Ukraine lies between the Black Sea, Romania, Poland, and Russia. It is 2.5 times bigger than the U.K. in area, with a population of about 52 million.

Due to its vast agricultural lands, the country used to be referred to as "the Breadbasket of Europe."

Ukraine was part of the USSR and from 1929 - 1988 it was illegal to be a Christian, own a Bible or go to a Bible-believing church. Thousands of Christians were persecuted, imprisoned or killed (especially Pastors).

Ukraine became an independent country in 1991. Now there is 'relative' religious freedom, and openness to Western aid.

Since Independence Ukraine has struggled to remain stable - its economy collapsed in 1992 and the currency was replaced & devalued in 1996.

The average income in Ukraine is only $24.70 per month. Apart from the 6 main cities, most inhabitants live in rural village communities. Most people still grow their own food in order to survive.

Chernobyl in north Ukraine was the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986 that killed over 8,000 and affected the health of 3.4 million people. Vast areas remain contaminated by radiation today. Chernobyl was also the site of a Nazi massacre of Jews in 1942; the power station was built on the mass graves.