After decades of Communism, the Soviet Union's collapse left a moral vacuum in Latvia, which was quickly filled by opportunistic negative influences. Rates of drug and alcohol abuse, the sex trade, abortion, and suicide have thankfully been reduced from the sharp rise in the aftermath of Latvia's independence. As a member of the European Union, Latvia has done relatively well from a technology and development perspective, but there remains an emptiness that no amount of prosperity can fill. Latvia needs prayer for the deeper and eternal needs of its people.

1. Thank God, that though the missions’ vision in Latvia is still in its infancy, it is demonstrating impressive diversity and determination.

2. Pray that this spark might grow into a flame to take the life-changing gospel to the less reached in Latvia and beyond. Pray also for groups such as Bridge Builders International, the Latvian Evangelical Alliance and its CP-21 vision, which seeks to work with indigenous churches to plant new churches and reach every Latvian.

3. Pray for rural populations. They have far fewer opportunities to encounter the living Christ. Pray for renewal in their mainline congregations and for more teams such as YWAM that will evangelize in villages.

4. The Russian minority is mostly non-religious or Orthodox. Pray for increasing reconciliation and partnerships between believing Latvians and ethnic Russians - a painful legacy is still not entirely resolved.

5. The 7,000 Jews in Latvia, are very resistant to the gospel and increasingly subjected to anti-Semitism. Pray for a loving and patient Christian witness to them.