Everywhere I have bee in Eastern Europe, there has been a heaviness, a darkness, an oppressive feeling. Latvia, Ukraine, Romania, and Macedonia, have all been that same heavy feeling. It is better explained as spiritual poverty. There is little knowledge of the true love of God, and the accompanying forgiveness he offers. People simply live in poverty of their own souls.
In Latvia the predominant church is Lutheran. In the other three, Orthodox. The two churches have quite a bit in common. Priests are not to be questioned. What they say the Bible says is what it says, no arguing. They choose what is right and wrong, and a majority actually tell their congregations NOT to read the Bible. This covers their butts when they say something contrary to scripture. In Eastern Europe you are Christian because of your culture and the fact that you attend church at least once a year.
The people reminded me of the gravestones we cleaned this month, and the ones I came across on my adventure day. They are washed, cleaned, and fancy on the outside, and contain dead bodies within their hearts. Some are old and forgotten, needing some tender love and care from God very soon.
Most of the hearts of the people are hard and their minds are closed, but prayer is loosening the stones.
There are small evangelical communities in each of the last three countries, and the people within the Lutheran church in Latvia are standing up within their churches, longing for more. The youth of all of the countries are starving to be heard and to have God answer them. When he grabs their hearts, there is no stopping them! Several of those youth got up at 4am to join us at the Jewish graveyard!
Look out, Eastern Europe! God is coming fast and hard, and indeed is already here!
#GodIsInControl #redefiningdisciple
#THIRD
