This former Soviet Union satellite state was once a key economic part of the Soviet republic. It is approximately the size of Texas. Its population is about 51 million people. Currently, they are in a negative population growth, losing approximately one million people a year, mainly Jews returning to their homeland.

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.

Ukraine was once called "the breadbasket of the republic." The soil is so rich that when the Germans invaded Ukraine in World War II they removed several million tons of soil and transported it to Germany. Today, Ukraine's main industry is still agricultural.

The life expectancy for the population in general is around 66 years; much less for men than for women. Vodka, cigarettes, sexually transmitted diseases and poor diet greatly contribute to the early death of most of the population.

Ukraine received its independence on August 24, 1991. It was a time of great opportunity for the Ukrainian people. They looked to the west with great hope for a new economic future.

However, what many did not understand is that no system can survive without morality. With no Biblical foundation to draw upon, and 70 years of evolution taught in the schools, the people suffer from a lack of moral decency. They do not know how to work and deal with each other fairly and honestly. Many people work for months without receiving the pay due them. Lying and cheating are taught to children early in life and is expected and accepted in school. Children in kindergarten and first grade take flowers and gifts to their teachers in exchange for passing grades.

For more than 70 years, the humanist philosophy has been ingrained into every aspect of Ukrainian society. The medical system is a perfect example. A person entering a hospital is treated as a body and not a being. The sick are responsible for supplying their own linens for the beds, medicine, food, water and even toilet paper.

Once we passed a dead body lying on the steps of the post office and the people totally ignored it

. When asked about it we were told an ambulance had been called "some time ago."

Please understand this is not an indictment of every Ukrainian, but a look at their culture in general. We see this as a perfect example of why this country needs the Gospel. It is the only thing that will change this and the next generation. A better form of government will not; more foreign aide will not; even democracy will not; only the Gospel of Jesus Christ will. Please pray that the Ukrainian people themselves will realize this too.