Eastern Europe
Ukraine
As the "Bible Belt" of the former Soviet world, the Ukrainian churches were heavily persecuted. The perseverance of believers through that oppression has paid off as there is a new spiritual ambition and vision that has not been seen before in Ukraine. Freedom of religion is improving, but it is not yet protected in both law and practice. There is a desperate need for leadership training and direction in the church, especially with the rapid growth of thousands of new congregations developing since 1991. Doctrinal schisms in the Orthodox church, as well as divisions between Catholic and Protestant believers, are limiting the church witness. Forgiveness toward Communist supporters and healing for the pain suffered during the reign of the Soviet Union have yet to take hold amongst the Ukrainian people, yet change is happening and God is moving in the Ukraine. - www.prayercast.com