Estonia

History
Estonians are one of the longest-settled European peoples and have lived along the Baltic Sea for over 5,000 years. The Estonians were an independent nation until the 13th century A.D. when it was conquered by Denmark, Germany, Poland, Sweden, and finally Russia. In 1920, amidst the collapse of the Russian empire during World War I, Soviet Russia recognized Estonia's independence and renounced all rights  to its territory. This independence lasted just 22 years when in 1940, during WWII, the Soviet Union illegally annexed Estonia as the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic (E.S.S.R). During WWII, Estonia was occupied by both the Nazis and Soviets, losing 180,000 people, 17% of their population. During Nazi occupation from 1941 to 1944, 7,800 citizens of the Republic of Estonia were executed in Nazi prison camps. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1980s, Estonia once again gained independence in 1991.   
 
Culture
Estonia has a unique culture stemming from their peasant history. Folk festivals and poetry continue to be important. The Estonian national identity solidified in reaction to Russification policies imposed by the government. Estonians are traditionally socially introverted, keep a distance in public, yet celebrations such as weddings can last for several days. Although built under foreign rule, buildings are important symbols in Estonia. City walls, towers, churches, and fortresses strongly connect Estonians to the past.

Spiritual Climate
There was a severe persecution of all faiths under the Soviet occupation 1940-1988, but freedom of religion was established in 1988. The introduction of capitalism has brought wealth accompanied by a moral slide. Most people nominally recognize Christianity's principles, but have little desire to commit themselves to Christ. Younger churches are growing. (Campus Crusade for Christ)

NMSI Involvement 
NMSI first began to work in Estonia in 2002 when NMSI organized a container of used clothes from churches and individuals in Florida to be shipped to the city of Narva. A Russian church then distributed them to needy people both in Estonia and Russia. In the summer of 2005, NMSI sent their first full time missionaries** there who began efforts in:

• Evangelism and church planting work in the Russian communities
• Campus ministry in English for Tartu University International students
• Different types of projects with Russian and Estonian churches
• Short term mission teams to help at children summer camps

Prayer Points
• Pray for the missionary work in Estonia, where only 20% of the population are connected with the church.
• For spiritual revival throughout the country of Estonia.
• For the campus ministry at Tartu university as they reach the international student population.
• For the summer internship to have a strong impact in the Tartu region.

Ministry Opportunities
Short-term: Join a 2010 summer internship to Estonia

Long-term: If you feel called to work or are currently working in a country in this region, please contact our People and Organizational Development Team to explore how NMSI might partner with you.

Estonia Photo Gallery

Sources: Joshua Project, CIA World Factbook, Every Culture Campus Crusade for Christ, Wikipedia

NMSI missionaries serving in Estonia:

**Our workers names and locations are not disclosed on our website so the humanitarian nature of their work is not misunderstood.

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