Saying Goodbye to Our Hero

January 31, 2023

Saying Goodbye to Our Hero

Since February 24, 2022, when the unprovoked attack on Ukraine began, it has tragically been reported that over 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers and 34,000 civilians have been killed. This heartbreaking data on the wages of war, has now hit home with the death of one our own, Andrei Boyko. However, Andrei was much more than a statistic. He was our much-loved exuberant friend, a devoted husband and father, a staunch patriot and most importantly, our fellow brother-in-Christ. 

Kompas Park

Andrei Boyko and Cyndee

Our Kompas Park Protector

As a married adult, in 2007, Andrei attended and graduated from Hope Now’s Bible Institute – our little seminary in Cherkasy. Immediately thereafter, Andrei became the on-site Facilities Manager of our up-and-coming camp, “Kompas Park.” It was literally through Andrei’s blood, sweat and most likely tears, that over the next 15 years Kompas Park was transformed from an old, abandoned village school into the comfortable summer camp destination that it is today. From spring to fall, hundreds of people from ages 1-100 (yes, we had a centenarian) visited Kompas Park as a volunteer, camper, lifeguard, cook, craftsman, teacher, pastor, gardener, or musician. Every single one of those visitors met Andrei, who no doubt left a long-lasting impression. A born leader, Andrei was exceptionally strong in every way including in his opinions, physically and spiritually. Andrei was a recognized leader in his community; a powerful advocate for Kompas Park at local council meetings. As self-appointed head of security, everyone in the village always slept soundly with Andrei on guard.

Andrei

Andrei

Andrei

A True Patriot

Like many young men in Ukraine, Andrei served his country shortly after high school during the early years of married life. His dedicated and darling wife, Valya (short for Valentine) was his one true love and partner, and together they forged ahead to create a family and build a house with their own hands adjacent to Kompas Park. In 2014, when Ukraine was first invaded – like other trained/previously enlisted men – Andrei was called up and proudly served 3 tours in Eastern Ukraine, mainly as a truck driver and tank pilot. So, it came as no surprise when on February 24, 2022, Andrei again stepped forward to lead his former army unit and reported for duty. Throughout the next 326 days, Andrei defended his beloved Ukraine, sacrificing time away from his family and church while daily putting his life on the line as he scoured the wheat fields for land mines and traps left by the invaders.

Andrei defended Ukraine

Andrei defended Ukraine

Andrei defended Ukraine

Andrei defended Ukraine

Andrei defended Ukraine

Andrei defended Ukraine

A Funeral at Kompas Park

Sadly, last week when Andrei was home on leave, his vehicle skidded on black ice resulting in a fatal road accident. News in Cherkasy spread quickly, and in fact there were several car accidents that day. Andrei leaves behind his wife Valya, and 3 sons. Andrei Jr. and his wife Masha live in a nearby town, about 30 minutes away. And Valya will now live alone with her 2 school-age sons, Anton and Artem. Thankfully, in 2014 when Andrei reported for duty, he had the forethought to seek out his close friend, David Bute, to ask him if he would care for his family should anything happen to him in the war. David, a British native living in Cherkasy, who was Hope Now’s first director and who later founded his own well-established ministry, Kreativity, gladly agreed. It now falls on David and his family to care for Valya and her boys and we have every confidence that with God’s help, David will be provided with everything needed for the short and long term. The Butes have already wrapped their arms around Valya and the boys supplying both practical and emotional support.

Funeral at Kompas Park

Funeral at Kompas Park

Funeral at Kompas Park

Did You Know Andrei?

Did you have the pleasure of knowing Andrei? Would you like to help Valya and the boys? Just click on the blue donate button below, donate, and type “Andrei” in the notes field. All donations will go into the fund that David is setting up and maintaining for Valya. Please join us in praying for Valya, Andrei Jr., Masha, Anton and Artem as they struggle with their great loss.


“A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” Psalm 68:5

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” James 1:27

Family

Donate here to help Andrei's family

Psalm 147:3




Also in News

Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!
Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!

August 24, 2023

Today, August 24, is Ukrainian Independence Day! This national holiday honors the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people and remembers all who’ve given their lives for their country — including those still fighting now. On this day in 1991, Ukraine gained its independence and joined the world stage as a sovereign nation. This year’s Independence Day holds particular significance as the country continues its struggle against the ongoing Russian invasion. Here is the true story of one family who just arrived in America on Sunday, and how they have been spending the past 546 days of the war.

Read More

Last School Bell in Ukraine has Rung
Last School Bell in Ukraine has Rung

June 09, 2023

The Last Bell has been rung in Ukraine, and school is officially out for summer! That famous Alice Cooper song is not well known in the orphanage, but nonetheless, children all across the country of Ukraine, those that are now displaced in Europe and in the USA, and indeed those students who switched to online learning in the face of war, are celebrating that school is out for summer! Last week, our kids celebrated Last Bell, complete with 11th grade Graduation and our dedicated team made sure they had an audience! They brought flowers, chocolates, ice creams and most importantly themselves. I hated having to miss Last Bell and celebrating with the children and teachers. I traditionally give an end of year speech, and this year (as last year) Inna had to read my speech at the closing ceremony, in my stead. Here’s what I wrote, and here are some of the gorgeous photos taken that day…

Read More

Memorial Day is Everyday in Ukraine
Memorial Day is Everyday in Ukraine

May 26, 2023

Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor all military personnel who died in the service of our country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. This Monday, Americans all across our country will have the opportunity to do just that.
 
Meanwhile, just in the past year, Ukraine has suffered 124,500-131,000 total casualties, including 15,500-17,500 killed in action and 109,000-113,500 wounded in action, according to the document entitled "Russia/Ukraine - Assessed Combat Sustainability and Attrition."  And not just on Monday, but on every day in Ukraine, people just like us remember and honor the loved ones who have died these past 457 days defending their country.  With your help, Hope Now does whatever we can to help protect Ukrainian lives – civilians and soldiers alike.

Read More

Guidestar Platinum Seal Amazon Smile