Estonia. It is a beautiful country with beautiful people. Fresh air, clean food, beautiful architecture and a rich cultural heritage. We can’t wait to share about all these wonderful things with you! We’re excited to have you along on this journey where we get to introduce Estonia to you and share our joy of spiritual victories.
As there are many reasons for loving life in this country, there are also very serious struggles Estonians are facing today as a nation. I would like to share some light to these issues and reveal the content of our prayers to our Heavenly Father.
Some recent statistics I have come across suggest that Estonians have the highest depression rates among EU countries.
An independent study put on by a non-profit organization (MTÜ Peaasjad, peaasi.ee) revealed staggering results:
Out of 44 428 participants, 58% showed symptoms of depression.
What is making Estonians depressed?
There could be any number of reasons. Perhaps it’s the cold, rainy summers or the dark winters?
Maybe it’s the constant stress of finances or the lack thereof –
Every fifth person in Estonia lives in relative poverty. According to Statistics Estonia, in 2013, 22.1% of the Estonian population lived in relative poverty and 8% of the Estonian population lived in absolute poverty. (Statistics Estonia)
Or maybe the legacy of the Communist occupation (1940-1991) is to be blamed?
Beyond horrible crimes committed against Estonians during the occupation years, the Soviets successfully managed to brainwash the remaining population – belief in God was a symptom of lunacy. Christians were ridiculed, harassed or even imprisoned. There were stories of Christians being locked up in mental institutions because of their beliefs.
The Soviets’ anti-religious atheistic propaganda was effective –
Before the Second World War, Estonia was approximately 80% Protestant;
Now, according to the Dentsu Communication Institute Inc, Estonia is one of the least religious countries in the world, with 75.7% of the population claiming to be irreligious.
The Eurobarometer Poll 2005 found that only 16% of Estonians profess a belief in a god, the lowest belief of all countries studied.
I don’t know if the lack of belief in a deity is what got Estonia these depression rates but I do know we need God to get out of depression.
And there it is folks. Our work is cut out for us. We are aiming to witness to one of the least religious countries in the world.
Partner with us by praying for Estonia. Pray for the depressed. Pray for the families that are living in poverty. And pray for the remaining Christians in the country, that they would keep their faith and find new strength.
Pray for us, the Kellys, that we would be His vessels and that He would complete the works He has started in us.
