Estonia

Estonia Factbook

Estonians have suffered much over the last 50+ years. Although they are independent today, they still struggle economically. The people are showing significant interest in the things of God, but workers to minister to the people are in short supply.

Estoniais a former Soviet republic. It is located on the Gulf of Finland immediately south of Finland. It shares borders with Russia and Latvia. The terrain is mostly marshy lowlands.

Approximately 1.3 million people live in Estonia. The population has steadily shrunk for many years due to emigration. Nearly two thirds of the people are native Estonians (of Finnish descent) and most of the remainder are Russian Slavic. This was forced on Estonia by Stalin during Soviet rule. Many Estonians were taken away to Russia to be exterminated. In their place, Russians were forced to move to Estonia. Much bitterness remains between these two groups.

The Estonian economy suffered following the breakup of the Soviet Union. After hitting a low point in 1999, Estonia has successfully instituted economic reform and has seen significant improvement. Despite this improvement, people are leaving the county searching for better opportunity.

Estoniahas been subject to other nations for most of its history. Estonia gained independence in 1918 as an outcome of World War I. However, the Soviet Union seized control in 1940 and ruled with an iron fist. Estonia officially gained independence again in 1991 with the fall of the Soviet Union.

Christians suffered greatly under Soviet rule. Since 1991, the church has again enjoyed freedom of religion. The Evangelical Lutheran church has a long history in Estonia. Today, nearly 6% of the population is evangelical.

The people of Estonia began showing a real interest in the things of God following independence. However, this interest has begun to wane as wealth improves. Many people are caught up in the bitterness of years past and the present economic pains. Pray for real revival among the Estonian people.

There is a lack of trained pastors and a shortage of Bible schools. Pray for the existing schools and for more good schools. Pray for the Lord to send more harvesters into this field as many opportunities for ministry are available.

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