“God will surely take Finland to Himself and redeem them from the realm of the dead!”
But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself.(Psalm 49:15,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Europe
Population | 5.6 million
Area | 338,145㎢, Situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe.
Capital City | Helsinki (1.32 million)
People Groups | Total 59 Groups, Finnish 87.7%, Swedish-speaking Finns 4.9%, Europeans 0.9%, Swedes 0.6%, Russians 0.5%
Unreached People Groups | 16 (1.9% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Finnish, Swedish
Total Languages | 53
Bible Translations | Completed 42, New Testament 5, Partial 6
Religion | Christianity 71% (Protestant 70%, Orthodox 1%), Non-religious 35%, Muslim 1% Evangelical 10.2% (570,000 people)
》 About Finland
Finland was under Swedish rule from the 12th to the 19th century and then under Russian control from 1809 until it gained independence in 1917. After independence, it fought two wars with the Soviet Union (1939–1944), resulting in territorial concessions and significant reparations. In 1948, Finland signed The Agreement of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance with the Soviet Union, establishing a policy of neutrality in foreign affairs and a foundational relationship with the Soviet Union. It joined the EU in 1995 and adopted the euro in 1999, becoming the only Nordic country to do so. As a typical model of welfare nation, Finland is known for its high-quality education, gender equality, and comprehensive social welfare system. It adopts a semi-presidential parliamentary system, in which the Prime Minister is responsible for domestic affairs, while the President oversees foreign policy and national defense. Currently, Alexander Stubb serves as president, and Petteri Orpo is the prime minister. In response to the changing security environment following the Russia-Ukraine war, Finland ended its policy of military neutrality and officially joined NATO in April 2023.
Economically, Finland boasts a highly industrialized free-market economy with a GDP per capita comparable to Austria and the Netherlands. Historically strong in manufacturing sectors like wood, metal, engineering, telecommunications, and electronics. Finland has recently distinguished itself in fostering startups and exporting technology, particularly in ICT, gaming, and biotechnology. However, it is facing pressing challenges such as rapid population aging and declining productivity in traditional industries, competitiveness, fiscal sustainability. Finland’s GDP per capita is approximately $53,000.
》 Scripture Focus
| Psalm 49:6-9, 12-15(NIV) 6 Those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches? 7 No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them— 8 the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough— 9 so that they should live on forever and not see decay. 12 People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. 13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. 14 They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. 15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Christianity in Finland accounts for about 70% of the population, with most Christians belonging to the Lutheran Church. However, the number of people actively practicing their faith is steadily declining. Most are nominal Christians, and only around 3% regularly attend worship services. Although the Finnish church experienced revival in the 1960s, it has since faced stagnation due to generational disconnect and conflicts between liberal and conservative evangelical views. Evangelicals now make up about 10% of the population, and while that number is decreasing, Pentecostal and several non-denominational churches influenced by charismatic renewal movements are growing in vitality and unity. House churches have also started within many denominations and are expanding significantly. God has honored Finland not because of its wealth, but through the gospel of the cross that saves from sin and death. Let us pray that the church may hold firmly to the gospel of the cross, rise by the life of Jesus, and boldly proclaim the gospel, believing that no one can be saved by anything else.
2. Finnish Protestantism faces challenges of stagnation and decline, but the legacy of missionary sending, especially through Lutheran and mission organizations, remains strong. Despite its small population, Finland maintains an active international mission network. Evangelical and Lutheran churches continue to work together in mission efforts. However, a structural shift is needed—from missions being led centrally by the Lutheran denomination to local churches having their own vision and taking responsibility for sending missionaries. At the same time, missionary organizations are working hard to raise awareness among younger generations about the importance of missions as the number of missionary applicants from the younger generation declines. Let us pray that Finnish churches will strengthen their unity in missions, be equipped with the power of the gospel of the cross, and grow firm in faith so they can generously and effectively engage in global mission work.
3. A large number of Finnish youth participate in retreats held by churches and Christian organizations, and many are growing in faith through these gatherings. In 15 of the 20 university-centered cities, ministries like the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) and Campus Crusade for Christ (CCCI) are active. The younger generation in Finland is generally open and responsive to spiritual matters. Let us pray for continual nurturing and discipleship for these young people. Among Nordic countries, Finland has traditionally had a low immigrant population, and very few churches focused on outreach to immigrants. However, due to the increasing influx of refugees from the Middle East and Africa across Europe, the number of immigrants and refugees in Finland has been rising. Let us pray that Finnish churches will reflect God’s heart in welcoming others, reaching out to minority groups, immigrants, and refugees with the gospel, and serving them in love and humility.
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