The Greatest Challenge
I honestly know very little about the culture in Ukraine. I imagine a lot has changed since being alleviated from oppressiive rule by the Soviet Union. Still, if asked to describe what I think about Ukraine I’d have to paint a picture revolving around World War II. Being a Pole, that’s probably why Ukraine might still have a bitter taste in thier mouths. The stigma that’s come with having roots with Russia is still causing whistler blowers and corruption speculation.
In January a European news journalist argued that Ukraine’s greatest challenge is to ensure the nation’s “elite” formulates genuine national interests and acts in accordance with them (http://www.unian.net/eng/news/news-356796.html). The “elite” (wealthy) has authority over those that are not (poor). Former US President Jimmy Carter only advances the European journalist’s argument by declaring the greatest challenge to humankind in the 21st Century is the “growing gap between the richest and poorest on Earth.” I feel called to help close that gap.
Paralyzed By Our Past
High death rates and low birth rates in Ukraine is said to have led to the fourth fastest decline in population around the world. The primacy of poverty and poor health care is leaving millions of Ukrainians desparate for help. Those unemployed or on fixed incomes struggled through the 1990’s because of soaring market prices from inflation. Distrust in the banks because of inflation crises has led to many without a safe place to save. Ukraine has seen years of oppression, poverty, and suffering and still has great needs for my group to assist with.
The major religion of this country is said to be Chriatianity. It’s time to be the hands and feet of Christ and start putting our faith into action. The Christian faith isn’t just saying and believing the right things. I pray God will use my team for outreach ministry in the rural villages and cities. I want to bring hope to those that have long since lost their faith in a better day. I want to give poverty a voice that is going silent. I want to help close the gap between the rich and poor.
