Why finland?
Finland is located in northern Europe in a region commonly known as the Nordics. Its nearest neighbors are Sweden, Norway and Russia. With a population of about 5.5 million and only 100 years since its independence, Finland has distinguished itself in the world in so many areas including education, technology and design among others. It’s an amazing nation!
So, why would a country that was ranked as the “happiest in the world” two years running need missionaries? The answer is revealing if we look below the surface of these societal advances and consider the conditions of the human heart. We quickly realize that Finland, like much of Western Europe, has embraced a humanistic secular worldview focused on the self. Intrinsically, it’s a worldview where the self and its desires are exalted above all else. In essence, God has been moved to the periphery of life only to be replaced by the individual, sovereign-self and its dictates. For many, the Christian faith is seen as simply irrelevant, out-of-step with current cultural trends and passé. As Christ followers, we know nothing could be further from the truth, but this is how much of society views Christianity here in Europe and in the Nordics. We believe God has called us to advance the gospel within this context and bring hope to everyone we encounter.
According to a recent study Finland was one of only 3 nations that has been experiencing a decline in growth of evangelical Christianity. When we understand these current cultural trends in Finland, the rise of secularism in the world and the declining presence of life-giving communities of faith in this nation, the urgent need for missionaries in this great land becomes all the more evident. This is one of the reasons that prompted us to shift our missions focus from Latin America to Europe, and specifically here in Finland.
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?”
Would you join us in praying for northern Europe and the nation of Finland? Would you believe with us that a renewal will come to this land and to the hearts of the Finnish people?
Jesus himself reminded us that if we were to experience all the good this world has to offer (and there is much good) but never come to experience the gift of salvation, we will have, ironically, done eternal harm to our very selves. This is a message that Finland and post-modern Europe need to hear. Do we need any other reason to go than that?
Join Us in Finland
As missionaries, we depend upon the financial and spiritual support we receive from churches, individuals and organizations. Without this help from people like you, we couldn’t do what we do here in Finland. Thank you!
We are so thankful that many churches, individuals and others have understood this need here and have sent us forth as their missionaries to northern Europe and Finland.
If you would like to join our support team and be a part of what God is doing in Finland, you can do so by visiting this page.