March - 19

BYELARUS Population 10,481,000 Peoples The smallest of the three Slavic nations of the former USSR. Indo-European 98.4%. Slav 98%. Byelorussian 7,905,000; Russian 1,342,000; Polish 417,000; Ukrainian 291,000. Other 0.4%. Gypsy 11,000; Lithuanian 8,000. All other peoples 1.6%. Jews 112,000; Tatar 12,000. Literacy 99%. Official language: Byelorussian, but the majority are still more fluent in the related Russian. All indigenous languages 2. Languages with Scriptures: 2Bi. Cities Capital: Minsk 1,650,000. Urbanization 65%. Economy One of the most productive agricultural and industrial regions in the former USSR, but collapse of trade between the independent republics and reluctance to modernize and free the economy from state control have forced the country into severe recession and inflation. The Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe in 1986 has made a colossal impact on the Byelorussian economy and health services. Income/person $5,729 (27% of USA). Politics Indefensible borders and flat plains have made Byelarus a pawn in international politics and a battlefield in war. Although a separate member of the UN since World War II, it was never an independent state until independence in 1991. Political leadership is cautious, trying to appease both the Communists and democrats and failing to grapple with economic and ecological crises that cripple the new nation. Religion Religious freedom after 70 years of Communist repression. Many church buildings were destroyed during that time. Nearly all statistics below are estimates. Non-religious/other 27.6%. Many non-religious and Marxists have reverted to the faith of their forebears. Jews 1.1%. Muslim 0.2%. Christian 71.1%. Affil 67.5%. Gro 6.9%. Protestant 1%. Growth 15.1%. Roman Catholic 22%. Growth 6.1%. Orthodox 48%. Affil 44.9%. Gro 7.2%. Marginal 0.04%. Growth 16.9%. 1. Byelarus stumbled into an unexpected independence and is searching for a national identity. The cultural dominance of Poland and Russia lasted for many centuries. Even the use of the Byelorussian language has atrophied. Pray for the development of a vigorous evangelical expression of the body of Christ within the culture and a wide range of Christian literature, videos and programmes for radio and television in Byelorussian. 2. The Chernobyl catastrophe in the Ukraine blanketed Byelarus with toxic, radioactive debris. Over 20% of the population still lives in areas with radiation levels above the safety limit. USSR and local government response was limited and the long-term effects on health and the economy devastating. This has had a deep effect on the morale of the people and prompted a longing for spiritual answers -- many fear premature death. Pray that Christians may minister effectively in this tragic situation and win many to Christ. 3. It has become fashionable to be Christian. Many former Communist Party members and fence-sitting non-religious people have returned to Orthodoxy and Catholicism. Real understanding of the gospel and willingness for true discipleship are lacking. Pray for the Holy Spirit to move through the land. 4. Evangelical Christians are relatively fewer than in neighbouring Ukraine. Pray for fellowship, understanding and cooperation among Evangelicals -- often in short supply. Growth rates in the churches are high among Pentecostals, less so among Baptists, but difficulties with building permits and supplies restrict construction of the required buildings. Lack of mature teachers and structures to cope with new converts also limit retention of those who show interest. More trained leadership is an essential if long-term growth is to be maintained. 5. Missions. Russia and Ukraine have attracted far more interest in the West. Pray for helpful supportive relationships with foreign churches and agencies. Too often such contacts have been insensitive and manipulative. Pray for expatriate missionaries to be called to serve long-term in the country. 6. The less reached. There are only a few significant non-Christian minorities. a) Jews. 3.5% of Minsk is Jewish. There is a Messianic Jewish group in Minsk, but the majority still need to be reached. b) Muslims. Small communities of Tatar and Azerbaijani exist. 7. Christian help ministries for prayer. a) The Bible Society (UBS) has been established in Minsk. Local production of Scriptures is planned. Pray for wide use of the Byelorussian and Russian Scriptures. b) Christian literature is scarce. There is very little evangelistic, apologetic or teaching material available in Byelorussian. c) EHC plans a nationwide distribution of Christian literature to every home. d) The Jesus film has been widely shown in Russian and Byelorussian. Resources for follow-up are too limited to help all who are touched. e) TWR has established a base for local programme production.