Ukraine

Richly endowed in natural resources, Ukraine has been fought over and subjugated for centuries; its 20th-century struggle for liberty is not yet complete. A short-lived independence from Russia (1917-1920) was followed by brutal Soviet rule that engineered two artificial famines (1921-22 and 1932-33) in which over 8 million died, and World War II, in which German and Soviet armies were responsible for some 7 million more deaths. Although independence was attained in 1991 with the dissolution of the USSR, true freedom remains elusive as many of the former Soviet elite remain entrenched, stalling efforts at economic reform, privatization, and civic liberties.

YWAM in UKRAINE:
The Ukraine became a separate country again after the Soviet Union fell apart, although remains within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, just 130 km north of Kiev was the worst in history. The contamination caused by Chernobyl continues to cause suffering for many in Ukraine and surrounding lands. Children as well as adults are treated in a special hospital in Kiev, where Dawn Jackson and other YWAMers have in recent years been ministering to patients.

Most of Ukraine is Orthodox, but the largest evangelical church in Kiev is pastored by a Nigerian, another sign of the new missionary force to Europe God is raising up. Kelly and Vicki Hoodikoff have been leading the YWAM work in Kiev since the early 90's, and have a holistic strategy for a neighbourhood estate. A golf-driving range was one of the creative strategies they have developed to contact business people as well as create jobs. YWAM also has teams in Ternopil, in the western Catholic region, as well as activities in the Crimea, including work among the Tatars.

prayer needs:
- for the YWAM ministries to recruit and train key Ukrainians to catch God's vision for their country and for the world.