Ron Hampton Reports — from Sumy

Boyle Park Media opens with a feature, followed by glimpses into faith, family, and thought.

Feature

Ron & Robin Hampton are good friends of Bev & me. We cross paths frequently but I know him best as Head Cook at Faith Bible Camp. Today Ron is in Ukraine within 60km of Russia, literally at the front line of the war …

Sumy, February 26

Piloted by a seemingly tireless Integra driver Igor, after travelling through the night we arrived at daybreak, we arrived in Sumy. The sun is actually arising over Russia just 60 km to the east.

After a checkpoint on the outskirts of this embattled city, we stopped at the impromptu memorial to all the Ukraine army units that came to defend Sumy. Early in the war Putin boasted he had taken this strategic city on the road from Kursk, Russia to Kyiv. It wasn’t true. Surrounded and bombarded over weeks, no Russian soldier was allowed to enter the city. He still wants Sumy hence regular unrelenting attacks meant to terrorize the citizens.

Within 20 min we’re arriving at Sumy’s main heating plant providing 70% of the heat to homes and buildings. Under the centralized govt of the Soviet era, all heat is delivered from plants like this via hot water pumped through underground and above-ground pipes. They could control the population especially during frigid winters by threatening to turn it off.

This plant also delivers up to 50% of the electricity. It’s -20C when we arrive and this plant was bombed during the night. Can we imagine living in Winnipeg without any heat or electricity for days even a week or more? They don’t even try to replace glass. OSB & plywood takes its place. Within 10 min of arriving the air raid sirens started going off at the plant and across the city. We were told to proceed to shelter.

Allan watches as workers who had been repairing the plant through the night descend underground. They don’t ordinarily stop for the sake of air raid alerts otherwise they’d never get anything done. They come down the stairs describing drones that are flying overhead.

One of our colleagues shoots down drones over Kyiv as a member of the home guard. He shows us pics they use to identify Russian drones.

More pics of what it looks like at this key piece of infrastructure proving heat and electricity. This is near the entrance.

A 250 kW diesel generator being delivered by Integra with whom MSC Canada partners once the threat is over. When the plant has to be shut down for immediate repairs to bombing damage, this generator will now kick in to keep the hot water pumping until the plant is back on line. How essential is this.

The generator is lowered into place. It will now be connected to the plant.

Allan Bussard thanking Slovakians who have contributed over 1 million euro within 4 weeks to the “Warmth for Ukraine” project. Integra is delivering a second large generator today to keep the public transportation network operating. Donors to MSC’s Ukraine Relief Fund have also contributed.

The two Ukrainian brothers on the left: Oleksiy, a lawyer who who gave up private practise to be the Integra liaison with govt, agencies & other NGOs, and Andriy, Ukraine projects manager are key to everything that Integra accomplishes in Ukraine. Borrowing the CMIAID slogan, “The Love of Christ Compels Them.” The plant manager in the centre is absolutely thrilled this help has sowed up. I told him I have the same blue Columbia jacket back in winnipeg. He smiled… he’s a very positive attitude guy.

He brought us to his office that is currently being reconstructed after a missile attack. With glass all over the floor, OSB fills in as a window.

This lovely lady, the managers admin asst, brought us very welcome hot coffee. Despite the circumstances, it’s amazing how positive she is. Like everyone in Ukraine and around the world, Putin exempted, she’s wants peace.

We’ve received word that the mayor would like us to come to his office. No officials occupy the usual formal offices. As targets they’re incognito in various buildings around Sumy.

The mayor in his temporary office telling us of the 4 years of devastation his city has experienced.

He spoke for 20 min but bottom line, sincerely wanted to say thank you on behalf of his people. He actually talked about how many orgs are donating small generators but nothing like integra delivered. He also made heartfelt comments how much it meant to have us not only send things but actually show up in support. He thanked us for our bravery… so humbling given what they go through.

Awarding a plaque of appreciation to Integra and their supporters.

What it all means.

Sumy was awarded a trophy titled “Hero City” by Zelennsky as they would not let the Russians enter their city. He had a replica on his desk. He went over to get it then presented it to me… beyond humbling. I haven’t done anything but such was his feelings of gratitude. I gave him the Jets pin off my jacket.

The acting mayor of Sumy, a Ukrainian city of 250,000 repping the Jets. I was able to tell him that 1 out of seven people in Winnipeg, a city of over 750,000 descend from Ukraine. He’s putting the Jets pin in an official display of momentos received expressing support of the people of Sumy.

Shots of Sumy as we walked from place to place meeting other govt officials that wanted to thank integra.

Train station… I think

Reminded of our home church (even in Sumy) and how they pray for and support us.

**Note from Chris — Ron & Robin’s home church is Kildonan Christian Fellowship (KCF). Will it ever get old?**

Still looking for recruits to fight. Men 18-60 are being conscripted.

Without heat & power most businesses run off generators.

A reinforced concrete bomb shelter like the ones integra delivers to many places in Ukraine especially schools, are everywhere.

Meeting a high up govt official in a very discreet location.

More sincere expressions of appreciation.

More borscht… five days in a row!

Very modern Eastern European you-know-what.

Last stop to visit another charity offering accommodation and food to longer-term internally displaced Ukrainians.

People inside and outside this facility are simply coping.

Meeting with the man & woman who started this a few years ago. Integra works to support their vision & passion.

This is the message not simply from a political standpoint but more importantly, from a spiritual one. Jesus said to not fear those who can only kill the body but body and soul. Please pray for Ukrainian people to turn and trust the true Prince of Peace. Paul the apostle writes in Philippians 4 that Christ can provide a peace that passes understanding that can guard our hearts and minds.

**The QR code visible opens** https://www.saveukraineua.org/ua/

As I work on this post, multiple Sumy air raid alerts show up on my phone. Over a dozen in the past 12 hrs.

Hears where hope is found, Gods Word, the Bible.

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