Social climate

When Ukraine marched into the 90's as its own country, the vast financial reservoirs of the governmental social programs and subsidies began to diminish. The availability of goods was no longer regulated by the government, salaries were not being paid for months on end, and those who once held well-respected and well-paid positions were receiving an average salary of $15-$30 a month, if they were paid at all.

Now, the average income of a Ukrainian citizen has supposedly reached $45, although this figure seems to be high. Nevertheless, the cost of living has shot up at such high rates than the $20 of 5 years ago seems to have had more purchasing power than today's $100.

So, how have the Ukrainian people survived? Slavic people have historically been an agrarian society. That trait filtered down even through the "Industrial Revolution"of the Soviet Era. Under Communism, each family was allowed to have its own plot of land for growing vegetables and raising some livestock. Today, excess products from these "gardens" are stored for winter, given to needy friends and relatives, or sold on the black market.

The gap between the rich and the poor has only enhanced the turmoil in Ukraine. The poor have little hope as their political leaders have turned out to be stealing the very International aid that was supposed to be helping the people. Swiss authorities recently charged former Ukrainian Prime Minister Pavlo Lazarenko in a money laundering scheme in which millions of dollars were stolen and placed in his own personal accounts. President Kuchma himself is also facing a plethora of accusations of corruption and criminal acts. Who is there to trust? Those willing to focus on the needs of the country are few and difficult to find.
Personal gain has become the standard.

Where will all of this lead? Many political professionals and business intelligence sources predict that Ukraine will join the newly formed Russia-Belorussia federation. Economically, many do not think that Ukraine can survive independently without major changes, which they are obviously not making. Politically, the Communists and Socialists are experiencing a resurgence in popularity as many see Ukraine's attempt at democracy as a failure. The outcome of the Presidential elections in November of 1999 showed that many are in favor of pursuing democracy. Leonid Kuchma, the incumbent President, won the elections, however, the surprising result was how many voted in favor of the Communist candidate. If this term does not bring about change in the economic, political and social aspects of this country, who knows where Ukraine will be headed...

So, our chief task is to change Ukrainian society through the Gospel of Jesus. This is only way for our nation to reach prosperity and democracy!

Your ministry will affect not only on spiritual state of our society, but also on our social climate. Therefore, you will be our country reorganizer!