Now, let me give you a glimpse into the wonderful country of Ukraine. Ukraine has been brutalized by many foreign foes. The enemies of Ukraine, at times, seemed unending. The pursuits of the Russian and German armies nearly ended the Ukrainian way of life. Ukrainians were subjected to fake plagues, and occupation. The fertile soil of Ukraine had served to provide nearly one third of Russia's agricultural needs under the communist oppression. Ukraine has a rich delta in the East and beautiful mountains in the West (the Carpathians). During the cold war, Ukraine was just a Soviet state. Today, Ukraine is a sovereign nation with a very hopeful future in the world around them.

Ukraine's people have learned to survive cold winters and harsh oppression. During the winters in Ukraine the temperature can drop to as low as -40 degrees. The summers are hot, with temperatures reaching into the 90's. The people of Ukraine make up the most important element of who they are and how they should be thought of. Ukrainians are humble people who believe in honesty and integrity. Years of communist heavy heandedness has taught them resolve. They are a strong people who know what it means to put in a hard day's labor. They have only known Russian Orthodox as a religion under communism. In the Orhodox teaching there is no relationship with Jesus Christ. There is no salvation. Right now the country is wide open for evangelism, and we don't know for how long.



In the West, where we want to serve and live, the church is moving forward. Just 13 years ago, the local Baptist association had about 51 churches. Today that same association has more than 160 churches. Even with the growth of the number of churches, there are still places that do not have a church nor a Christian witness. We visited just such a village on the border of Romania and Ukraine on our mission trip of June 2005. The villlage was so close to the border that the van had to be searched for illegal persons. After the checkpoints had been cleared the van was able to go to a hilltop overlooking a small Ukrainian village. Here the president of the Baptist association said there was no church and only one known Christian. This village needs a church and a witness! Will you give to help plant a church in that village?

We need to share with you about the needs of another village. The village is called Malinovka. Malinovka has one of Ukraine's only Christian alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers. It is called the Place of Hope. It started as a vision that had been given to my friend and brother in the faith, Harry Gaston. Harry has been going to Ukraine for nearly 14 years. God has used Harry and his resources to do a mighty work in Ukraine. The Place of Hope was one of the greatest ministries that God has planted in Ukraine. The facility can house more that 30 men at a time. Since it began operating, many men have been saved by our precious Lord, Jesus Christ. This program needs funds to continue operation. Can you be faithful and give to help make sure a "Place of Hope" remains in Ukraine? If not, who will? The Place of Hope has a full staff of counselors, adminstrator, service workers, plus the clients who are voluntarily there.

Please pray for these unreached villages and people of Ukraine. Please remember the Place of Hope and all of the people it is reaching. Pray for the men as they leave the program, hopefully changed men full of the Holy Spirit and ready to change their world for Christ. Pray for us as we try to get on the field in Ukraine to meet the needs of these people.