NEWS
Dear Partner in Hope

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You have no doubt seen the news that Viktor Yanukovych was victorious over Yulia Tymoshenko in the Ukrainian presidential election in Feb.  The former president, Viktor Yushchenko was battered in the first round with only 5% of the popular vote.  The victory of Yanukovych, with 48.95 of the vote against Tymoshenko's 45.47, is seen by many commentators as the result of 5 years of acrimonious relations between the former allies of the Orange Revolution.
It is probably true to say that Yushchenko, by urging his followers to vote "Against All", allowable in a Ukrainian election, was the most important factor in Tymoshenko's defeat.  Had the Ukrainian side united, a narrow win would have resulted.
Although Tymoshenko complained to the courts about electoral violations, international observers declared the election free of major violations and proof of Ukraine's adherence to international norms.

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Though Yanukovych, whose power base is in the east and south of the country among ethnic Russians, plans to work closer with Russia, he has also made it known that he plans to keep knocking on the door of the EU, though not NATO.  However, his choice of Russian as the language of his victory speech was probably the opening salvo of the battle to bring back the Russian language, which is bitterly opposed by western Ukrainians.

The election result is likely to enhance business opportunities by creating greater stability, and to secure the next tranche of the promised IMF loan.  It might also help to create a better climate for the importing of natural gas from Russia, though, in my opinion, unlikely to change the price, which has been so disastrous for Ukrainian industry and households.

The result is unlikely to affect Hope Now, which has always enjoyed good relations with political departments at both the national and regional level, regardless of who is in power.  As an organization, Hope Now remains non partisan and urges believers to recognize the truth that, "the most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whom he will.."  Daniel 4:32

Let us pray for the new president and be constant in our prayers for the Ukrainian people.

Yours in His glorious service,
Vic Jackopson
Founder and International President
2010.03.31   
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Kompas Park Surprises

Last summer I spent a week at Kompas Park at a children's summer camp.  I'd like to share with you three instances which shaped my memories and challenged my expectations.
2010.03.17   
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Making a difference video

Making a difference video
2010.03.02   
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You Made a Difference

You made a difference! It was summer of 1994, and I had just completed my first year of studies at Bath University.  I forget what I studied.  And that was the problem.
2010.03.02   
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Looking Forward to Graduation

Greetings to you dear brothers and sisters, and peace be to you.
God has blessed me with a ministry in a Christian church called "Calvary". I am an administrator of the church. As a part of my job, I often visit city administrators, governor's committees and meet with secular people.
2010.03.02   
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Fresh Start Spreads

Dear Hope Now,
Thank you very much for hosting the Fresh Start Summer Program at Kompas Park.  Your generosity enabled us to organize many summer activities for 75 orphans, in a continuation of your Fresh Start for Children Education Program.
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