A peaceful and prosperous Moldovan future remains uncertain and tenuous. The intransigence of the Transnistrian region separatists and the inability of the country to overcome economic difficulties undermine stability. About 80% of men are unemployed and 60% of men have a serious alcohol problem. The Communists regained control of the parliament in the 2001 elections. Pray that the terrible Stalinist and Communist legacies may be overcome and that present liberty might be preserved.
The influence of the Orthodox Church makes evangelical work difficult. Preaching and planting churches in traditionally Orthodox villages is especially opposed. It is also difficult to obtain permission to purchase buildings or land for church purposes. Pray that the Holy Spirit would deepen the spiritual life of many from the Orthodox faith.
Evangelical Christians have multiplied, but materially they lack so much ; meeting places, discipleship materials and funds. Many are very poor. Pray that God may provide their needs. There are over 4,000 believers and possibly as many as 10,000 among the predominantly Orthodox Turks, among whom revival is reported. The strong conservatism of the Communist era remains, and suspicion and resentment hinders unity between Protestant groups. We are seeking to minister to all groups. Pray that believers may develop a broader, dynamic view of the body of Christ.
Training for pastors and education for Christians. A part-time Moldovan Mission School was successfully launched in 1994. Many churches have been planted by its graduates already! Both the Baptists and the Pentecostals have theological schools, there is an independent evangelical Bible School in the capital, and the Brethren are involved in Bible teaching. Pray that all these schools may raise up godly, mature leaders. Pray for the provision of resources for both students and schools alike.
The less reached:
- 1,000 or more villages have no evangelical witness. Many in villages are deeply involved in the occult.
- The Gypsy population is large and virtually unreached.
- The Muslim minorities. Believers have a vision to reach Muslims both in Moldova and in Eurasia. Pray for them as they mobilize for missions.
- The youth of Moldova are victims the Soviet infrastructure’s collapse and the freedoms and bondages that followed. Committed ministry to young people is needed – pray for more workers. There is some work already among university students as well as youth camps. International Fellowship, IFES, has had a team in Moldova since 1986.
Christian Ministries:
- Bible and Christian literature. The Gagauz New Testament was completed in 2000. Gospels are being distributed throughout the country in Russian and Romanian.
- Radio. Trans World Radio broadcasts out from Moldova to many Eastern European countries. Moldovans can tune in to 19.5 hours a week in eight languages. There is also a local Christian radio station, Micul Samaratan, which has wide appeal.
- The JESUS film is available in Romanian, Ukrainian, Russian and Bulgarian and has been widely viewed.
- Short-term missions. Various groups send as many as 60 short-term teams a year to erect church buildings and assist local congregations. Pray that these Western guests to Moldova will have an effect for the long-term good of the Moldovan church.
