Belarus, a small country which was part of the former Soviet Union received approximately 70% of the radiation damage from the April 26, 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant incident.  The southern third received the most radiation in Belarus.  The explosion released 90 times as much radiation as the Hiroshima Bomb.  This has affected the health of the people, especially the children, due to its effect on the immune system.  This has resulted in thyroid disease and thyroid cancer, an increase of leukemia and birth defects, and vitamin deficiencies. 

By housing the children for a period of 6 weeks, this gives their bodies a rest from the physical and emotional stress of living in a contaminated environment.  If the children are removed from the area for that approximate period of time, the level of radiation in their bodies is lowered.

The Belarussian Ministry at Hopewell exists so that we may be willing vessels and allow Christ to shine through us as we become host families to these precious people of Belarus.

If you would like more information, please contact Jennifer Camden, Hopewell Belarussian Coordinator, at jcamden@carolina.rr.com.