Pray for Moldova

Moldova is a landlocked nation in Eastern Europe
It is located between Romania in the west and Ukraine in the north, east, and south.

The capital city is Chișinău.
The population is over 3 million

FACTS
Moldova has long been the traditional passageway between Europe and Asia.

Over the centures the country has been conquered by many different kingdoms and empires.
This has led to Moldova being extremely diverse
Citizens  are often able to speak several languages.

The country is known for its wines.
For years viticulture and winemaking were the general occupation of the population.

DEMOGRAPHICS
69.6%  Moldovans
11.2%  Ukrainians
9.4%    Russians
3.8%    Gagauz
2.0%    Bulgarians
1.9%    Romanians
1.5%    Others
Jewish         (4,100)
Tartar         (2,800)
Azerbaijani    (2,200)
Turk           (1,700)
Crimean Tatar  (1,500)
Tajik            (500)

62%        Orthodox
22%        Non-religious
5%          Muslim
4%          Protestant
2%          Catholic

HISTORY
In Antiquity Moldova was inhabited by Dacian tribes.

Between the 1st-7th centuries AD, southern Moldova was under first Roman, then Byzantine rule.

From late antiquity through the Middle Eages Moldova was invaded many times,
by Goths, Huns, Avars, Bulgarians, Magyars, Pechenegs, Cumans and Mongols.

The Principality of Moldavia, was established in 1359.
Its territory comprised present-day Moldova, parts of Romania and the Ukraine.
Moldavia was invaded repeatedly by Crimean Tatars and the Turks.

In 1538, Moldavia became a tributary to the Ottoman Empire.

In 1812 the Ottomans ceded the eastern half of Moldavia to Russia.
In 1859 the western part of Moldavia united, with Wallachia into the Kingdom of Romania.

During the 19th century, Russia encouraged colonization of the southern regions
of Moldavia by Ukrainians, Lipovans, Cossacks, Bulgarians, Germans, Gagauzes and Jews.

From 1940-1991 Moldova was under Soviet rule.
During the Stalinist period (1940–1941, 1944–1953), deportations of locals to the Urals,
Siberia, and northern Kazakhstan occurred regularly.
Other forms of Soviet persecution of the population included political arrests or execution.

Moldova declared independence in 1991 as part of the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

That same year the region of Transnistria broke away from Moldovia.
Tensions between Moldova and Transnistria escalated into a military conflict in 1992.
A ceasefire was called some months later.
Although the ceasefire has held, Transnistria political status remains unresolved.

ECONOMY
The country is mostly rural.
Moldova has some of earth's richest soil.
Agriculture and tourism are important revenues.

Despite its resources Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe.
72% of the population live below the poverty line.

Unemployment are widespread problems.
60-80% of the population of the population are unemployed.

Up to 25% of the population (1 million) are forced to seek work abroad.
Those who do work abroad often face risk of exploitation.

As a result of so many Moldovians being forced to work abroad,
about 30% of children live in single parent homes.
Sometimes both parents are forced to work abroad and children are left with grandparents.
Parents can spend years abroad and have little contact with their children.

The divorce rate is high.
Many children run away or turn to drugs and alcohol.

Alcohol abuse is another major problem.

Large numbers of young women have been lured abroad into human trafficking rings.

The issue of Transnistria remains a serious unresolved issue.

SPIRITUAL CONDITIONS
Most of the population is Orthodox.
Many however are nominal and base their affiliation on their infant baptism.

The Orthodox Church has a strong political influence.
Planting evangelical churches in traditionally Orthodox villages
is opposed, frequently with violence.

Bureaucratic antipathy to any non-Orthodox work makes building
and registering churches difficult process.
Houses are usually converted to make new evangelical buildings.

Despite opposition evangelical churches have been growing and become
involved in many successful ministries.
Short-term mission workers regularly assist those permanently based
in the country.

Training for pastors and education for Christians is a great need.

There is a substantial Muslim population.

26% of the population is still unreached.

PRAYER NEEDS
Pray for the political leaders of Moldova.
Pray that the government wisely and effectively address the country’s challenges.

Pray that the issue of Transnistria be resolved peacefully and fairly.

Pray that the economy improves and that resources be used wisely.

Pray for those suffering from poverty and unemployment.

Pray for those forced to work abroad.
Pray that they be protected from exploitation.

Pray for the children growing up in single parent homes.

Pray for those suffering from alcoholism

Pray for the protection of young women.
Pray for the women lured into human trafficking rings.

Pray that human traffickers be stopped.

Pray that the Holy Spirit would deepen the spiritual life of those in the Orthodox faith.

Pray that evangelical congregations be protected from violence.

Pray that their be cooperation between both groups.

Pray that Bible schools train godly, mature leaders.

Pray for the missions workers in Moldova.

Pray that the Gospel continue to spread.