Chernobyl on My Mind

I promised to write more about our visit to Chernobyl, but truth be told - I don't know where to begin.  Every time I think about a government totally keeping silent when they have a major nuclear disaster, I get angry.  How in the world did the Soviet government think the world would not find out about reactor 4 catching on fire?  What kind of human being sits back and keeps silent when people are living and breathing within blocks and miles of the world's worst nuclear disaster while radiation is filling the air, the water and the soil all around them?  How many people knew the danger those men, women, boys and girls were in - yet they kept silent?

The area is beautiful, much like a national forest in America.  But, the reason is because it's been unpopulated for 20 years.  People live there because they returned to their homes when they had nowhere else to go.  It's a small population with just a few children.  Buildings are empty, with windows and anything useable removed.  A normal Ukranian village - except that it is a place that is questionable for daily, human life.  Countless former residents have died from cancer, lukemia and radiation poisoning.  Children have been born with amazing deformities and serious disabilities.  But, life goes on.  Yes, the government made some provision for those affected.  But, 22 years later, life goes on.  

I know God has a plan and purpose for the precious people who continue to live in the Chernobyl oblast.  Please, please, please pray for the Lord to move among those people in a way that has never been seen in Ukraine.  Pray that the people will respond in faith.  Pray that the precious people of Ukraine who minister will persevere!

Ok.......so maybe Chernobyl is off my chest!