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Dear Friends,
Thankfully, last week was much quieter which has been helpful with all the work going on.
They had an amazing time with the youth last weekend, they were at the Centre for much of the day, enjoying a safe space to be together. They participated in activities, ate together and explored the Bible. Bohdan said that it is a place they can forget about the war and be normal young people, as you can see in the pictures below. The children’s club continues weekly as well.
Last Monday, Bohdan and Farmer Sergey joined us for our Hope Lebedyn trustees meeting. It was humbling once again to hear the stories of need, how people are having to cope with very little and how the war is impacting them and their families. Inflation is rampant, taxes are increasing, aid is short and supply chains are challenging. Soldiers still seem willing to fight until the end, even with the growing death toll. However, Bohdan shared that many of the people are tired of the war. There are so many broken families, and everyday there is a military funeral in the town, everyone has had someone close to them who has died, housing is hard to come by, there is little work, and people are just trying to survive. The longer the war goes on, and the colder winter gets, the bigger these issues will be so they want to respond in the best way they can.
We asked what their greatest concerns and worries were. Having to leave Lebedyn was something Bohdan was worried about, along with the pain peace would cost Ukraine in the way of lost territories. Outside of protecting his family, Bohdan said that he would not want to have to leave the town. This is where God has called him to work and it would hurt to have to leave. He was concentrating on the good things he has seen in recent weeks, the way that children come together as normal through the activities within the Centre. Due to school’s not operating properly since the start of the war, children are forgetting how to engage with each other. This is why the camps are so helpful, as by the end they have all made friends as children should do. He also shared that it is amazing how God had kept them safe and the services they held have been full. People come to faith, and they have seen God at work in the hearts and lives of people.
As a trust we are committing ourselves to supporting in the best possible way navigating through difficult challenges for them. It was special to have time to pray together at the end just allowing them enough time to get back before curfew!
During the day on Monday, Bohdan had been to visit Pastor Andrew in Samotoivka where the situation continues to worsen. He loaded his car up with aid and help for those Andrew looks after. They also took a trip to visit people living close to the Russian border to see what help they needed. No photos were allowed in this area.
While he was with Andrew the team were visiting families that have children with special needs. They were glad to get some help and aid and an invite to come to the Centre to get some bread!
This week continues to be busy. The church held its normal Tuesday service for those that normally do not come to the church. Over 100 people turned up again and the bread proved popular. Whilst the parents were busy this young man in the photo clearly could not wait to sample the warm loaf, devouring most of it whilst his parents were busy talking. I’m not sure how popular he was when they found out!! Bohdan did not say.
Last Wednesday, they invited a further 65 refugee families to the church and Centre, where they were given aid and I imagine any bread left over. Last Thursday, the bakery team were busy baking “Ukrainian pies” to take to the soldiers guarding the town.
Gifts have been purchased for the children ready for the Christmas camp and activities. This week, they will visit a centre for children with learning disabilities and also another school on the outskirts of town that meets in a bomb shelter. Please pray for safety as they drive around.
Thank you all for your kind notes, gifts and encouragement through this past week. It has been amazing and we are truly thankful for those that are standing with the team in Lebedyn, not just financially but, more importantly, through regular prayer which has been so impactful. As Christmas gets ever closer, there will be a few festive things to cheer us all along in the weeks to come.
Thank you!
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
If you would like to support us financially you can do so below. Remember, if you are a UK taxpayer, please confirm that you would like us to claim Gift Aid on your donation. This will add 25p to every £1 you give.
Dear Friends,
I start the update this week with a special moment to celebrate. 25 years ago I was invited with my father-in-law to Moscow for conference with 650 pastors of churches who had led churches through much time of persecution in the former Soviet Union. It was there I was introduced to Pastor Sergey, and the rest is history! Today, we commemorated this moment with a special certificate recognising this milestone. Bohdan did the presentation, as you can see above, with me on video. It was an amazing time catching up and hearing more about the work, some of which formulates the information below.
Pastor Sergey shared that he is not enjoying this time and is ready to leave this earth. He is tired of the war. His contacts within the community are as great as ever and he shared that this year’s harvest was the worst one that they can remember. Poor weather, plus effects of the war in the region which left fields unharvested, mean that this will have a huge impact on food supply and prices. Salaries are decreasing and yet food prices continue to soar. One egg now costs the equivalent of 25 cents. Before the war it would have been only 3 cents. Bread prices similarly have increased, which makes the work done in our bakery even more important.
Sergey is concerned for his children and grandchildren. He has 9 children, soon to be 22 grandchildren, and a great grandchild on the way. He fears of what life will be in the days ahead. His granddaughter is training to be a doctor, but it is likely that once qualified she will have to go to the front-line. He told me that as Bohdan runs much of what goes on, he spends time walking the streets of Lebedyn to see which people need help.
This past week has seen increased power cuts, but less sirens which is better news. This has meant that the Lebedyn school has opened its door once again to rotating numbers, with the youngest being there more often. The maximum time is generally 3 hours, but they will only take around 40 children as this is all the bomb shelter can take. I asked Bohdan if numbers at the school had decreased with many families fleeing the area. Surprisingly, he said that if anything they had grown as more refugees come into the town, and village schools have been closed. Schools that are open are educating through the online learning system, even those who have fled to another country as officially they are still part of the school.
This week the bakery team had a week off as they are tired and they know that the coming Christmas period will be extremely busy. It is a well-deserved break.
Last week I reported that Egor’s stepfather, Oleg, would almost certainly lose his leg from the injury sustained when all his colleagues were killed. The good news is that a new doctor arrived at the hospital and tried a new treatment which has resulted in his leg being saved. What an answer to prayer!
Bohdan also did his trip to Mykolaivka to the small conference where children’s and youth workers met. It was around a 160km round trip which was tough at times with the state of the roads, but they had a good time. Previously, you would expect nearly 200 people attending, but sadly only 12 people were there this time. This shows how few are doing the work we are with young people in the whole of the county. They are coming to Lebedyn to meet next time, and every one of the leaders have asked for the puppet theatre to go and visit schools and institutions over Christmas. Bohdan is working out how this might be possible.
The other good news is that some aid has been delivered thanks to our friends within Mission Eurasia. 300 hygiene buckets and blankets arrived, which will be so useful especially for families and refugees arriving. The hygiene buckets have everything from toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soaps, sanitary wear etc. for a family. See pictures below.
I have also mentioned that Larisa and the orphanage have struggled in their new building. I can update that new windows have been purchased by another church in the region, and she has been able to find all the insulation required which is great news, but it needed to be fitted. Bohdan and the church motivated a team of 12 people to install it all at zero cost over 3 days. Bohdan has purchased food for the children which will supply enough fresh food for the next 2 months. They also delivered the bedding to the orphanage and will be making extra sets as more children are being given to her week by week.
This next week Bohdan will be taking aid over to Pastor Andrew in Samotoivka. This is now a dangerous journey, but we trust and pray for safe travel.
Below is a picture of Igor and his wife. They have an 8 month old baby. Igor was originally called up to fight with the army in the first part of the war back in 2014. He regularly attended the Centre until he was posted away. Recently he returned due to having a contusion to the brain because of a missile attack. He was deemed unfit to fight so was released from the army and sent home. Sadly, in 2022 when everything escalated, a bomb in Lebedyn destroyed their lovely home. The government have given them a tiny bungalow with barely a bedroom and little heating, and it is in poor repair. Bohdan said it is not good. The government are not paying him anything for his injuries and have stopped all pay. They are finding life very tough at the moment, so Bohdan has got alongside them and is helping them with aid, nappies etc. The new shipment of aid came in just after they had visited, so Bohdan has told them to come in to collect some of the new aid available. Here they are below.
Sadly, Igor's story is one of many more like this. Thankfully, the team help where they can and try to make a difference, which is why getting aid is so important right now. We are still working on getting further supplies.
Still one of the greatest opportunities we have to help is through Christmas. The team are busy planning and preparing for this busy season with camp weeks, children’s parties, puppet shows and visitation within the town.
Thanks to your help and financial support we can do so much, and if you would like to donate to help with the presents, the camp, and now the visits to other schools and villages in the region, please do check for the details on how to give on our support page by clicking here.
Thank you for your 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,
Over the past few days I have been receiving texts from Bohdan which are not that encouraging with the situation in the Sumy region. Firstly came the message “Good evening! This week has been very difficult, there are constant explosions near us, the house is shaking.”
Every day and night drones and missiles fly over and we have seen on the news that record numbers are being launched. Bohdan also shared that the children have been getting increasingly anxious with this situation. Zoryana is not sleeping well, and even when a door slams there is fear of what it might be. Bohdan said that so many people are leaving the town, yet still more arrive from the big cities. Inevitably, all of this affects the power in the region, and on Tuesday power was off all day at Bohdan’s house. They have been told that power will now be rationed throughout the winter.
The texts carried on saying ……”Thank you for your prayers and organizing prayer support for us. For us, this is a matter of life and death. Constant rocket attacks make life here unbearable. In our city, almost every day there are funerals for soldiers. And almost always we know these guys because they are my age. It is hard for me, and for us in general.” Yet the team continue with all the challenges to meet the needs of those they are engaging with.
Bohdan’s next text stated …………”But, we held services… and still did our ministry and work. Also, thank you for the prayers, Volodymyr Pavlovich (Vladimir) was in church. He is still weak but it is good for him to be with us.”
You can see him in the picture below. He is so thin and the doctors will not perform surgery until he is stronger.
Last Sunday evening, the youth still met, had a pizza supper, played games, but also held their youth service.
Bohdan received his papers back from the military commission which gives exemption until early February, when he will have to go through all this again. Constantly changing laws are making it difficult for men to escape fighting, and we need to keep the team in our prayers about this.
The team have been able to deliver food to the soldiers’ families. They were so appreciative, as it would appear that the families are living in very poor conditions with little help and support. They also delivered “pies” from the bakery that the team had been busy baking! The sewing team have had the new linen supplied, and are currently making lots of bed sheets for Larisa’s orphanage and other institutions they have come across needing help in the region. It is becoming a full time operation!
Plans for the Christmas campaign are going well. There are plans to visit several places in the region where children are based with the puppet theatre and giving gifts. There are special places for those with disabilities, who have long term health needs such as cancer, hospitals, and another orphanage that would like for the puppet theatre to visit and to give gifts. Bohdan is going to try and make this happen. For security reasons we will not be able to say where and when these are taking place, but will be able to report afterwards. Thank you to those that have given generously, money has been transferred so they can get things ready for Christmas as this is a complex thing nowadays. Culturally, Christmas is not as big for them as Easter, and this year the government is stating that there is no time off for Christmas or New Year, and that everyone continues to work.
The Centre roof will be fixed by the end of the week, which is great news, after the last worker who was well known to the Centre was taken suddenly to fight on the front line. We have also been put in touch with a supplier of aid, and hopefully we will be able to get some down to the Centre.
For those that stand regularly in prayer with us please can we pray for:
Thanks again for continued support and prayers for all that is happening. I still find it incredible the amount they can do in times of adversity. Truly amazing.
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 saw the 1,000th day of this war pass. The devastation, cruelty, grief, and needless suffering that has happened through this time is immeasurable. Hundreds of thousands have been killed and many more seriously injured. Over 70% of all families have been displaced from their original homes. Men are living in fear knowing that a call-up to fight is like receiving a death sentence. The mental impact to families and especially the children, is horrendous and will have an impact for many years.
At the weekend Sumy region was hit by more bombs and missiles than at any other time. You may see some of the videos on the BBC app if they are still there. Bohdan knew of several friends who had houses and property damaged. The pastor of the large church in Sumy had his car damaged by a bomb blast. The city itself is like a ghost town, with once bustling streets empty with only rubble and damaged property to look at. Lebedyn still remains relatively untouched. The town is in a valley which makes it hard for missiles to reach, but drones are a constant threat. The biggest fear is for men in the town as road check points and soldiers walking the streets try to forcefully get people to go and fight, often ignoring exemption papers. This has meant that the work and ministry of the team has had to remain local.
Despite all the above, the team have, with ingenuity, been able to maximise this opportunity to help others. They asked people to come to the Centre, and more people came than expected. Power outages have been constant, but quite miraculously the bakery on Tuesday was able to operate and bake 350 loaves. People came to collect these and very soon they ran out.
While the heavy bombing was happening in Sumy city, the youth group still met at the Centre and spent time praying for their friends. The photos at the top and below show the during their time together. It was such a powerful image to see them doing this.
Home groups continue, as well as children’s & youth clubs, computer classes, Sewing ministry, puppet show practices ready for Christmas, as well as all the church meetings. We are thankful for the generators that enabled all of this to happen as they were used quite often!
People are still turning to the team and Centre for help and aid, although stocks are all but gone. However, the community rally together and a few remnants are found to give help (See photo below). Whilst we spoke together this week on our regular weekly video call, Bohdan’s phone went several times with people needing help. One of the neediest areas are the military families. After many months of searching I was connected whilst writing this update, to someone in Kyiv who believes they can help us access aid and get it all delivered into Lebedyn. This is a genuine offer, so we will now explore this further. We are not sure of the costs and details yet, but I feel genuinely encouraged after to speaking with them.
Another of the growing concerns is around the movement of funds into Ukraine banks. Bohdan had his bank account frozen a few weeks ago, and although quickly sorted, it highlighted a whole list of new regulations enforced. Now every account has a capped limit on what you can transfer internationally, with personal accounts being hit the hardest. As many people deal only in cash there is also a limit as to what you can draw out. This could cause some issues, so we are looking into this to plan for the future needs. However, all the funds are safe and it does not affect Hope Lebedyn’s UK or USA bank accounts. Please pray that we can sort this out as we think there are some good solutions available.
We also spent the past few days planning for the Christmas season. The plan is to hold a winter camp for slightly older children, and then have special day events for the younger ones where the puppet theatre will present a new show and a party for the little children. This is safest way to do this for this year. We hope to reach out to 100 children through the camp, and 400 children through the special events where they will all get a Christmas gift. As last year we expect this to cost between $11-12,000 as each gift will cost around $10. Already some funds have been received, and are being transferred to help with some of the cost, so we pray that these will all be able to go ahead.
Thank you all as well for the gifts that have come in since the last email with the needs shared. Everything has been covered which is amazing.
Lastly, in recent updates we have prayed for a young man called Egor. He is being mentored by Bohdan as he desperately wants to become a pastor of a church like Bohdan as soon as he is able! Wednesday he received news that his stepfather was quite seriously injured whilst fighting on the front line. All his comrades alongside him did not survive. Egor and Bohdan have asked that we pray for his stepfather to recover quickly. His name is Oleg.
Thank you all for your continued help, support and prayers. I know the team really appreciate it. We hope and pray that peace will come soon to Ukraine.
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 has been another difficult week, but the team remain resilient. Some of you will have read that, with the help of the North Korean army, the Russians are trying to win back Kursk and in doing so are targeting Sumy region much harder. This week the level of drones and missiles flying over has significantly increased.
This had an impact on the bakery, as when the bread was baking a drone must have hit or affected the local power station, cutting off supply to the Centre. Whilst the generators kicked in for the buildings, they are not man enough to power the bakery itself, so baking had to be abandoned halfway through. Below you can see that still over 150 loaves were given out, and the rest of the dough was bagged up and given to those that could bake at home. Nothing is wasted!
The power issue has become quite a problem, as this last attack caused a massive power surge into the new building, and sadly the protection they used was not sufficient, and therefore it blew the fuseboard and the PA sound desk irreparably. The whole damage will cost around £1,250 to get right again. Bohdan is very concerned about the buildings as the new activity centre he says is the best looking building in the county so he fears that this will become a target. He has asked for specific prayer for their safety at this time.
Following last week’s scare with Bohdan, the authorities have asked for him to submit his papers once again to gain exemption. He has had to send them because of the danger of driving there, as there have been some more slight changes in rules, and if papers are not right and he was stopped when travelling he could be commandeered into the army immediately. It is now becoming unsafe for people to get about locally due to the roadblocks and instant taking of people to go and fight. Alexander is one such person. He is studying to gain his master’s degree and has just turned 25. He attended summer camps and the youth work regularly so text Bohdan to see if he could help. He was driving around town and although he had exemption papers he was taken, and within 40 minutes taken away for training. His young wife and toddler are distraught.
Bohdan was due to visit the Kursk border with a friend to help with visiting the wounded and taking some Bibles, aid and encouragement. This has not been able to happen. Instead, the team are busy with all other things they can do. Musical Sergey has been not only doing the computer workshops, but, as you can see in the photo at the top of the page, has also been helping the elderly in training them with mobile smart phones as well as computers, as this is how communication will happen with sirens and alerts.
They are still doing Bible distribution into the villages by posting them to people that have requested copies, and continue to give them away at the Centre.
Larisa and her orphanage have been very quiet of late. She had hoped to repair the bomb-damaged building, but now Sumy is under such heavy attack the government have given her a building in another village in Sumy Oblast, but some way away from Sumy city. We cannot report the location, but sadly the building where they are was an old government care home and in not good repair. There is no heating, no insulation, with paper thin external walls. In addition, funding has been cut so even buying food is a challenge. Larisa has been able to purchase insulation for the walls, but needs to find a builder and the funds to be able finish this work. Most trained able-bodied men are away fighting. Bohdan cannot get a team of volunteers together for the same reason, and also it is not safe to drive that far away. All her bedding and things were destroyed in the previous building when the bombs hit, so we have committed to look at buying food for the next 2 months and get the sewing team on the bedding. As there are 45 children in her care in Ukraine (plus the others in Austria) this cost will be around £2,000.
The team remains in good spirits. They are not down beat in any way, but are doing whatever they can to help those in need and to share the love of Jesus in every way they can. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. It is greatly appreciated.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
If you would like to support us financially you can do so below. Remember, if you are a UK taxpayer, please confirm that you would like us to claim Gift Aid on your donation. This will add 25p to every £1 you give.
Dear Friends,
We start with the good news that the Autumn Camp finished well. Bohdan said it was one of the best yet. Throughout the week they expected sirens and even bombs, but once again there were none through all the time they were together. At night, there would be activity, but thankfully this did not put off parents sending their children.
A short video showing you some of the fun and activities of the children can be found by clicking on this link which takes you directly to our Hope Lebedyn YouTube channel - I'm crafted - Autumn Camp 2024 - Hope Lebedyn
This week the team have had a quieter week as many have gone down with seasonal colds. Away from Lebedyn, the Sumy region, and especially the village of Samotoivka, have been hit badly. There is constant noise of bombs exploding. The fighting along the border is getting quite fierce and dangerous. Bohdan has been asked to go towards the border, under escort, to visit soldiers that are fighting on the front line to pray and give encouragement. We cannot report as to when and where for obvious reasons, but please do continue to pray for Bohdan as he reaches out to help.
The new badges that have been made have arrived and been given out as you can see above (faces must be blotted out when showing pictures of soldiers in uniform).
The team have also been helping military families with aid which has been much appreciated.
Within Ukraine, and not just in Sumy, there has been a growing problem and concern as to how people are conscripted to join the army. There are disturbing stories we are hearing, where unofficial roadblocks by mercenary bounty hunters will stop vehicles and take those men who are of the right age to train and fight, even if they have proper exemption papers. They will try to then extort ransom money for release, and they usually still end up handing them over to the army.
Another organisation who we link to have reported just this week of such an event happening. I will call them Sergey and Anna, to keep anonymity. They were heading to another city to teach, but they were stopped by one of these groups en-route. Sergey is a theologian/Pastor, and he and Anna are newlyweds. They were about to be inducted as a new pastor of a church near Kyiv this Sunday. Sergey had his papers with him proving his exemption, but they could/would not verify these so took him away to a secret holding place with no phone or anything to contact his wife. They then demanded money for his release. They have a lawyer and many other prominent people trying to help, but recent information is that he has been transferred to “repair tanks” and then possibly the front line.
Sadly, I report that Bohdan too has been caught up in this action this week. He had Monday as a day off and walked up the road to see a neighbour on the street where they live. A police car pulled alongside to ask for his papers. He had them at his house a few yards away, but they would not let him go back to get them. He was taken to Sumy City to the army headquarters/military commission to be processed to go and fight, but he knew some of the military people there as he had helped them and their families. Because the police said they caught him on the street he was charged with being out without his papers, and must go to the military court on Thursday. Svetlana, the lady I wrote about in the summer in a report, who owns the local bakery and is also a lawyer, offered her services to help Bohdan and their hope was that he would be able to walk free, or probably have a fine of around $400. However, just last night, I had an update to say that Svetlana knew all the procedures and the people who detained him. She wrote to them firmly to say that if they were to continue with a prosecution she would take them personally to court over this and she would win! Apparently her reputation goes before her!! They wrote back to her yesterday morning to say that they would forgive Bohdan not having his papers on his body as his papers were in his car for when he went out.
We have one relieved and thankful Mission Director, along with me!! So, normal service resumes but it shows how dangerous and unsafe it is to be out and about.
The roofer who has been contracted to fix some holes and water damage caused by bombs at the start of the war did not turn up for work after he started last week. It transpires he too has been whisked off, and Bohdan thinks he will be on the front-line in two weeks.
Generators have now all been installed so the Centre can be fully functional when power cuts out. There are two generators as below that work off gas or conventional fuel, and one solar powered generator that powers the office.
The work within the sewing team goes from strength to strength. Bedding has been taken to both Lebedyn and Sumy hospitals, and to a local orphanage which had very little bedding left.
Some better news to end this update with. For many months Lena (administrator volunteer within the Centre) has been struggling with her son having been killed in the war, and her husband struggling with cancer. Two months ago her husband was transferred to Sumy Hospital as he was told he had just days left to live. He had been bed bound for many weeks. Bohdan visited them over the weekend, and to his surprise, found he was up and about, so they went out for a walk together. He was weak but he is getting stronger day by day!
Gala was someone else I mentioned, as she too had been diagnosed with cancer and awaiting an operation. That has successfully happened, but she now must go through a chemotherapy course. She has three young children, the youngest being just 2 years old.
We have mentioned in recent updates about Vladmir who too is unwell, but able to get out now. Over the weekend he was driving to Okhtyrka, but his car broke down. Being weak, and it being quite a dangerous area, he did not know what to do. Some soldiers were nearby, but they are not supposed to help. He got out of the car to chat to them and the young soldier said to let him have a look as he knew about car engines. He managed to fix the car. Vladimir thanked him and the solder said, “No - thank you! I recognised you when I saw you get out of the car. You are Vladamir?” It transpired that this young soldier grew up in Lebedyn and came to one of the camp weeks held at the Centre, and Vladamir was helping and on team then. The camp must have been many years back, but a bond was forged and this soldier was able to help him in his time of need because the camp had a deep impact on his life.
We do not know the full effect the camp weeks have on the children. These are an oasis of fun, laughter and friendship as children of all ages gather together. They will also hear of a hope that is not found in guns or war. We now press on to plan for the Christmas programme!
Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
If you would like to support us financially you can do so below. Remember, if you are a UK taxpayer, please confirm that you would like us to claim Gift Aid on your donation. This will add 25p to every £1 you give.
Dear Friends,
I’m pleased to be able to write that the Autumn Camp has taken place this week.
85 children arrived, with many other requests by parents for their children to attend turned down as there were simply not enough helpers to take more. These parents were upset. However, the team have been able to have some good chats, and have invited all to the weekly children’s clubs which they were happy about. Bohdan expects numbers now to increase for these as a result. Here are a few pictures:
Bohdan has said that the camp has been a miracle. Despite what we have often seen with previous camps, there have been no power cuts or air raid sirens. The children have loved the week, and have been able to communicate well about all that is happening in their life. Most are very concerned for family members that are away fighting on the front line. A fuller report will be available in a few weeks with stories and more pictures.
The realities of this war are still having huge impact on daily living. Wednesday, Bohdan had to drive to Sumy which took much longer than anticipated. Checkpoints are more widely placed throughout the region with increased soldiers, and they are being far more thorough. It is getting more challenging and even more dangerous to get around the region.
Bohdan’s good friend, whose children came to the Summer Camp, was conscripted late summer. Yesterday Bohdan found out that he had been quite seriously wounded whilst in an armoured military carrier. All his colleagues were sadly killed, and the trauma of this will stay with him forever. These stories are being repeated more and more within family life in Ukraine. This week, figures have stated that over 1,600 Russian soldiers have been killed in a day. This number keeps on increasing. The loss of life on both sides is staggering and so hard to imagine.
The team have started visiting an elderly lady who sadly lost her husband earlier this year through natural causes. She has not been out of the house since that time as she is not physically able to do much. They have taken in food and bread to her, and now visit regularly to help. She has no family nearby anymore.
Another large family in the area needed some urgent help so they were able to visit them as well and do what they can. See below.
At the Centre, services have been taking place as well as the camps, with growing attendance. To cope with this their new generator has been converted to use propane gas as well as conventional fuel, as it is much cheaper. This generator is so effective it will power everything when there are power cuts in both of the buildings, with the exception of the kitchen as this takes a special phased supply for all the commercial ovens and equipment. Computer classes and homegroups have growing numbers attending, so there is much activity going on.
The government are insisting that schools go back after this break, but as Bohdan has said - it simply is not safe! The bomb shelter at the school is woefully inadequate as it is constantly damp, has no toilets and has little heating. If required to use, not all children would fit in. There is a parents meeting to discuss this over these next few days.
On Sunday, we were able to have a video chat with Bohdan’s family. They had been over to visit Pastor Andrew, and sadly they found out he has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. At present they are struggling to get the right drugs for this condition. In addition to pastoring the church in Samotoivka, he works in a specialist manufacturing plant making flooring that is sold in Europe, and the factory was demolished due to a bomb over the weekend which is adding to his stress. Please pray he will be able to get the correct medication and will be able to keep working.
Thank you for all your continued support and prayers. They really are appreciated. Please do keep praying for everyone’s safety in these difficult days.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
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Dear Friends,
This week started with a text from Bohdan to inform us that Sumy and Samotoivka have been under the heaviest fire so far. We have been trying to get hold of Pastor Andrew since this time, but have had no answer as I write this update. We think that’s because communications are down and can but pray that’s the only reason. Bohdan drove over to Sumy and said that the damage was extensive as there had been some big hits, and the death toll in the region is high.
The call-up process is still hard for Ukrainians as they continue taking people off the streets without the right paperwork for military duty. It is important that everyone carries their papers with them. One member of the church said her son was on a bus in the locality, and he was taken off by soldiers at a checkpoint and sent to a training base far away. On Yesterday, Bohdan went back to the military commission to see if they will give him what is known as his “White Paper” which gives him permission to drive around the region, without which he wouldn’t be safe to drive outside of Lebedyn. We pray this goes smoothly and as the papers last for 6 months, gives him a little time before starting the process again.
Below are 2 pictures of Sophia. At the start of the war Sophia contracted cancer, and just a few weeks back the cancer had become so aggressive they had to amputate Sophia’s left leg. They also told her that there was one specific drug that could help her, but the hospital in Lebedyn could not get it, and it was so expensive the family could not afford to buy it. There are no free drugs in Ukraine! Sasha knew the family as did Bohdan’s sister, so they asked for help. When Bohdan was in Kyiv recently, he tried to find a source for the drug, but nobody could help. However, after much research they did find a source for the drug, and he was able to purchase a full course of treatment to help them using monies sent out from donations for emergency needs.
The hospitals are really struggling to keep up. There are not enough medics and nursing staff, as they have gone to the front line, and equipment has either broken down or is just inadequate for all they are doing. The shortage of bedding means the Centre team keep making these items for them. Due to a lack of resources, they try not to see locals, but Vladamir, one of the ex-pastors of the Centre, has been re-admitted to the hospital as he became very unwell again. A new doctor there has found out more about his condition and they are trying some new medication which seems to be helping him.
Due to regular power outages it was difficult to bake the bread, but in the end they did manage around 300 loaves for distribution. 100 people came to a service at the church and the rest were distributed to the people stuck at home, the elderly and the very poor.
Lebedyn is still a town of transition. Many local people are leaving fearful for what the future holds. At the same time, more people come into the town as refugees having left everything behind in demolished buildings. Even within the church, Bohdan is seeing a huge turnover of people come and go. The impact of the war on each and every person takes its toll in so many ways. In the meantime, the team continue faithfully in their work. Children’s and youth clubs continue and “Musical” Sergey now has 20 people in his puppet theatre, creating 3 teams to do shows. They tell stories from the Bible in a contemporary way with music, fun and interaction.
In addition to the above, the team have been planning for their autumn camp next week. They launched this on Monday, and in just a few hours all 76 places had been filled. They allow extra places for refugee children that arrive and also some from the orphanages. In total, there will be between 85-100 children. Some extra team members have been found to help, so everyone is excited this is planning to go ahead. Please do pray for this week though, as with the region under heavy attack, this is a big undertaking and responsibility.
In our time together this week, I asked Bohdan what were the worst and best things that had happened since our last meeting. The worst was witnessing the number of dead bodies in the Sumy area when he visited. It shocked them as they saw the reality of the war like this.
He then shared the best things:
At the top of the page is a photo of Jana. She is Nicolai’s daughter. You might remember that in the past few weeks we have asked for prayer for Nicolai (our lorry and aid driver) as he was in a serious crash near Okhtyrka, and thankfully remains off ventilators as he recovers. Jana lived a little way away from the Centre but still came to the camps, where she became a Christian. She is now married and lives in the neighbouring region a few hundred miles away. She looks after children with additional needs and helps within her church. They have nothing to give to others so Bohdan has been able to send some food, a little aid, Bibles, literature, and bedding to help them out. There is so much need there. Jana still sees the church and Centre in Lebedyn as her spiritual home.
Thank you all so much for the gifts we still have coming in regularly. It makes such a difference along with your support. We continue to pray for the work the team do there, and especially for the autumn camp coming up.
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 passes which has seen many surprises and challenges. Power is starting to be rationed again, so the solar generator in the office has been put to good use. The past 3 nights have been quiet. Many of you will have read that Ukraine destroyed some ammunition storehouses within Russia, and it is thought that these contained many of the drones that were used in this area. They are thankful for some good night’s sleep.
It is now dangerous to drive outside of the town. Journeys to Kyiv are difficult, as anyone under 55 gets stopped, and it is more than likely they will be instantly commandeered into the army there and then. This happened to Valentine’s friend - they took him straight to training, but he is studying and has exemption papers so now he has a lawyer trying to fight this. This issue hampers the work of the team as they are struggling to get out to see many of the churches, orphanages and centres. One married young lady, who previously came to camps and youth work at Lebedyn, lives in a village on the other side of the Sumy region and has reached out to Bohdan for help. They need aid, Bibles, literature, and support as things are bad there. Bohdan is limited in what he can do, but will drive over with what he can get hold of.
Aid is a big issue, and most appeals are now focused on the Middle East, which is perfectly understandable, but it does mean it is getting so short within Ukraine. We are still trying to find ways to obtain some aid.
One of the largest employers within the region, who have multiple factories including in Lebedyn, have decided to relocate to the west, therefore making many redundant. This is a huge blow to the Sumy region, and will cause a greater level of poverty and need through the winter.
This week Bohdan called to say that he had to urgently re-submit his papers to the military commission, and to prove why he should not be called up. This is a new law, and men must prove that they are married, and not divorced, and have four or more children under 18, as that is the normal exemption. We asked many to pray for him when we heard this. Bohdan has been given an official Pastors/Chaplains diploma certificate which he took along within him. Bohdan shared that when he went in to wait he could hear grown men crying, wailing and screaming as they were led away to fight and join the army. As you can imagine this disturbed him. The moment came for Bohdan to see a soldier who would interview him. He told me he looked fierce, as did many of them. These soldiers are hardened warriors who have fought on the front line and can no longer fight due to injury, so they have little compassion for those that don’t want to fight. As he sat down, he was aware that many of the soldiers started to stand. This was because the Colonel in charge of the army in the Lebedyn region had entered the room. The Colonel looked around the room and came over toward Bohdan. He said to the soldier “Don’t touch him – he does a great work with the soldiers and families”, and walked off. Bohdan must still wait 7 days for his answer, but the fact that he was not taken straight away, as others had been, and that the Colonel himself had spoken up for him, does bode well. As many were praying we don’t see this as coincidence but answered prayer. We keep praying for this situation.
While this was happening, bread had been baked, with over 300 loaves for distribution. Many came to the Centre and attended the service first. Three people became Christians as a result. Many turn up to the Centre just for help, and bread was also given here. After this, Bohdan and Alla led their homegroup and another lad, also called Valentine, became a Christian and all said it was the best time ever. Bohdan was really encouraged.
Children and youth clubs, regular computer classes (as above), homegroups, sewing groups for making more bedding, plus many other things still happen every week. The team are preparing for the Autumn camp, and the requests for children to come will be greater than places available. Schools are closed and Bohdan does not think that they will open at all through Winter. Therefore, children are missing out on social engagement and development amongst everything else, so parents are keen for their children to be able to mix like this. The biggest problem we have is that team members are hard to find. Students at university have not been given time off, and many of the people previously who have helped have fled the area as it is so dangerous. Bohdan has put an SOS out to other churches for help.
Lebedyn has a medical college attached to the hospital which also has a big underground bomb shelter so they can keep training. The previous clinical lead of the college was a Christian and asked Bohdan to take services, and this request has come back in from the new doctor in charge. Three people from the church are studying there, and there is much need to help the new doctors and nurses cope with the trauma they see.
Last week, I mentioned about Nicolai, our aid driver, who was in a serious RTA near Okhtyrka. Since last week doctors have performed 2 operations, and he is now off a ventilator and is breathing on his own. We continue to pray for him.
There are many things I admire amongst the team. Very rarely when we speak are they downhearted. Whenever something must change they find another way to continue their work and ministry, and the love they show for one another and the people in their community is an example to us all. At the top of the page is a picture of Farmer Sergey, Valentine and Bohdan when they were young lads attending the work 12 years ago. Bohdan was the youth leader, and Farmer Sergey and Valentine went along to the youth clubs. Today the three of them are leaders within the work, and are pictured below at Kyiv Theological seminary a few weeks back. It is such great testimony to the work done over the years.
As always thank you for your support in so many ways. It is 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,
The situation in the Sumy region remains largely the same. Every day explosions are being heard within the Lebedyn area giving stark reminders of all the fighting going on around them. Bohdan’s house has been shaken on more than one occasion through drones or missiles being shot down by defence systems. As we spoke this week, sirens sounded and a large explosion happened.
We shared last week that Bohdan was in hospital and we are pleased to say that he is now home, but none the wiser as to the cause of his problems. When Bohdan was a young man he had an accident resulting in a head trauma which was very serious at the time. Miraculously he pulled through and has had very little problems since. Sadly, they think that the problems he is facing are possibly linked to that trauma and could be significant. He goes to Sumy City hospital next week for a further assessment, and then will have to see a specialist consultant to determine diagnosis and treatment. Please do pray for him and for the doctors through this tough period for him and his family.
Bohdan was in good spirits and not downhearted by all that has gone on. Whilst in hospital he was able to chat and pray with wounded soldiers and gave many Bibles out. This has inspired him to do more to help the soldiers and families. We still seek further aid which seems to be in short supply, but the team are now looking at different ways they can help them. The soldiers love the bread delivered to them, and the constant theme and request for help seems to be prayer, even from those that seemingly have no faith. Bohdan is producing a badge which can be sewn onto their tunics – pictured below.
This translates to being “The Lord is my strength, my shield and salvation”. These will be given out with prayer booklets to both wounded and active soldiers to remind them they are being prayed for.
The bakery is still busy, and each week people are coming to the Centre to various services to collect loaves, and those that are not so mobile the team visit to give out bread. On Tuesday one lady visited for the first time and became a Christian as a result!
All other activities continue, with the children’s clubs and youth meetings taking place. At the children’s club over 40 children turned up despite the sirens sounding. Homegroups still meet as you can see at the top of the page. This is Valentines group!
Over 100 sets of bedding have been made and delivered over the past few weeks and more are in progress. Visitation is hard to do because hospitals are targeted so once you are in hospital you are very isolated and alone.
There are some other key points to share for information and prayer.
On a more positive note:
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. The war with Russia still seems to escalate further with many lives being lost. We can only do what we can in this region, but your support helps the team to be so much more effective.
Every blessing
Peter Martin
Founding Director of Hope Lebedyn
