USA and Belarus Work Together for Big Church Event

May 15, 2026, 15:39
EuropePolitics

Introduction

The government of Belarus says yes to a big Christian meeting in Minsk. This happens because the USA and Belarus are friends again.

Main Body

Franklin Graham from the USA will lead the 'Festival of Hope' in a big stadium. In the past, the government did not like these churches. They stopped many religious groups from working. Now, the USA and Belarus have a new deal. The USA stopped some punishments on Belarus banks. Belarus let many prisoners go home. President Lukashenko says he likes President Trump. Some people in Belarus are happy about the festival. Other people are worried. They think the government only wants to look good to other countries.

Conclusion

The festival shows that the USA and Belarus are talking again. But the government in Belarus is still very strict with its people.

Learning

🕒 Then vs. Now

In this story, we see a big change. We use different words to show the past and the present.

THE PAST (Before)

  • "did not like"
  • "stopped"
  • "did not allow"

THE PRESENT (Now)

  • "says yes"
  • "have a new deal"
  • "are friends"

Quick Rule: To talk about the past, we often add -ed to the action word (stop → stopped). To talk about now, we use the word as it is (like → likes).

🔍 Contrast Words

The text uses a special word to show a surprise or a change:

BUT

  • Example: "...talking again. But the government... is still very strict."

Use But when the second part of your sentence is different or opposite from the first part.

  • Happy →\rightarrow But →\rightarrow Worried
  • Friends →\rightarrow But →\rightarrow Strict

Vocabulary Learning

government
The group of people that run a country or area.
Example:The government announced new rules.
big
Large in size or amount.
Example:She bought a big house.
meeting
A gathering of people to talk about something.
Example:They have a meeting every Monday.
friends
People you like and trust.
Example:I go to the park with my friends.
festival
A special event for celebration or entertainment.
Example:The city hosts a music festival every summer.
stadium
A large building for sports or concerts.
Example:The football game was played in a huge stadium.
past
The time before now.
Example:He talked about his past experiences.
deal
An agreement between two or more people.
Example:They made a deal to share the profits.
banks
Places where people keep money.
Example:She went to the banks to withdraw cash.
home
The place where you live.
Example:After work, he goes straight home.
happy
Feeling or showing joy.
Example:She felt happy when she saw her family.
strict
Very careful about rules or limits.
Example:The teacher is strict about homework.