Finland’s history and people have always been closely linked with the competing interests of its two neighbours – Sweden and Russia. Finland was ruled by Sweden for 700 years until it was lost to Russia in 1809. The Russian revolution in 1917 allowed Finland to finally declare its independence.

Lapland in the north of Finland lies within the Arctic Circle and is of course home to Santa Claus.

The Finns are also famous for inventing the sauna – nearly every home in Finland has one.

The collapse of communist Russia opened up loads of opportunities for Finns to evangelise in Estonia and encourage the churches there. Pray that this work would be able to continue in the long term to see these churches and new Christians mature in their faith.

Two thirds of Finns feel depressed about life and feel they lack hope. Only Jesus can meet their spiritual hunger – pray that people will find their hope, identity and purpose in Him.

Pray for greater unity across all the churches in Finland and that diversity across all the churches can reach out to all different kinds of people.

Some of the poorest people in Finland are asylum seekers from Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa. Pray that many would hear the gospel for the first time – and meet with Jesus.