A month ago as part of our 'Unsung Heroes' season we ran a feature profiling Finnish 24-7er Eva Sarsa. This week we hear from her again as this weeks Euro Voices journeys north to the Scandanavian country of Finland.

Finland is one of the economic success stories of Europe, transformed first from an agricultural society into a high-tech country in a single generation. However this rapid change was made possible partly by massive population resettlement from villages into cities this disconnected  families from their grandparents and their roots. This shift happened after the Second World War during which most Finnish men had either been killed or injured, if not physically then mentally.  This left a mark on our souls and made us what we can call a fatherless nation.

 

Today Finland is a high-tech oriented society where we can and do speak a lot on our mobile phones and social networks but still it is hard to find strong emotional ties between people. Depression and alcohol abuse, especially amongst young people, is a common problem, sometimes resulting in suicidal behaviour.

There have been many prophecies about the visitation of God’s love, how He will melt the ice on our hearts and pour out his healing. We have seen a remarkable increase in in counseling, ministries. Also many marriages have been healed as a result of camps and retreats that teach biblical values and healthy communication.. . On 1st May this year for a second time a big prayer event was organised in a large skating arena where leaders repented and people prayed for unity, holding hands around the arena.

 

Finland has a long history of pioneering in mission. Over the years the Lutheran Church, and the renewal movements within, as well as the Pentecostal and Free churches have sent many hundreds of people all over the globe. Today new and more decentralised ways are emerging as young people go on short-term mission and are supported solely by their friends. Many prophetic words have also been spoken about Finland's strategic place in reaching out to Europe.

 

There are several churches, organisations and small groups that have been building prayer rooms. A few Finns have attended 24-7 training opportunities and one is at the moment on Springboard in the UK. A national team was formed here two years ago and we hope we can this year strengthen the national leadership. Pete Greig will be visiting us in early July, invited by the Free Church and we hope that will inspire many to pray.

Eva asks us to pray:

• Many houses of prayer are emerging - pray for connections.
• Spiritual fathers and mothers to be raised up to equip and release the next generation.
• Boldness for believers to meet with people outside the church walls - with wisdom, power and love.
• For Pastors eyes to see what God is doing right now and hearts to build the Kingdom, not only the church.
• Rivers of healing to continue and strengthen.

If you'd like to find out more about what's happening with 24-7 Prayer in Finland (and can read Finnish) check out www.24-7rukous.fi . You could also consider joining them for the prayer conference on the 2nd July this year. If you'd like more details leave us a comment and we'll be sure to pass it on to Eva and the team.

To join with Christians all over the world in praying for the prodigal continent of Europe visit our new website 24-7prayer.eu where you can sign up to pray, for weekly newsletters and prayer resources. You might also like to read Ian Nicholson's article Restoring the Romance or watch our excellent European Prayer video.

If you've missed our earlier posts in the European Voices series you can catch up:

Euro Voices - Albania

Euro Voices - Bosnia

Euro Voices - Croatia

Euro Voices - Bulgaria

Euro Voices - Malta

Euro Voices - Hungary

Euro Voices - Czech Republic