings unless accompanied by adults, and many live with the fear of fathers or loved ones being taken to fight. Even the constant sounds of war bring fear into daily life. Schooling has also been deeply disrupted. Only the first and final years are guaranteed regular attendance, while other children may go in just once a week, often for two short sessions because of the need to use bomb shelters. Their education is suffering, and this is a growing concern for many parents.
This is one reason the camps have such value. They give the children something of the normality they have lost, though the team often say that at the start of each week many of them struggle socially. Please do pray for the camps in the weeks ahead, and for the lasting impact they may have on these young lives mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Finally, Bohdan shared that each night he reads the Bible and prays with his children before bed. Every day he reminds them that they are here only by God’s grace and mercy, and tells them that tomorrow is never guaranteed but they need not be afraid. This is the reality the team are living in, and the faithful spirit in which they continue to serve during this time of war.
Thank you for your ongoing support and prayer. It is truly appreciated.
Every blessing.
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
P.S. It costs around £35 for one child to attend a non-residential camp week. This covers two meals, drinks, snacks, and all activities. We need to send $25,000 to meet these costs, so if you can contribute in any way, we would be very grateful. This link can show you more info……Hope Lebedyn's page | Stewardship
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, and the war continues to take a heavy toll on the communities in and around Lebedyn. A planned trip to Byshkin last Friday had to be cancelled when it became clear that the road was too dangerous to travel.
Bread has been baked again, and additional services and events have been held to distribute it to those most in need. Children’s and youth activities have continued with growing attendance, and the young people also led a service at another local church.
Preparations for the summer camps are well underway. The first camp will take place in the first week of June, when the team has been invited to run its usual programme at the school in Grintsevo. Parents will be invited during the week to share in the excitement and see their children enjoying the activities. There is a large bomb shelter available if needed, though we pray it will not be. We are responsible for providing breakfast and lunch, while the school kitchen team will prepare the meals.
Food prices have risen sharply in recent weeks, significantly increasing the cost of the camps. Please pray that the camps will run smoothly, that all the logistics will come together, and that there will be enough team members to help, which remains a challenge for some of the six weeks.
The strain on family life continues to grow. Arthur, who served on our team some years ago, left Ukraine with his wife to live elsewhere in Europe so that he would not be called to fight. His father had been ill for a long time and sadly passed away this week. Arthur was unable to return in time for the funeral, which added greatly to his grief. As has happened so often, the church had to manage everything for the family, with little or no relatives present. It is heartbreaking to see how much sorrow and pain families are enduring.
On a more encouraging note, Ivan visited the Centre while home on leave. He is a soldier and a friend of Costa, Lyuba’s husband. Like many men in Ukraine, Ivan had fallen into drug and alcohol addiction and was sent to a Christian rehabilitation centre near Kharkiv, where others have also been helped through Bohdan’s recommendation. He came through the programme successfully and has been serving in the army since the war began. On Tuesday, Ivan came to the Centre unannounced and asked to speak with Bohdan. After talking together, he prayed and became a Christian. Bohdan and the team are now helping him find a church near where he lives and serves. Please pray for Ivan, and for many others in the armed forces who are searching for hope.
Bohdan also travelled to Zhytomyr at the weekend for Paulo’s wedding as you can see in the photo above. Paulo served on the team as a youth pastor until three years ago, when he moved there. Bohdan was invited to preach at the service. Paulo’s father was probably our first youth pastor and has since pastored a church in Hadyach. In the first six months of the war, Bohdan and the team helped that church receive aid from Poltava. The church is now struggling and has asked for support, so Bohdan and the team plan to visit in a few weeks. Please pray for Paulo and his wife, and for Andrew and his church.
Please continue to pray for more aid to come our way as this is now desperately needed and for a new resident caretaker to replace Misha as he has left the country.
Thank you all so much for your ongoing support and prayers.
Thank you for your continued ongoing support both financially and prayerfully. It is very much appreciated.
Every blessing.
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
P.S. It costs around £35 for one child to attend a non-residential camp week. This covers two meals, drinks, snacks, and all activities. We need to send $25,000 to meet these costs, so if you can contribute in any way, we would be very grateful.
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 has been another week where there simply has not been enough time to help everyone in need. The bakery has been busy baking large quantities of bread, which has been distributed far and wide.
People came to the Centre for the midweek service, with nearly 100 people attending. Many of these were refugees in the town, desperately trying to find help and encouragement while carrying the heavy burden of grief after losing homes and family members. As you can see from the photo above, the fresh bread brings so much joy.
The team also visited the college where many refugees are being housed. It had previously been evacuated due to the threat of bombing, but it is now full once again. Aid and bread were distributed to all those we were able to help.
Under Andrew’s supervision, the team visited outlying villages, some very small and never visited before, close to the Russian border. Once again, the devastation and need were clear, with people desperate for help and support. Last Friday, the team also visited Byshkyn, another small village known to them, and they could hardly believe the damage and destruction they witnessed.
Some of you may remember that, near the start of the war, we helped a family purchase a home in Lebedyn after they had fled an outlying village, thanks to the generosity of one donor. Luda lives there with her son, Sergey, and daughter, Natasha. Natasha was left severely disabled following a car accident more than 15 years ago that broke her back. Luda also suffers from serious heart problems, with her heart functioning at only 50% capacity. She desperately needs an operation, but because of the war this is not possible, and she may even require a heart transplant in the future.
Sergey has been registered as the carer for both his mother and sister and, because of this, has so far not been required to fight. However, as I write this update, Sergey’s papers are with the military commission as the exemptions from military service have once again changed, and it now looks likely that he will be called up to the army. It is hard to know how Luda and Natasha will cope, but Bohdan and the team are trying to find a lawyer to help and to see what else can be done.
Nearly all exemptions that were previously in place now seem to have been removed, and even some members of the team may become vulnerable to being called up. Bohdan has asked specifically that we pray for this situation.
Sometimes there are special moments when encouragement comes your way. This week, after the children’s club, a mother came to the Centre and asked to speak with Bohdan. She was overwhelmed with gratitude for what the team are doing there. For her, the Centre has brought a sense of normality and has allowed her daughter to simply be a child again. She donated all of her daughter’s outgrown clothes to help others, even though she could probably have sold them. Generosity truly breeds generosity.
We must continue praying for a just and lasting peace that will endure for generations to come. Please also pray for the camp preparations as we hope to reach more than 500 children and make a real difference in their lives. In the current climate, this is a huge undertaking both physically and financially.
Thank you for your continued ongoing support both financially and prayerfully. It is very much 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,
Last weekend, the intensity of the war increased in Lebedyn. The centre housing internally displaced people was threatened by bombs, forcing a rushed evacuation. Many residents were relocated to unsuitable living conditions as a result. Fortunately, the anticipated bombing did not occur, and most have now returned to the centre due to the poor conditions of their temporary accommodations. The team is doing everything possible to assist during this challenging time.
Elsewhere in the region, the conflict continues to escalate, and a kindergarten nursery in Sumy city was bombed. Numerous children sustained injuries, though these incidents are currently not being covered by the news.
Previously, we communicated that, through our partnership with Mission Eurasia, we secured a substantial number of wood stoves intended for heating and cooking purposes. These stoves were distributed to families most in need; however, there has been a shortage of suitable firewood. Local forests have been sold for fundraising, eliminating the possibility for residents to gather their own firewood. Bohdan recently engaged a Mennonite charity, which, beginning Monday, delivered two truckloads of wood for the burners. The team visited homes throughout the region to distribute the firewood, an effort that required significant labour and travel but resulted in many families now able to use their wood stoves effectively. Unexpectedly, today the charity provided an additional two truckloads of firewood as well.
Your continued generosity has enabled us to buy enough food to assemble an additional 200 emergency bags, each capable of supporting a family of four for one week. Each bag also contains a copy of the Gospel of John.
We distribute these bags thoughtfully, ensuring they reach those facing the most urgent needs. Unfortunately, the number of people needing assistance is increasing. In just over a year, the cost of the food we include in these bags has more than doubled—another consequence of the ongoing war. We also still have ongoing supply issues in getting flour and yeast for the bakery.
Several older teens are developing their Christian faith impressively. They demonstrate remarkable care and compassion for those around them, and their understanding of the Bible is both profound and evident in how they live. Despite ongoing sirens and blackouts, all regular meetings continue, and attendance increases each week, which is truly encouraging.
This Sunday, our church will join with another local Baptist congregation for a youth-led service. Bohdan is looking forward to this event, as our church was originally established by Sergey during his tenure at that congregation many years ago. This collaboration demonstrates unity within the church community at a particularly important time.
The team is preparing for six camps this summer, which will begin in just over three weeks. Each child’s attendance costs about £35, covering nutritious meals, access to resources for crafts and fun activities, puppet shows, a gift for every attendee, and, importantly, support and care from the team when the children need it most.
According to the spring camp report, one young girl asked her leader for hugs, reflecting how much children are longing for attention—especially since many men are away fighting and women must work to provide for their families. Whilst we can’t hug every child, we aim to create a safe and welcoming environment where they feel valued and loved. Through these six camps, we hope to reach more than 500 children and youth. Any support you can offer would be sincerely appreciated.
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.
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,
Throughout the week, the situation in the Lebedyn area has largely remained unchanged.
Missiles and drones continue to be a daily occurrence, generating ongoing fear and concern among the local population. The persistent attacks have made access to food increasingly difficult, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents.
Villages situated near the border, particularly in the Samotoivka area, have been among the most severely affected. In response to these hardships, the team made another trip to these locations, bringing bread to those in need. The photographs above illustrate the impact of the conflict, with bombed buildings visible in the background as people gratefully receive their loaves of bread.
Preparations for the busy summer season are progressing, with camps scheduled to commence in June, coinciding with the conclusion of the school term. The school in Grintsevo has finalised arrangements with Bohdan, ensuring that the first week of the camp programme will align with the last week of the academic year.
The team intends to resume English classes at the Centre, recognising that many parents are eager for their children to learn. This initiative will provide an opportunity to engage with additional families who may benefit from the support and services offered by the Centre.
Attendance at all regular activities remains strong, with services often reaching full capacity, and children and youth continue to enjoy gathering at the Centre whenever possible. However, we still need to secure a new source of flour and ongoing aid to support our efforts.
Please pray for:
Thank you once again for your ongoing 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 past week has been challenging as the intensity of shelling and drone activity is getting more regular and consistent. Every night is broken with the sound of explosions and now the days have this happening too. So far the Ukrainian military have shot down all missiles, but this has caused fires and debris damage across the town and wider region. Last Saturday evening was the worst it has been, which was frightening for all.
The reason for this increased activity is that Russian troops are advancing into the Sumy region. The map above, published by the Institute for the Study of War, shows in blue the alarming advancement being made. There is a large black dot south west of Sumy city where Lebedyn is, and this shows why Lebedyn is becoming such a target. I showed this map to Bohdan and he concurred that this is how they see everything happening.
Despite everything, the team has visited many villages to deliver bread and aid. Unfortunately, one or two villages near Samotoivka were inaccessible because they are now under Russian control. The aid distributed is bringing much joy.
Getting flour has been difficult since our supplier went out of business. Even though we didn’t ask for help, word got around about the shortage, and people started showing up (see picture below) to donate their own flour so we could keep baking bread for the community. It’s truly an inspiring example of spontaneous generosity!
The teen and kid’s clubs over last weekend were amazing, with Bohdan reporting that numbers were very high and children in good spirits after the camp week.
The team has spent this week preparing for an ambitious summer designed to bring fun and relief to children. There are currently plans for 6 camps, including one at a village school, another for children with special needs, and 4 for those living in and around Lebedyn who experience the daily challenges of war. More updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Please pray for:
We deeply appreciate your ongoing support and prayers. Recently, we have received several financial gifts from generous individuals, but we may not have your contact information to personally thank you. If you make a donation, please do let us know so we can express our gratitude and check if your gift qualifies for gift aid, which could increase the impact of your contribution.
Thank you all once again.
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
If you would like to support us financially you can do so below. Remember, if you are a UK taxpayer, please confirm that you would like us to claim Gift Aid on your donation. This will add 25p to every £1 you give.
Dear Friends,
There is much news to update you with for both information and prayer so I will try and keep this as short as possible!
Lebedyn area is truly under the grip of attack in this war. Daily sirens with drone and missile attacks spread fear into the community, and they are all happening with more regularity and seemingly more danger. On Wednesday, a text came through informing that the town was under serious attack from drones so shelter was sought. All 10 drones were shot down with no human injuries. The only exception to noise of war was the Easter camp week. The weekends before and after were difficult and dangerous, as were many of the nights of the camp, but thankfully no drones or missiles arrived during the camp hours themselves. On the Friday, as you can see in the photo above, the children had to base themselves in the bomb shelter for a few hours as air raid sirens sounded, but they saw this as an adventure rather than a danger.
Each new child attending the camp received a personal copy of the Jesus Storybook Bible, along with additional books as shown in the image below.
Attendance averaged 85 children per day, and highlights from their activities are presented in this brief video. Please click on the image below to watch....
Obtaining food is becoming increasingly difficult, particularly in village areas. In recent weeks, our team has visited several villages and rural communities where bread has not been available for quite some time. During these visits, the team distributed 200 loaves of bread, which was deeply appreciated by all those that received them.
Unfortunately, our supply of emergency food bags has been depleted, and it is necessary to prepare more, especially for these regions. Each emergency bag costs approximately £25 and can feed a small family or couple for a week. We hope to send additional funds soon to support this effort. Our goal is to create a further 500 bags.
A challenge we are facing is that many suppliers are shutting down due to poor trade or direct effects from the war. For instance, our flour manufacturer has closed, which puts us in a difficult position since the bread we distribute is vital for so many people. We urgently need to find a new supplier to continue providing this lifeline.
During Easter, the youth participated in an "Acts of Kindness" activity, which encouraged them to perform at least one kind act for a family member. The experience proved both rewarding and transformative for them. Inspired by these results, they have decided to extend the initiative: now, each young person will carry out an act of kindness for a stranger and seek to develop a meaningful connection. The success of the project was celebrated with a pizza party, acknowledging all their accomplishments.
An increasing number of schools are inviting the team to visit together with the puppet theatre. Rural schools are hosting them more frequently than those in larger towns. During each visit, they bring cakes and treats for the children and present special events and shows that share Bible stories.
Children in Lebedyn attend school in person just one day each week, with the remainder of their education taking place online. When they are at school, all lessons occur in cold underground bunkers without any chance for play, which the children find unpleasant. Children are really struggling to find any structure and happiness in going to school.
Please continue to pray for:
Please keep the people of Lebedyn and Sumy in your prayers as those remaining face severe hardship.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers, financial support and encouragement given - it is so appreciated and much needed.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
If you would like to support us financially you can do so below. Remember, if you are a UK taxpayer, please confirm that you would like us to claim Gift Aid on your donation. This will add 25p to every £1 you give.
Dear Friends,
Once again, this has been another week in which many drones and missiles have been active in the region. Thankfully, the town of Lebedyn has been spared, although nearby villages and suburbs have been impacted. All activities at the Centre have been able to continue, for which we are very thankful.
Bohdan shared that there is a growing sense of despondency in the town, as it seems that almost every day brings another funeral for a young life lost in this war. Nearly every funeral this past week has been for men aged between 20 and 25. It is truly heartbreaking.
The team are excitedly preparing for next week’s camp for children aged 7–11. So far, over 65 are registered, although more are expected to arrive. With spring here, many families are considering leaving the area due to the ongoing dangers, so the team never knows the exact number until the day. Nevertheless, they are working hard to make the site look special as they welcome the children on Monday. Parents have placed their trust in the team to give their children a joyful experience, especially as they are no longer able to attend school.
The new oven is now up and running, and it has already made production much easier. In the picture above, you can see Svetlana (in blue) taking bread out of the oven. She gave up a day’s work as a lawyer and judge to bake bread for those in need. Tomorrow, the team are heading out to nearby villages with bread and food parcels to support those affected by recent bombings. Another Ukrainian volunteer organisation has also asked for help in reaching large families, many of whom are malnourished and in need of both food and support. Bohdan and the team will provide bread and supplies and then arrange follow-up visits to offer ongoing care.
The services went well this week, and Bohdan has been in touch with Valentina, whom we have mentioned in previous updates. Her son was recently injured and required significant specialist surgery in Kharkiv. Thankfully, the first operation was successful. However, although further operations are needed, he has already been sent back to the frontline.
Similarly, Nikolai, a close friend of Sasha, was injured and had shrapnel lodged in his leg. He needed an operation to remove it, but due to a shortage of doctors, this could not be carried out, and he too was sent back to the battlefield. Sadly, it now appears he has developed a serious infection and may lose his leg. There is a deep sense of fear among young men and women, as the intensity of the fighting continues without relief.
On Tuesday, a lady called Luda (pictured below) came to one of the services. We mentioned her in a recent update, as she had returned home from the battlefield after giving birth to her daughter, Veronica, and asked the team to pray a prayer of dedication and blessing. She has remained in contact, and her mother, Antonia, has also come to the Centre for help, receiving bread after attending a service. Antonia has since become a Christian and is now helping to serve bread to others.
Luda is currently struggling greatly with anxiety, as she may have to return to the frontline. Her husband, Artum, was captured a year ago, and there has been no news of his whereabouts since. If anything were to happen to Luda, Veronica could grow up without knowing either of her parents. Antonia is understandably distressed, as she would have to care for the baby. She has already lost one daughter to diabetes as a teenager before the war, and fears losing her only remaining child. This family represents so many others across Ukraine. Please do pray for Luda, and for all those with children at war or who have suffered such deep loss.
The team themselves are in good health overall, although Bohdan has asked for prayer for his three boys, who have all suddenly developed high temperatures without any other symptoms. Zoryana remains well.
With our love and thanks for your continued prayers and support,
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
If you would like to support us financially you can do so below. Remember, if you are a UK taxpayer, please confirm that you would like us to claim Gift Aid on your donation. This will add 25p to every £1 you give.
Dear Friends,
Lebedyn has faced another week of heavy missile and drone attacks. These strikes now occur both during the day and at night, although only one has impacted the town centre. Most attacks target power and fuel facilities, as well as suspected military locations. A small village just a few kilometres from Lebedyn was completely destroyed, prompting the team to provide aid wherever possible.
Last Friday, Bohdan and his team visited the small town of Prystaylov after being invited by the mayor. They hosted a service, performed a puppet show, and distributed aid to residents. Many families in Prystaylov live in poverty and have limited access to shops or supplies. Although there was no heating in the community centre, over 50 families attended, bundled up against the cold, and were deeply affected by the event. The families appreciated the emergency food bags and requested Bibles, which the team provided. The mayor has invited Bohdan and his team to return, and they hope to visit again during the Easter period.
Anna arrived in Lebedyn in 2014 with her three children and her mother after fleeing Donetsk when the war began. We helped her find accommodation. She was separated from her husband, who had to stay behind and fight, and she has not heard from him in many years—she does not even know if he is still alive. Anna and her family came to faith through the Centre’s work. Unfortunately, Anna is now seriously ill, and it is difficult to get proper medical care because many doctors are working near the frontlines. Anna’s only option is to go to the hospital in Sumy, which is a dangerous journey and place to be. Andrew and Bohdan have asked us to pray for her.
Yesterday turned out to be a positive day—the new oven was installed and successfully tested by specialist electricians. Meanwhile, word spread that children’s Easter camp registration was opening, which led to a line forming outside the Centre as parents hoped to secure spots for their kids. Demand is expected to exceed capacity, and finding enough helpers remains difficult since so many people are leaving the area. The camp is scheduled to begin on Monday the 30th, if all goes as planned.
The teenagers were challenged to spend the next week focusing on helping their parents instead of themselves. Bohdan’s phone has been busy with parents reaching out, surprised at how helpful their children have become! Those who finish all the tasks will be rewarded with cake and a drink at the local café. Many young people have lost touch with communication and socialising skills at home, so this initiative aims to encourage them to think about others, serve their families, and experience the benefits. It’s clear that the effort is having a positive impact.
Last Sunday marked a significant turning point for the church in Lebedyn as Pastor Sergey officially retired, passing all church responsibilities to Pastor Andrew under Bohdan’s general leadership. Sergey's health has been poor recently, prompting his decision to step down. His wife, Luba, is also seriously ill and has been hospitalised in Kyiv for three weeks, with no set date for her return home. When she does come back, she will require care. We plan to send Sergey a retirement gift for him to enjoy, and we ask you to keep him in your prayers during this transition—it is not easy for him to leave behind the ministry he founded.
Over the years, Sergey has acted as a spiritual father to many and, thanks to his dedication, the church has reached its current state. He always encouraged young people, showed kindness to those in need with a hug and a kiss, and developed future leaders while raising his own family of nine children. His influence has greatly blessed people in both Ukraine and the UK.
Now, it is time for Sergey to spend his days with loved ones. He hopes to see peace return and continues to pray earnestly for his community and country. We invite you to join him in these prayers. Although Sergey is retiring, he will continue attending church and offering help where possible, so he won’t be far from us.
Thank you again for your ongoing support and prayers—they mean so much to us.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
If you would like to support us financially you can do so below. Remember, if you are a UK taxpayer, please confirm that you would like us to claim Gift Aid on your donation. This will add 25p to every £1 you give.
Dear Friends,
Earlier this week, a drone approached the Centre with its target set on a petrol station just fifty metres away - you can see the damage in the photo above. The force of the blast shook nearby buildings, and Lyuba and her husband, Costa, saw the impact first-hand from their window, as it happened close to their apartment.
Unfortunately, radar systems did not detect the drone, so there was no warning. We are grateful that everyone is safe and unharmed, though the petrol station is now out of service. Whilst the Centre felt the shockwave, it sustained no damage. Now, both petrol stations in Lebedyn have been struck, leaving the town without fuel. Thankfully, the team has spare supplies to last for a short while. This is life in Lebedyn, day and night, yet the team remains as active as ever.
The bakery received its new oven, having to remove doors and their frames to fit the large appliance inside. They aimed to have it operational by Thursday (yesterday), as they will be visiting a village today where resources are depleted and many elderly residents struggle to access food. As such, our food bags are essential for them. Finding the same variety of groceries as before the war has become increasingly difficult, with inflation continuing to rise. Each food bag, which once cost about $17, now exceeds $30. Three out of four regional food wholesalers have closed, making it even more challenging for us to obtain bulk foods.
Recently, we renewed separate registrations for the church and mission centre, obtaining government approval to distribute humanitarian aid. With leadership changes and ongoing conflict, proper documentation was essential. Svetlana, our resident lawyer and now local judge, reviewed the new laws and confirmed that both entities have "Critical Status," granting them certain exemptions and benefits. We are currently working on an issue that could greatly benefit our efforts; Bohdan requests prayers as we research further. Details will be shared once confirmed.
Last Sunday, Valentine was ordained as a deacon in the church. In Ukraine, the government recognises only two levels of church leadership: Pastor and Deacon. Now, Valentine is authorised to conduct weddings and funerals. His journey has been remarkable—despite a difficult childhood, Valentine came to the Centre as a youth, became a Christian, and underwent leadership training at Kyiv Theological Seminary. Witnessing his progress is truly amazing. Below, you’ll find a photo of Valentine’s ordination by the three pastors, alongside an image of Nikita, Vika, and Dasha, three other young people following in Valentine’s footsteps. They’re shown singing and leading worship at church. Currently, Nikita and Vika are participating in baptismal classes and all will assist with the upcoming Easter camp as leaders, where we anticipate nearly 100 children joining in for a memorable experience together.
Bohdan has requested prayers for the young people mentioned above, for preparations for camp, and for enough helpers since many former volunteers have left. He also asks for support for Micha, our live-in caretaker, and his family, who are relocating to another country to join their relatives. Both Micha and his wife will be deeply missed, as she played a vital role in every camp we organised.
Lastly, wood stoves are being distributed to families who require reliable heating and a means to cook. Lyuba, shown below, recently returned to the church and attended weekday aid services. She is a widow whose children have moved away from home. Her son, Ratislav, is currently serving on the front lines; he is the only surviving member of his platoon and, due to security reasons, she cannot communicate with him. Lyuba became a Christian after participating in these services and has since taken an active role at the centre. She is so appreciative for receiving the wood stove, which will be invaluable to her.
We are so grateful for your continued prayers and financial support as without them we would not be writing updates like this where we have seen prayer answered. Thank you!
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
