|
26th September 2010 |
|||
|
Pray for Georgia
Population 4.6 million People 69 per sq km Religion 70% Christian 15% Muslim (Approx) Positives Black Sea state between Russia, the Caucasus Mountains and Turkey. Formerly called the fruit-basket of the USSR. Productive soil and good climate for fruit, tea, cotton, wine, tourism; the supplier of 90% of the former USSR's tea and citrus fruit. Much potential for hydro-electric power and mining, but rebel activity has seriously damaged production. Mountainous with only 12% arable. The history of Georgia can be traced back to the ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Iberia, and it was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity, in the 4th century. Since independence in 1991, interest in spiritual things and the Christian faith in particular has increased greatly. The former Department of Atheism at the national university is now a theological faculty. Christian groups of all expressions are experiencing growth in this nation.
|
 |
||
 |
Prayer needs Georgia's independence, gained with such hope has been soured by a series of inter-ethnic wars aided and abetted by Russian efforts to undermine and control the country. The lot of most Georgians is harsh due to massive unemployment and profound economic setbacks. Pray for peace, an ending of Russian interference, economic stabilization and ethnic harmony so that the nation might gain the opportunity to recover. By 1970 only 80 congregations were still functioning. Stalin, the USSR’s most cruel ruler, was a Georgian. Since Communism’s collapse and Georgian independence, many have returned to the Church of their ancestors with even the President being baptized. Pray that this return to their spiritual roots might be accompanied by spiritual life.
|
||