Bulgarians Demand Higher Income

Bulgarians Demand Higher Income

Across the world, the winter of 2022 has been feared because of the massive increase in energy prices. Many people are experiencing a negative gap between their income and cost of living, and it has many worried about the future. In Bulgaria, thousands of people have taken part in demonstrations demanding an increase in salary to compensate for the inflation. The country’s two largest unions organized a protest outside of Parliament, during which time they gave the government a joint declaration to speed up the adoption of next year’s budget. This is in hopes that the government will promote an increase in the minimum wage instead of it being frozen at the current amount. In less than two years, Bulgaria has had four general elections, leaving the country with a caretaker cabinet and a split parliament. This fragmented system has resulted in a political stalemate, which will need to be fixed in order to submit and pass a budget.

Bulgaria, the poorest European Union country, is plagued by poverty, a declining population, and racial tension. Christianity is the largest religion, however, only 1% are evangelicals. Please pray for the Christians there to properly show the love of Christ to unbelievers, and for others to join them in spreading the Gospel. Although hope in a government is futile, Bulgarians can have everlasting hope in Jesus Christ.

A Bold Message

A Bold Message

In recent weeks, climate activists have organized numerous protests throughout European cities to draw attention to their cause. Although based in different countries, the groups are affiliated with one another and have coordinated similar demonstrations. In the UK, protestors dumped soup on Van Gogh’s Sunflowers; at the Louvre, cake was smeared on the Mona Lisa; in The Hague, an attack was also made on Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. In Potsdam, Germany, the activists threw mashed potatoes on Monet’s Haystack painting. In addition to the artwork, the Natural History Museum in Berlin saw an attack on a dinosaur skeleton. Many environmentalists do not agree with the attacks as the artwork does not increase or promote the climate crisis. Museums across Europe are currently increasing security and putting measures in place to protect the art and prevent further demonstrations.

The climate activists have most recently been accused of causing a traffic jam in Berlin that resulted in a cyclist being declared brain dead. Protestors blockaded a road, which prohibited emergency services from reaching the scene of the cyclist’s accident in time to offer valuable assistance. Two of the activists have been charged with a criminal offense due to obstructing emergency services. This tragic accident has turned more members of the public against the actions of environmental protestors.

Germany is in desperate need of Christians who are as bold and assertive in their message as the climate activists are in theirs. While it is a very diverse nation due to the rapid influx of immigrants beginning in 1989, some Germans resent the presence of so many foreigners and harbor bitterness toward immigrants. This bitterness and occasional violence directed towards immigrants are more pronounced in the eastern part of the country. Of the nearly 84 million people in Germany, 2% claim to be evangelical Christians. This nation has a rich and colorful culture, as well as a dark and troubled recent past, and is in need of missionaries and church planters to take the Gospel to the millions unreached.

An Ideal Retirement

An Ideal Retirement

As some people near retirement age, they begin considering if they would like to move abroad during those years. In the United Kingdom, the popular internet search “best country to retire to” has increased 94% in the past year. Many retirees are searching for locations with good weather, healthcare, and exchange rate for the British pound. An estimated 12% of UK residents over the age of 50 are planning to retire outside of the country. Research and polls have been conducted to determine the most popular countries for retirement, with three interesting contenders.

Croatia was voted the best, with a population of 21% over the age of 65. The warmer climate and lower cost of living are major draws for those seeking a new environment. Spain has long been a favourite tourist spot and has a warm, sunny climate similar to Croatia’s. This coupled with the highly-rated healthcare in Spain makes it the second most popular retirement destination. With a climate completely unlike the previous countries, Ireland comes in at the third spot. It is said to be one of the happiest and safest places to retire, and the visa process for those from the UK is simpler and cheaper than other places.

Many of these expats move countries to have a better quality of life during retirement, but how much better it would be if they could hear the Gospel, repent of their sins, and have a personal relationship with God! The influx of foreigners to these countries gives missionaries there an opportunity to reach other nations while staying in one place. The statistics show that none of these countries have an evangelical population above 2%; Croatia = 0.4%, Ireland = 1.5%, Spain = 1%. Please be praying for missionaries in these countries and for others to join them in the work of the Gospel.

Tension Mounting in Azerbaijan Border Dispute

Tension Mounting in Azerbaijan Border Dispute

A border dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which has been an issue for decades, has recently escalated. The area in question geographically belongs to Azerbaijan, however, it is populated primarily by ethnic Armenians. In September, Azerbaijan attacked several Armenian positions along the border.

These attacks led another nation into the dispute. In order to present a show of power to Azerbaijan, Iran held military drills at the Azerbaijan border. Supply chain disruptions have been a cause of concern for many countries over the past two years, and the recent conflict between Ukraine and Russia has only exacerbated the issue. Exports from Iran travel through Armenia in transit to Europe, and Armenia is in the process of improving the routes to enable more efficient passage. The Iranian government is concerned that should Azerbaijan attack the border of Armenia, the north-south trade route would be eliminated.

Azerbaijan has a tiny evangelical Christian population of 0.2%. There is a huge need for missionaries, church planters, and firm believers who will share the Gospel and be an example. Sacrificial, Christ-like love is the only hope for the 13 million people represented by both countries, and it is the only way past long-standing ethnic tensions between people groups.

Catastrophic Flooding in Crete

Catastrophic Flooding in Crete

The largest Greek island of Crete experienced torrential rainfall in October causing catastrophic damages and loss of life. On the streets of many seaside villages, everything was moved by the gushing water. Within the span of one hour, emergency services reported receiving 450 calls for assistance. Unfortunately, one man was trapped inside his car as the flooding began and did not make it out alive. In addition to this fatality, another death has been reported and a few people are still missing. The rain has stopped, but for those affected by this tragic event, the road to recovery has just begun.

Greece, the beautiful Mediterranean nation with numerous islands, is a paradise on earth–visually speaking. It is a popular tourist destination renowned for its turquoise water, archaeological sites, beautiful beaches, and warm climate. Like the rest of Europe, however, it is facing crippling inflation in 2022. Add to this the recent devastating flooding to occur in Crete, and it would be easy to see how fearful and anxious the population could grow. With a small 0.4% estimated to be evangelical Christians, the majority of the population is in desperate need of the hope found only in Christ Jesus. Please be in prayer for those affected by the flooding, for missionaries to go to those unreached in Greece, and for open and receptive hearts.

Inflation Soars in the Netherlands

Inflation Soars in the Netherlands

Supply chain disruptions and increased energy prices have become a source of steep global inflation in 2022 and many people are struggling with the long-reaching effects. In the Netherlands during the month of September, inflation increased by 17% making it the highest it has been in decades. This comes after a leap of 13% one month earlier in August. The surging energy costs are astounding, with an increase of 114% since September 2021. In an effort to reassure its citizens, the Dutch government has pledged 18 billion euros in assistance next year. In addition, electricity and gas prices have been capped.

Despite governmental promises and efforts like those made by the Dutch government, uncertain and fearful times grip the world and there is no comfort or peace to be found outside of Christ. The Netherlands, once a Christian nation, now leads the world in secularism and New Age views. The evangelical population numbers 4%, and the largest “religion” is non-religious. As dire the circumstances may be, hope is not lost. We can pray that this may prove to be a fruitful time for the Gospel to reach those living in the shadow of fear and stress over the future.