Belarus was ruled by three of its neighbours – Lithuania, Poland and Russia before being swallowed up into the Soviet Union. Belarus reluctantly agreed to independence in 1991 and still clings to its close relationship with Russia.

In 1986 the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine devastated much of Belarus; radiation affect 70% of the country. The cleanup operation will take decades and continue to put a huge strain on the country’s finances. The government spends a quarter of all its money on repairing the environment and treating people who have suffered long-term health problems.

Belarus stumbled into unexpected freedom and is a country searching for identity.

Belarus has received far less attention from Christian missions than its neighbours - pray that more people would be called to serve the people of Belarus and have wisdom in how not to draw negative attention from the authorities.

Protestant and evangelical Christians face some persecution and hassles from the authories. Pray that churches would still grow despite all the problems they face.