Pray for Moldova

The shield on Moldova’s flag is adorned with the horned head of an aurochs. The aurochs is a wilder, larger relative of the cow, with longer hair and more dangerous horns. Legend says that in the 1300s, Prince Dragos was hunting one of these animals when his dog, Molda, drowned in a river. Saddened by the loss, Prince Dragos named the river Moldova after his beloved pet, which eventually became the name of the surrounding region. The aurochs went extinct in the 17th century, but its legacy continues as Moldova’s national animal. Since then, the region’s gentle hills and quiet forests have filled with small towns and peaceful villages. Living in one of Europe’s poorest nations, the people of Moldova have shown great resilience. Moldovans work together to provide for each other, growing their own food and helping each other in moments of need.

Moldova is home to some of Europe’s richest soil, which could support vast wheat fields, vineyards, and orchards; however, Moldovan land is split up into plots too small for farming. Because Moldovans have few other opportunities to tap into for work, about one-third of their people live below the poverty line. Since 1989, Moldova’s population has dropped by nearly a third as fathers and mothers move to other countries to find work. Many children grow up in single-parent homes or with their elderly grandparents. Conflict east of Moldova between Russia and Ukraine has added to the pressure, bringing an influx of refugees. Moldovans and refugees without money or homes are easily lured into dangerous situations, fueling one of the region’s most severe human trafficking crises.

Roughly 70 percent of the three million Moldovans are Eastern Orthodox Christians. However, most identify as Christian only because they were baptized as infants. Though the evangelical Church only makes up roughly one percent of the population, its members are zealous and eager in their faith. However, their efforts to revive the faith of their neighbors are often met with deep suspicion. These small churches can struggle to find places to meet because Moldovans will not let them buy or build churches. There is also a great need for pastors, as poverty forced many to leave the country. Still, congregations are eager and are often the first to meet the needs of Ukrainian refugees. As their passion continues to grow, they are praying that God will spread his Word throughout their nation.