On Friday, January 13, an explosion occurred in a gas pipeline that runs from Lithuania to Latvia. Fortunately, no one was reported injured. The gas supply was promptly cut off and the fire was put out, however, the damaged pipeline was unusable. The CEO of the gas company stated that another parallel line was unaffected and will be used to supply the same amount to Latvia. The recent Nord Stream Pipeline explosion has caused a major surge in energy prices in Europe, placing further hardships on families already struggling with the cost of living crisis. However, it has been expressed by this gas company that the clients will in no way be affected by this event. There is an in-depth investigation taking place into the explosion but initial reports claim there is no cause to suspect an attack.
Both Lithuania and Latvia suffered greatly under communism and the Soviet Union and the effects are still visible. Both are in need of missionaries and church planters to carry the gospel to the many unreached peoples. In Lithuania, only 1% of the population is evangelical and 1% is completely unreached. Latvia has a higher evangelical population at 7% but an unreached population of 1%. Please pray for workers for these countries and for the citizens to be open to the hope and salvation found in Jesus Christ.
While the majority of the Latvian population is concerned about vaccine mandates, a far more pressing issue lies just under the surface of their comprehension. The country of Latvia is in desperate need of the gospel and the change it brings to individual lives and society. After the fall of the Soviet Union, life in Latvia improved as the country developed technologically and financially. However, societal advancements do not equal joy or peace, so alcohol, drug abuse and sex trafficking run rampant throughout the country. In total, only 7% of the country’s population would claim to be evangelical Christian. Please pray that more Christians would answer the call to take the message of Jesus Christ to the remaining 93% who are unbelievers.
“Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” John 4:35
Engineers in Latvia successfully completed the first-ever parcel delivery via drone in December 2020. The flight was done entirely over a mobile network and has been heralded as a ‘great example of how technologies serve people.’
Latvia is a country of nearly 2 million people and very few Baptist missionaries. Please pray for labourers to take the gospel to this country.
This article says that many of the churches there are quite weak and church planting is needed.
